Technical Lead Data Scientist

Pioneering cutting-edge research initiatives at TFG, leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning to push the boundaries of innovation, guide strategic decision-making, and shape the future of data science within our company and the sports domain.

About Twenty First Group

TFG is a global sports intelligence agency.  Our mission is to deliver groundbreaking sports intelligence, helping our clients get ahead and stay ahead.  We combine data science, engineering, and design to help some of the biggest names in sport, including the Premier League, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Ladies Professional Golf Association, Tottenham Hotspur, AON, VISA, Arctos, The FA, Sky Sports, FIFPro, Ladies European Tour, and Sky Bet & Gaming.  Together with our clients, we are shaping the future of sport.

We have a new 5 Year Growth Plan which sets out an ambitious path to becoming a truly global business, shaping the biggest opportunities in sport and delivering an exponential growth in revenues and profits.  TFG’s new Data Analyst will play a crucial and fundamental role in helping the business deliver this exciting growth plan.

Scope and Impact

As our company continues to mature and grow, we are looking for an accomplished Lead Research and Development (R&D) Scientist to lead our R&D efforts within our Data Science team. As the primary driver of innovation, you will be responsible for shaping the company's R&D strategy, directing advanced research projects, ensuring a robust data infrastructure, and leading the development of cutting-edge technology to keep our capabilities at the forefront of sports analytics.

We are constantly looking for the outliers in the market to join our team. The talent who has something beyond the core skills, who like to think differently and challenge the status quo.  Those who share our passion for sport, and our desire to constantly move the needle.  Most importantly people who share our values and desire to make a lasting, positive impact in sport.

Roles & Responsibilities

As the Technical Lead Data Scientist you will play a leading role in pushing TFG’s infrastructure and analytical capabilities through ‘TFG Labs’ - our newly launched centre for innovation. You will be responsible for leading cutting edge R&D to ensure TFG remains at the forefront of Sports Analytics.

1. Strategic Leadership in Research and Development:

• Shape the strategic vision and roadmap for R&D and infrastructure  initiatives, aligning with the company's mission and goals.
• Spearhead advanced research projects to enhance our analytical capabilities and contribute to the evolution of sports analytics.

2. Team Management and Academic Mentorship:

• Provide leadership in mentoring a team of data scientists, data science engineers & data analysts fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Provide academic guidance and mentorship to team members, encouraging the pursuit of excellence in research.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, tools, and methodologies in data science and sports analytics

3. Innovative Research and Advanced Analytics:

• Lead the development and implementation of cutting-edge predictive models, machine learning and deep learning  algorithms, and statistical techniques (e.g. Markov chain & Bayesian Inference)  to push the boundaries of sports-related data analysis.

4. Technology and Infrastructure Leadership:

• Provide leadership in designing and implementing robust R&D infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and efficiency in handling large volumes of sports data.
• Lead the development of the company's infrastructure, ensuring it remains cutting-edge and aligns with the evolving needs of our analytics and research projects.

5. Collaboration with Stakeholders:

• Communicate complex research findings in a clear and impactful manner to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their evolving needs and incorporate R&D insights into custom solutions via technical builds

6. Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with other departments such as technology & consulting to integrate R&D insights into overall business strategies and offerings.

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.

Experience:

• 7+ years of proven experience in a research and development role.
• Experience leading and managing research projects.
• Expertise in advanced machine learning, statistical modelling, data mining, and visualisation techniques, with proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, etc.
• Experience in developing and maintaining data infrastructure including experience deploying machine learning models into production using technologies such as Docker, Jenkins, Kubernetes etc.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively.

Sports knowledge:

• A strong enthusiasm for learning about a variety of different sports.
• Ideas on where new technologies could make an impact in the sports landscape.

UK citizenship or the ability to work in the UK:

• This is a permanent full-time role, predominantly based in London.

Please also let us know if you have any notable Certifications and Qualifications which could be relevant and might set you apart from other candidates.

The Way We Work

How we're enabling ownership, belonging and structured flexibility:

• A culture of positivity, curiosity, unity and integrity, which we live and breathe every day
• A team of 60 people who genuinely enjoy spending time together, with regular in-person and remote events to foster connection
• Hybrid-first approach; we optimise for office and remote working to be valued equally, and to be equally valuable
• We have performance review cycles 3x a year using our transparent career progression framework, and dedicated personal development time
• We have a Pay Philosophy to ensure a transparent and comprehensive pay review process

• Salary commensurate with our internal / external benchmarking framework
• Eligibility for a bonus scheme
• Flexible working
• Private health insurance
• Income protection insurance
• Occupational life cover
• Pension
• Personal days (e.g. birthdays)
• Cycle to work scheme

Equal Opportunities Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe in the power of a diverse, inclusive team.

We welcome all applications from all suitably qualified people, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion / belief, sexual orientation or age.

Please let us know if you require anything which would enable your success throughout our interview process.