Data Scientist in Southampton

As a key member of the data science team at Southampton FC (SFC), based at Staplewood Training Ground, you will be involved in a diverse range of analysis tasks and research projects to provide data insights. This includes working on player recruitment, team and opposition performance analysis, sports science physical testing, injury prevention, player pathways and academy player development. Our investments in other sports technology companies will allow you to work with other cutting-edge data products. You will also provide data support to the other clubs in the Sport Republic group (Goztepe and Valenciennes). This is a unique opportunity to work closely with sporting directors, coaches and other football staff across multiple different clubs and see your work have a direct influence on decision making on and off the pitch.

You will be responsible for maintaining and developing automated pipelines to process data and create metrics efficiently as well as building advanced predictive models to measure and classify player and team performance. In addition to this, you will be liaising with data engineers on the cleansing and ingestion of various data sources into our databases and you will be required to possess the ability to present and explain your findings to diverse audiences across all of our clubs. You will also be collaborating with football club staff to understand technical and tactical concepts and translate them into metrics. Additionally, you will be conducting your own research to answer a variety of football questions, creating visual apps, dashboards and documents to share your insights with stakeholders and by following your own curiosity by carrying out your own research projects in a way that benefits our clubs. You will stay at the forefront of technological advancement and data companies/providers and have a strong understanding of how to utilise AI, ensuring SFC are using the appropriate AI tools/systems across all delivery and taking responsibility for all AI projects.

To be successful in this role you will have an undergraduate degree (or a postgraduate degree is desirable) in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science or other STEM field with experience in building a variety of statistical models and/or ML algorithms as well as a strong understanding of statistical computer programming languages (R or Python). You will need to have the ability to use data visualisation software (Power BI or Tableau) and professional experience managing data pipelines (experience with football data desirable), be an excellent communicator (ability to speak multiple languages is an advantage) who can present effectively to audiences with varying levels of data literacy. Previous experience within a professional football club is desirable however with a passion for football and a strong understanding of football tactics applications from other areas will be considered. You must have UK Right to Work and be able to work at our Staplewood Campus daily.

Access to 2 free match tickets for every home league game. Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health). Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise. 25 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year. Contributory Pension Scheme. Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family. Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career. Free onsite parking. Cycle to Work Scheme. Collaborative & inclusive working culture.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect everyone to share this commitment. You will be required to adhere to all relevant policies and uphold the Club’s commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and to ensure that Southampton Football Club is free from discrimination and harassment. The post holder will demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, supporting the organisation’s strategic aims to remove barriers and address inequality. You will play an active role in promoting an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that ensures fair access to opportunities and resources. This includes fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging where everyone is empowered to contribute, perform, and reach their full potential.

Southampton Football Club promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We have the Disability Confident Award, which we pride ourselves on with regard to the commitment to employing disabled people and judging people on their abilities alone. We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you are selected for an interview. We make a commitment to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities. Southampton Football Club is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK. Southampton Football Club recognises that the safety and protection of those children and young people in day to day contact with the Club is paramount. We are committed to creating a safe culture for all. As such, you may be subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service and prior to taking up any role. Southampton Football Club is committed to protecting the privacy and security of every applicant’s personal information.