First Team Tactical Analyst

First Team Tactical Analyst

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Analyse match footage and data to provide tactical insights for the First Team.
  • Company: Join Derby County Football Club, a leader in sports performance analysis.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, discounts, and training opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible hours with exciting career growth in a dynamic sports environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on team strategy and player performance.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Performance Analysis or related field; experience in football analysis required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Derby County Football Club is recruiting a First Team Tactical Analyst to join the Performance Analysis department at Moor Farm Training Centre. The successful candidate will deliver tactical insight to enhance analysis processes and support decision‑making across the First Team environment.

Key Role Responsibilities

  • Take ownership of post‑match analysis, producing detailed evaluations using video, data and KPIs to identify tactical trends and inform future strategy.
  • Deliver tactical insights through video, telestration and presentations to support coaching staff.
  • Contribute to opposition analysis and pre‑match preparation, including report creation aligned to the club’s game model.
  • Monitor tactical trends and maintain relevant datasets to support analysis outputs.
  • Assist in producing training‑ground analysis content and support coaching meetings.
  • Support matchday operations, including live coding, real‑time feedback and technical set‑up.
  • Contribute to the development of analysis workflows, systems and innovative practices.

General Responsibilities

  • Ensure the health, safety and welfare of customers and colleagues, complying with health and safety guidance and policy.
  • Work to maintain, embed and improve safeguarding provisions for children and adults at risk.
  • Uphold and promote organisational policies and procedures, including equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Represent the club with an appropriate public image.
  • Undertake any other duties reasonably required for the post.

Personal Characteristics and Experience

  • Minimum 2 years full‑time experience in a performance analysis role within a professional football environment, ideally within the Championship, Premier League or equivalent first‑tier setting.
  • Experience contributing to live matchday analysis workflows.
  • Strong proficiency in Hudl Sportscode, Wyscout and MatchTracker.
  • Strong proficiency with Tactic Pro (and/or Hudl Studio).
  • Strong proficiency in MacOS and presentation software (Keynote, PowerPoint).
  • Experience interpreting football data.
  • Strong tactical understanding of the game and its principles.
  • Ability to integrate video, data and tactical insights into clear outputs.
  • Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
  • Strong teamwork and adaptability to high‑performance environments.
  • Flexible to first‑team schedules, including evenings and weekends.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure with quick turnaround times.

Qualifications

  • Essential: Degree in Performance Analysis, Sports Science or related discipline.
  • Desirable: MSc in Performance Analysis, Sports Science or a related discipline. UEFA C Licence or higher. Certified training or professional development in football performance analysis, data analytics, video analysis, or related specialist areas (e.g., APFA, PFSA or national/international association courses).

Benefits

  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
  • Two complimentary staff season tickets.
  • Two complimentary staff away memberships (subject to availability).
  • 20% discount at DCFC Megastore.
  • Company Pension with Aviva.
  • Discounts with select club partners and sponsors.
  • Healthshield Cash Health Plan.
  • Participation in employee forum “The Herd” and staff events.
  • Training and development opportunities.
  • Access to programmes and volunteering opportunities with Derby County Community Trust.
  • Subsidised lunchtime meals at Moor Farm.

Employment Conditions

  • Salary is competitive and dependent on experience.
  • This is a full‑time role and requires weekend and evening work, as well as regular national travel.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Derby County Football Club is an inclusive club for all and is committed to equality and diversity.

First Team Tactical Analyst employer: The Association of Professional Football Analysis

Derby County Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Moor Farm Training Centre where innovation and teamwork thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including generous annual leave, health plans, and opportunities for professional growth, the club fosters a culture of inclusivity and support. Join us to contribute to a passionate team dedicated to excellence in performance analysis within the exciting world of professional football.

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Contact Details:

The Association of Professional Football Analysis Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land First Team Tactical Analyst

Get Involved in Local Sports Communities

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We think you need these skills to ace First Team Tactical Analyst

Post-Match Analysis
Video Analysis
Data Interpretation
KPI Evaluation
Tactical Insight Delivery
Opposition Analysis
Matchday Operations

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!

Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!

Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining The Association of Professional Football Analysis aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Association of Professional Football Analysis

Highlight Your Passion for Sports

When chatting with The Association of Professional Football Analysis, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.

Showcase Your Management Skills

This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.

Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.

Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration

In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.