First Team Performance Analyst (Opposition Analysis)

Stoke City Football Club of the English Football League are seeking a dedicated and highly skilled First Team Performance Analyst, specialising in opposition analysis. Based at our Clayton Wood Training Ground, you will join our First Team Performance Analysis department in a role integral to First Team fixture preparation, by turning opponent video and data into clear and actionable intelligence for the coaching staff.

The successful candidate will specialise in analysing the opposition’s process, creating an understanding of their strengths and vulnerabilities. Working closely with our coaches and the set piece analyst, you will lead analyst meetings ahead of every fixture. If you have a sharp tactical eye, can present with clarity and confidence and thrive on tight turnarounds between fixtures, we would love to hear from you.

This is a full time, permanent position. The role requires a flexible approach to working hours to align with the football calendar. Regular evening and weekend work is a requirement of the role, as well as travelling to opponents' fixtures.

Main Responsibilities

• Leading the department's opposition analysis process for all league and cup fixtures, working directly with the coaching department.
• Analysing opponent's tactical identity across all phases of play, including build up, pressing triggers, defensive organisation, transitions and in game changes.
• Leading analyst coach meetings with coach ready opposition reports and video presentations to provide actionable intelligence.
• Identifying key opposition individuals and likely matchups, supporting with the production of individual opposition clips for players and coaches.
• Working with the set piece analyst to integrate opposition set piece routines, personnel and threats into the pre-match package.
• Building and maintaining an opposition database of formations, coaching tendencies and tactical trends, using video evidenced by event and tracking data.
• Travelling to and live scouting upcoming opponents' fixtures where applicable.
• Utilising the Club's analysis platforms (Hudl Sportscode, Hudl Studio, Wyscout, Opta, etc.) to agreed standards.
• Maintaining analysis equipment and ensuring footage and data are stored securely in line with Club policy.

Key Skills and Experience

• Undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) in Sports Coaching, Performance Analysis or a closely related sports discipline.
• Master's degree in Performance Analysis, Sports Coaching or a related discipline is desirable.
• UEFA B Licence or above (or working towards) is desirable.
• Experience in a performance analysis role within a professional football environment (first team or academy).
• Experience producing and presenting opposition analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Hudl Sportscode and Hudl Studio, and confidence with Wyscout and Opta.
• Strong tactical understanding of the game, including game models, build up structures, pressing systems, transitions and in-game tactical changes.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to build trust with coaches and players.
• Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to work accurately under time pressure.
• Experience of live scouting opposition fixtures is desirable.
• Full UK driving licence is desirable.

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Background checks and DBS checks at the appropriate level will be obtained prior to employment commencing.