Head of Football Performance Insights – Academy | MCFC

Head of Football Performance Insights – Academy | MCFC

28 June 2026 | Analysis, Coaching / Insights

Manchester City are seeking a Head of Football Performance Insights to lead a newly created Football Insights & Innovation function within the Academy.

This senior leadership role will shape how football data, research, innovation, and technology are translated into practical insight, supporting coaches and practitioners in making evidence‑based decisions that enhance player development and long‑term performance across the Academy.

Football Insights & Innovation

• Develop and implement the Academy Football Insights & Innovation strategy
• Lead the design and delivery of a dedicated football insights service across the Academy
• Translate football, performance, and player profiling data into practical, actionable insights
• Embed structured problem‑solving, research, and innovation into day‑to‑day Academy practice
• Evaluate emerging technologies and performance solutions to improve player development

Data Science & Performance Support

• Lead an applied football data science service supporting coaches and practitioners
• Develop player profiling frameworks across technical, tactical, and physical domains
• Support evidence‑based decision making throughout the player development pathway
• Work closely with Performance Analysis, Football Intelligence, and Performance Services teams to maximise the value of data and research
• Build, manage, and develop the Football Insights & Innovation team
• Lead cross‑functional performance projects across the Academy
• Contribute as a senior member of the Academy Performance Management Team
• Collaborate with colleagues across Manchester City and the wider City Football Group
• Foster a progressive, collaborative, and high‑performance culture where data supports better football decisions
• Proven experience leading a department or service that delivers measurable performance impact within elite football or high‑performance sport
• Experience embedding data, football insight, and innovation into multidisciplinary environments
• Advanced understanding of football performance analytics across technical, tactical, and physical performance domains
• Ability to translate complex football and player performance data into clear, actionable insights
• Experience designing services, managing people, and leading cross‑functional projects
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and coaches

Manchester City and City Football Group are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment where everyone can thrive. Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates regardless of background, identity, or personal circumstances. The club is committed to providing an accessible recruitment process for all applicants.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of football's most innovative Academy insight functions, shaping the future of data‑informed player development within one of the world's leading football organisations.