Venue Operations Manager FIFA World Cup 26™ - GDL

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.

FIFA World Cup 26 Skills Framework

ACCOUNTABILITY: Demonstrate commitment to responsibilities and objectively analyze one’s behavior, 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 do things on one’s own initiative and to influence the course of events, assume responsibilities, and achieve objectives with a minimum of supervision and control.

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.

Reporting organisationally to the Venue Operations Director, the Venue Operations Manager will be a key member of the FIFA26 Venue Management team, and work in close collaboration with all functional areas, the stadium team and and other key stakeholders responsible for delivering high quality venue management and stadium operations.  

The main responsibilities and oversights of the Venue Operations Manager for the FIFA World Cup 26™ include:  
1. Operational & Leadership Support

• Assist the Venue Operations Director in the preparation and execution of venue operational plans.
• Act as the primary point of contact for immediate on-the-ground operational issues.
• Step up as Acting Venue Operations Director in the VOD’s absence, ensuring continuity of decision-making and leadership.
• Share responsibilities with the VOD by taking ownership of designated operational areas to balance workload and maximize efficiency.

2. Competition & Match-Day Delivery

• Oversee and coordinate stadium operations on match days, ensuring functional areas (Security, Access Management, Transport, Medical, Media, Hospitality, Broadcast, Catering, Fan Experience and others) are aligned.
• Manage the Stadium Operations Center (SOC) log on WeTrack, monitoring and recording incidents and operational updates in real time.
• Support pre-match readiness checks, stadium walk-throughs, and venue readiness reporting.
• Coordinate team arrivals, officials’ logistics, and V/VIP movements in compliance with competition requirements.
• Oversee spectator and client group flows from transport hubs and parking areas to seating, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
• Ensure readiness of the stadium areas (such as Dressing rooms, competition related BOH areas, offices, overlay commodities) 

3. Functional Area Coordination

• Follow up with functional areas on outstanding operational points, ensuring timely resolution.
• Act as a liaison between functional leads, supporting communication and problem-solving.
• Monitor ground operations during events and proactively identify risks, providing immediate solutions. 

4. Team & Workforce Management

• Organize and distribute daily run sheets, ensuring clear allocation of responsibilities and timelines.
• Supervise and support venue operations staff, volunteers, and contractors, ensuring accountability and effective performance.
• Deliver pre-event training, daily briefings, and debriefings for the venue operations team.
• Foster a collaborative and positive operational culture aligned with FIFA’s values and standards. 

5. Administrative & Communication Support

• Manage venue operations administrative tasks, ensuring all documentation is accurate and accessible.
• Prepare meeting agendas, take notes, track action items, and ensure follow-ups are completed.
• Maintain up-to-date venue contact lists (staff, vendors, stakeholders).
• Oversee meeting room bookings and provide logistical support for venue meetings.
• Manage the MS Teams channel for venue operations, ensuring key documents and communications are uploaded and well organized. 

6. Readiness & Reporting

• Support and participate in readiness exercises, simulations, and rehearsals.
• Compile and submit operational reports to the Venue Operations Director and Headquarters.
• Document lessons learned and ensure continuous improvement in operational processes.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in sports event management, business administration or equivalent.

Work Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in event management, preparation and planning, in a venue/stadium environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring smooth operations and timely completion of duties in a dynamic work setting.
• Demonstrable ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and under pressure.
• Team player with a strong customer-service focus, comfortable across all levels of communication, ability to remain flexible, and a desire to go the extra mile.
• Previous experience with radio communication including use of hand held radios in an event environment.
• Experience in planning of major sports events, FIFA World Cup or other FIFA events will be an asset. 

Languages 

• Fluent in English. Spanish and/or French proficiency is a plus

Technology

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