Lead Academy Performance Analyst U21S at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Job Description
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC are recruiting a Lead Academy Performance Analyst (U21s) to lead the Academy Performance Analysis department while delivering elite-level analytical support to the U21 programme.
This senior position combines departmental leadership, individual player development and applied Performance Analysis, ensuring a consistent, player-centred approach across the Academy and supporting the transition of players into First Team football.
The successful candidate will oversee the Academy's Performance Analysis provision, providing day-to-day leadership, establishing departmental standards and ensuring consistency across the U14–U16, U18 and U21 programmes.
Alongside these leadership responsibilities, the post holder will lead the delivery of Performance Analysis for the U21 squad, providing tactical analysis, match preparation support and individual player feedback.
A central focus will be ensuring that Performance Analysis contributes directly to the club's Academy Playing Philosophy, Individual Development Framework and First Team transition pathway.
- Lead all Performance Analysis provision for the U21 squad.
- Deliver individual player analysis to support progression towards senior football.
- Produce tactical and performance analysis to support coaching delivery and match preparation.
- Conduct individual player review meetings using objective video feedback.
- Work collaboratively with First Team staff to support player transitions.
- Contribute to individual development through evidence-based analysis.
- Provide day-to-day leadership and line management of Academy Performance Analysts.
- Ensure consistent analysis provision across the U14–U16, U18 and U21 programmes.
- Develop and maintain departmental standards, coding frameworks and player feedback processes.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, mentoring and staff performance reviews.
- Lead departmental CPD, innovation and knowledge development.
- Coordinate analyst deployment across training sessions and fixtures.
- Support the recruitment, induction and development of analysts and placement students.
- Quality assure the consistency and effectiveness of Performance Analysis delivery across the Academy.
- Ensure analysis provision supports the Academy Playing Philosophy and Individual Development Framework.
- Promote consistent player learning experiences across Academy age groups.
- Develop centralised player video libraries and departmental resources.
- Collaborate with coaching, sports science, medical, psychology, player care and recruitment departments.
- Drive continual improvement through innovation and professional best practice.
- Maintain safeguarding standards and work collaboratively with the club's safeguarding team.
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Experience working within an elite Academy or professional football environment.
- Demonstrable leadership and line management experience.
- Extensive experience using Hudl Sportscode and elite Performance Analysis software.
- Ability to efficiently capture, code, analyse and present football video.
- Ability to produce high-quality video presentations and communicate analytical information clearly.
- Strong IT skills and competence using matchday analysis technology.
- Ability to manage multiple workflows and deliver accurate work within tight deadlines.
- Excellent organisational, communication and presentation skills.
- Outstanding attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Understanding of safeguarding and equality requirements within professional football.
- UEFA B Licence
- Degree in Performance Analysis, Sports Coaching or a related discipline
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Relevant safeguarding training, held or obtained at the earliest opportunity
- Appropriate DBS clearance through the Wolves Safer Recruitment Group
- UEFA A Licence
- Strong understanding of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and Academy player development processes.
- Previous experience leading a Performance Analysis department.
- Experience supporting players transitioning from Academy to senior football.
The Lead Academy Performance Analyst will work closely with:
- Head of Academy Football
- U21 Coaching Staff
- U21 Multidisciplinary Staff
- First Team Performance Analysis Department
- Recruitment and Scouting Staff
This is a significant opportunity for an experienced Performance Analyst to combine hands-on U21 analysis with strategic leadership of an Academy department.
The position extends beyond traditional match and training analysis, incorporating responsibility for:
Departmental Standards → Analyst Development → Consistent Player Feedback → Individual Development → First Team Transition
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