Overview
As a Data Scientist at The FA, you'll be central to our data transformation, working across areas such as grassroots initiatives, coaching pathways, fan engagement, and operations. From day one, you'll lead the development and deployment of data science solutions. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to build scalable systems, maintain robust data pipelines, and integrate machine learning models into real-world applications that make a measurable impact.
Responsibilities
* Apply machine learning and predictive modelling to optimise player development, grassroots participation, and tournament planning
* Perform clustering and statistical analysis on historical performance data to identify tactical and developmental insights
* Develop computer vision models (e.g. YOLO, TensorFlow, PyTorch) for match analysis, crowd monitoring, and event operations
* Design and maintain robust data pipelines for structured and unstructured data using Microsoft Fabric and Azure Synapse
* Build and deploy scalable machine learning models to solve real-world challenges
* Create dashboards and data visualisations using Power BI, matplotlib, and Plotly
* Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
* Collaborate with product managers, data engineers, and solution architects to align analytics with business goals
* Support MLOps and FinOps practices for live services and resource planning
* Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being
* AS PART of the FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check (level determined by activity and in line with legislation and government guidance)
Qualifications
* Python and R
* Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse, SQL
* Power BI, matplotlib, Plotly
* Azure (RBAC, AAD, Blob Storage); experience with AWS or GCP is also valued
* Strong foundation in statistics, modelling, and data wrangling
* Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch
Soft Skills
* Ability to translate business problems into analytical solutions
* Confident communicator capable of presenting insights to non-technical stakeholders
* Effective team player who works well in cross-functional environments
* Analytical thinker with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset
What’s in it for you?
We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles. We offer unique office spaces under the arch of the Wembley National Stadium and access to a world-class Elite Performance Centre at St. George’s Park in Staffordshire. We pride ourselves on a competitive salary and opportunities to develop in your role, plus a range of benefits:
* Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium and regular internal events throughout the season
* Free nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park
* Free private medical cover
* A contributory pension scheme
* An additional 'Thank You' days leave, volunteering days, and 25 days annual leave (based on a full-time, permanent contract)
* A hybrid working model offering greater flexibility
For more information on what it is like to work at The FA, please visit our FA Careers page: https://www.thefa.com/about-football-association/careers
Location and working model
Currently, we are working within a hybrid model whereby the expectation is to work from your contractual location for part of the week, and as required by the team. The remaining days can be worked remotely. The contractual location of this role can be found on the FA Careers page. The FA is an equal opportunities employer and actively promotes inclusion and diversity. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.
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