Regional Customs Manager

Regional Customs Manager

Application Deadline: 6 January 2025

Department: Tournament and Venue Operations

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Toronto

Description
At FIFA26, our vision is to unite the world through the greatest sporting event of all time. The FIFA World Cup 26™ will mark the first time that the tournament will feature 48 teams and be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico and the USA. This new format will redefine excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement among fans and players across North America and all over the world. Now is your time to become a game changer and join the workforce that will plan and deliver this extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

THE POSITION
Reporting organizationally to the Senior Manager Customs & International Freight, the Regional Manager Customs will play a pivotal role in Logistics efforts for the FIFA World Cup 26™, which, for the first time ever, is hosting 48 teams and 1,200+ players across 3 countries and 16 venues. This role will be responsible for customs operations to ensure a seamless and efficient delivery of services throughout the tournament. Further, this role will oversee a team responsible for customs operations, under the guidance of the Senior Manager Customs & International Freight

The main responsibilities of the Regional Manager Customs for the FIFA World Cup 26™ include:

• Support on the Customs & International Freight Forwarding program for Canada including the establishment and implementation of policies and procedures to be adhered to by FIFA Functions and FIFA Client Groups: FIFA, FIFA Commercial Affiliates, Contractors, Confederations, Host Broadcasters, Media Affiliates, Participant Member Associations, Subsidiaries, Hosting Associations Suppliers and Vendors.
• Liaise with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Participating Government Departments and Agencies (PGAs) involved in the import/export of goods required to stage the tournament, to develop and implement Customs processes and communicate with FIFA Client Group operations.
• Support and collaborate with the CBSA and PGAs to implement clear and efficient risk-mitigating processes.
• Collaborate with the Government Engagement & Stakeholder Relations Team in Canada.
• Collaborate with the appointed Logistics Service Provider (LSP) to align and support on the agreed Customs & International Freight Forwarding processes.
• Participate in required working groups as presented by the Sr. Manager of Customs & Freight and/or the Government Engagement & Stakeholder Relations team.
• Contribute to the Customs & Freight Guides for publication to all FIFA Client Groups and streamline communication through various channels such as the Guide, Vendor and Supplier Workshops, Broadcast Briefings, Microsoft Teams demonstrations, individual training programs and the Logistics Portal (if applicable).
• Strategize and support the Logistics Senior Manager in developing Customs related Post Tournament and reconciliation reports.
• Develop an overview dashboard to analyze and assess specific customs related analytics (i.e., number of customs entries, type of entries, etc.)
• Contribute to the development of training modules for all stakeholders to ensure knowledge and understanding of integrated Customs policies and procedures.
• Supervise direct reports encompassing aspects such as health and well-being, effective motivation, project goal setting, training, coordination of work assignments and performance evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, license, permits, and customs requirements.
• Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices in Canadian Customs & International Freight Forwarding, integrating innovative approaches to enhance the overall customs logistics operations for the World Cup.
• May be required to work in the Logistics Coordination Center to provide robust support for Customs & International Freight processes during tournament time.
• Support in developing strategic plans to fulfil FWC2026 sustainability commitments and goals.
• Participate in outreach programs, as required, aimed to educate stakeholders on tournament time operations.
• Maintain daily/weekly logistics situational reporting.
• Other duties as assigned.

YOUR PROFILE
FIFA World Cup 2026 Skills Framework:

ACCOUNTABILITY: Demonstrate commitment to responsibilities and objectively analyze one's behaviour, while assuming consequences of one's own actions and/or decisions and learning from one's mistakes.

DECISION MAKING: Ability to identify and swiftly make decisions in critical situations, take initiative and calculated risks, explore alternative solutions, and respond promptly to unforeseen circumstances.

INCLUSIVITY: Achieve shared organizational objectives by sharing information with colleagues across all levels and divisions, tangibly influencing others, and maintaining a network of support contacts.

INITIATIVE: Capacity to break new ground, look for unconventional solutions, and produce fresh ideas.

INNOVATION: Capacity to break new ground, look for unconventional solutions, and produce fresh ideas.

LEADERSHIP: Ability to lead one's contacts/colleagues/partners, encourage teamwork, and delegate authority / decision-making power, as needed, to produce the expected results and make efficient use of the team's skills and talents.

VISION: Ability to perceive the organization's global environmental impact, anticipate decision consequences, grasp organizational missions, and formulate strategic plans.
Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in Events Logistics, Supply Chain, etc.
• Customs Brokerage License is a plus (not mandatory).
• Understanding of the Canadian customs & Government processes in Canada.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the Customs & Freight Forwarding industry in Canada. Mexico/USA logistics experience an asset.
• Knowledge and understanding of USMCA (United States of America, Mexico, and Canada Agreement), importation of restricted goods i.e., food/beverage, medical, vehicles, etc.
• Knowledge of Customs & Freight within Major Event logistics planning and delivery phases, and policies and procedures.
• Collaborative mindset, adaptable and willing to work to tight and changing timelines.
• Proficient in analytical thinking and data skills.
• Demonstrates positive attitude, patience, persistence, and determination.

Languages:

• Fluent in English. French proficiency is a plus.

Technology:

• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools.