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# Head of Data and Research @ Southampton FC
- URL: https://betweenthelines.linear-b.co.uk/head-of-data-and-research-southampton-fc/
- Published: 2026-06-20T16:15:54.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-20T16:15:53.000Z
- Author: Dominic Jordan

Southampton FC are hiring a Head of Data and Research based at their Staplewood Campus -> [https://saintsfc.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/SFC001/details/Head-of-Data-and-Research\_RQ-038131](https://saintsfc.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/SFC001/details/Head-of-Data-and-Research%5FRQ-038131?ref=betweenthelines.linear-b.co.uk). This is described as a senior leadership role sitting within the Sport Republic group which also includes Göztepe and Valenciennes, though the primary focus will of course be on Southampton and specifically on first team recruitment and player acquisition.

The scope of responsibility is fairly standard for what I would describe as a Head of Data Science role. Leading all data and research activities supporting recruitment, building advanced models across coaching, player development, sports science and medical, developing game model reporting systems, leading AI strategy and supporting the development of the MCO databases and software systems. Broad but appropriate for a role at this level.

I had a really useful conversation with [Joe Ferrelly](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-ferrelly-9b15ab84/?ref=betweenthelines.linear-b.co.uk), the outgoing Head of Data and Research, who filled in some of the gaps in the spec. It is a people management role with three direct data science reports but they're open to candidates without prior management experience who are capable of showing the right skillset.

On the technical side Shiny R and Flask Python apps are the main application and visualisation tools. The infrastructure is moving to Databricks but the administration side of that and data engineering both sit within IT so you wouldn't need to be particularly hands on with either. What's nice is that the tools you build work across all clubs in the Sport Republic group which gives the work a broader reach than a typical single club role.

I'll be honest that data engineering sitting outside the data science function and within IT isn't my preferred setup and there are good reasons why I think those two things work better together. And the application landscape is a collection of smaller Shiny and Flask tools rather than one larger integrated interface. But Joe gave me a clear sense that they have solid software engineering practices, a well supported team and good integration into football decision-making. That matters a lot.

Worth a look if you have the right blend of technical and leadership skills. Closing date is the 1st of July.