Head of Football Performance Insights - Academy

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Manchester City’s City Football Group is seeking Head of Football Performance Insights to lead a new Academy function in Manchester. The role designs and delivers an Insights and Innovation strategy, embedding data, research and technology into day-to-day practice to support holistic player development and performance. You will build and manage the Football Insights team, drive cross-functional projects with coaching, analysis and performance services, and influence senior stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have led a performance‑focused department in elite football, a track record of turning data into coaching decisions, and a collaborative leadership style. Apply by 5 July 2026 via our careers site; tailor your CV with measurable impact and concise cross‑functional examples. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Based in Manchester, this full-time role offers the opportunity to lead a new Football Insights and Innovation function within the Manchester City Academy. You will shape how football data, research and technology are translated into practical insight, helping coaches and practitioners make informed decisions that support player development and long-term performance across the Academy.

Who We Are

Manchester City is a football club rooted in East Manchester, with a story that began in 1880 and continues to grow today. Built on resilience, belief and togetherness, success on the pitch is driven by the moments and memories shared with millions of Fans around the world. City is known for its bravery, its determination to the very end and its strong connection to where we come from. With Mancunian roots and a global outlook, we are shaped by our Fans and driven by a long-term vision, from developing future talent to supporting the communities we call home. Together, we are creating the next chapter, the City way.

Within our Academy Performance environment, we are continuing to invest in how insight, innovation and technology support player development. This new function will work closely with Academy coaching, Performance Analysis, Performance Services, Football Intelligence and wider City Football Group colleagues to turn high-quality information into meaningful performance outcomes.

The Role

As Head of Football Performance Insights, you will lead the design and delivery of a dedicated function that embeds football data, structured problem solving and targeted research into day-to-day Academy practice. The role will help answer key performance questions, strengthen team and player profiling, and ensure insight is applied in ways that support holistic, longitudinal player development.

You will develop and implement the Academy Football Insights and Innovation strategy, lead an applied data science service, and oversee a clear approach to research, innovation and performance technology evaluation. Working with colleagues who provide data engineering, central infrastructure and technical platform support, you will focus on translating insight into action within the Academy environment.

As a senior leader within the Academy Football Performance structure, you will build and develop the Football Insights and Innovation team, lead cross-functional performance projects, and contribute to the Academy Performance Management Team. Your work will help create a collaborative, progressive and high-performance culture where intelligent data use supports better decisions for players, teams and practitioners.

What You'll Bring

 Experience leading a department or service that delivers performance impact within elite football or high-performance sport.

 Experience embedding data, football insight and innovation into operational practice across multidisciplinary environments.

 Advanced understanding of football and performance analytics, including technical-tactical and physical performance support domains.

 Ability to translate football, performance and player profiling data into clear, actionable insight for coaches and practitioners.

 Experience designing services, managing people and leading cross-functional projects in complex or matrix environments.

 Collaborative communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and constructively influence senior stakeholders.

Why Choose Us

Working at Manchester City means being supported to do your best, with the flexibility and encouragement to look after your wellbeing. We are committed to helping our people learn, grow and thrive in a culture built on collaboration, openness and hard work.

As part of our team, you will receive 26 days' annual leave plus a day off for your birthday, private healthcare and dental cover, and an annual discretionary bonus. You will also have access to a Health Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP support, and a company pension and life assurance.

You can enjoy a range of additional benefits, including cycle to work, Give As You Earn, discounted match tickets, savings in the City Store, a free City+ subscription, stadium tour discounts, and wider retail and lifestyle offers.

How to Apply

If this role sounds like it is for you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your application via our careers site by 5 July 2026. We encourage you to apply as soon as you can.

Equal Opportunities

City Football Group is committed to achieving workforce diversity and we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, national origin, race, age, sex, gender identity, disability - physical or hidden, sexual orientation, veteran status, religious belief, or any other characteristics protected by law. We strive to provide a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We encourage all applicants to reach out if they require any support or accommodations to enable them to thrive throughout our recruitment process. Please contact [email protected].