First Team Opposition Analyst

Organisation: Sheffield United Football Club
Salary: DOE
Location: Sheffield United Training Academy, Shireclliffe, Sheffield
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 6 August 2026
Job Description: Contract Type: Permanent, full time
Hours: 40 hours per week
Location: Sheffield United Training Academy, Shirecliffe & Bramall Lane
Line Manager: First Team Head of Analysis
Salary: Dependent on experience
Post Reference: FT072026-FTOA

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced individual to provide First Team Opposition Analysis to the Sheffield United FC senior squad.

The role of First Team Opposition Analyst will be responsible for aiding in the delivery of high-quality analysis insights to the First Team staff and players. The successful candidate will work closely with other members of the department to ensure all Performance Analysis services are run efficiently.

Role Responsibilities:

- To lead on the analysis of opposition providing detailed feedback to the Head of Analysis and Coaching Staff.
- To tailor the delivery of feedback and make it specific the team, units & individuals.
- To interpret data, carry out statistical analysis & produce visual & interactive reports for greater insights of performance.
- Carry out databasing in line with the clubs playing philosophy for best practice.
- To contribute to & lead on longitudinal projects looking at tactical trends within & across different competitions.
- To contribute to & lead on any other ad-hoc tasks requested from within the Analysis Department or from Coaching Staff.
- To remain informed on the advances and progressions within Performance Analysis, sharing such developments with the wider team to ensure best practice across the analysis department.
- Travel to home, away and opposition games as required.
- Any other reasonable requests as directed by management.

Club wide Responsibilities:

- To adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
- To carry out/take part in training requests as directed by the Club.
- Adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
- Report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
- Report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
- Adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.
- Carry out and actively participate in all training requests as directed by the Club, including mandatory health and safety training, emergency procedures, fire safety, manual handling, safeguarding, and role-specific safety instruction.
- Any other reasonable requests as directed by management.

Essential Criteria for the Role:

- BSc Sports Science/Sport Performance Analysis (or relevant degree topic).
- Sufficient experience in performance analysis at an elite level of football.
- Demonstrate a good level of tactical understanding to be able to identify in detail all aspects of the clubs' & opposition's playing philosophies.
- Sufficient experience & competent in using coding & telestration software (SportsCode or Angles).
- The ability to engage in a professional manner towards the First Team Squad and Coaching Staff.
- A strong attention to detail within work, with good organisational & communication skills.
- Self-motivated & committed to professional development, to improve both oneself & the department.

Desirable Criteria for the Role:

- MSc Sports Science/Sport Performance Analysis (or relevant degree topic).
- Involvement in Opposition analysis within a first team analysis environment.
- Sufficient experience & competent in using online statistical platforms (Tableau, WyScout, Opta etc).
How to apply: Application Process Please download and save the application form before inputting information. If you require a paper copy please contact the HR department careers@sufc.co.uk or call 0114 253 7200. Completed application forms must be submitted via email to careers@sufc.co.uk stating the vacancy title in the subject or posted to HR, Sheffield United Football Club, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4SU. Closing Date: Thursday 6th August 2026 Please note that in the instance of high volumes of applications we may close this vacancy earlier than the closing date noted above.

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First Team Opposition Analyst