Job Overview
Employment Type
Temporary
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Fixed term contract
Onsite location
Training
team environment
Equal opportunity employer
Career Development
diversity and inclusion
Job Description
FIFA26 is the organizing body behind the FIFA World Cup 26™, the world's most prestigious and widely celebrated international football tournament. This upcoming edition is particularly historic as it marks the first time the tournament will feature 48 national teams and be jointly hosted across three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With such a pioneering format, FIFA26 is dedicated to redefining excellence in sports event management, creating unique opportunities for participation and engagement from fans, players, and stakeholders across North America and around the globe. The organization is committed to delivering an unforgettable, world-class sporting experience that embodies inclusion, fairness, and innovation in every aspect of the event.
The Venue Operations Manager role, based in San Francisco and offered on a fixed-term contract, is a critical function within the FIFA26 Venue Management team. Reporting directly to the Venue Operations Director, this position plays a vital part in the seamless delivery of venue management and stadium operations for the tournament. The manager will collaborate closely with various functional departments, stadium teams, and key stakeholders to ensure that all operational aspects meet the high standards expected of a global event of this calibre.
The responsibilities included in the role are expansive, encompassing daily operational leadership, match-day execution, and functional coordination. The Venue Operations Manager will act as the primary point of contact for any on-the-ground operational issues, stepping up as acting Venue Operations Director when necessary to maintain continuity in leadership and decision-making. The role involves overseeing all facets of stadium operations on match days, including security, access management, transport logistics, medical services, media and hospitality arrangements, broadcast operations, catering, and fan experience. A big part of the job is managing the Stadium Operations Center log in real-time, enabling rapid response to incidents or operational changes via the WeTrack platform.
Beyond match days, this role requires continuous oversight of functional area coordination, addressing outstanding operational issues, and facilitating efficient communication between different teams. The manager will monitor ground operations closely during events to identify and mitigate risks proactively. Workforce management is another key component, including organizing staff rosters, supervising volunteers and contractors, and delivering comprehensive pre-event training and briefings to ensure everyone is aligned with FIFA's values and operational standards.
Administrative responsibilities are also integral, involving maintaining accurate documentation, managing meeting logistics, and supporting communication channels primarily via MS Teams. The role supports readiness exercises, simulations, and operational reporting to drive continuous improvements. This is a dynamic, high-pressure position requiring someone with excellent project management skills, multi-tasking capability, and a strong customer service orientation.
FIFA26 values diversity and inclusion strongly, embracing candidates who can contribute to a positive and collaborative operational culture. The ideal candidate will be fluent in English, with proficiency in Spanish or French considered a plus. They should be proficient with MS Office tools and planning software, familiar with radio communication devices, and have prior experience in large-scale sports event management or similar stadium operations. If you are ready to be a pivotal part of one of the most significant events in sports history, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact at the FIFA World Cup 26™.
The Venue Operations Manager role, based in San Francisco and offered on a fixed-term contract, is a critical function within the FIFA26 Venue Management team. Reporting directly to the Venue Operations Director, this position plays a vital part in the seamless delivery of venue management and stadium operations for the tournament. The manager will collaborate closely with various functional departments, stadium teams, and key stakeholders to ensure that all operational aspects meet the high standards expected of a global event of this calibre.
The responsibilities included in the role are expansive, encompassing daily operational leadership, match-day execution, and functional coordination. The Venue Operations Manager will act as the primary point of contact for any on-the-ground operational issues, stepping up as acting Venue Operations Director when necessary to maintain continuity in leadership and decision-making. The role involves overseeing all facets of stadium operations on match days, including security, access management, transport logistics, medical services, media and hospitality arrangements, broadcast operations, catering, and fan experience. A big part of the job is managing the Stadium Operations Center log in real-time, enabling rapid response to incidents or operational changes via the WeTrack platform.
Beyond match days, this role requires continuous oversight of functional area coordination, addressing outstanding operational issues, and facilitating efficient communication between different teams. The manager will monitor ground operations closely during events to identify and mitigate risks proactively. Workforce management is another key component, including organizing staff rosters, supervising volunteers and contractors, and delivering comprehensive pre-event training and briefings to ensure everyone is aligned with FIFA's values and operational standards.
Administrative responsibilities are also integral, involving maintaining accurate documentation, managing meeting logistics, and supporting communication channels primarily via MS Teams. The role supports readiness exercises, simulations, and operational reporting to drive continuous improvements. This is a dynamic, high-pressure position requiring someone with excellent project management skills, multi-tasking capability, and a strong customer service orientation.
FIFA26 values diversity and inclusion strongly, embracing candidates who can contribute to a positive and collaborative operational culture. The ideal candidate will be fluent in English, with proficiency in Spanish or French considered a plus. They should be proficient with MS Office tools and planning software, familiar with radio communication devices, and have prior experience in large-scale sports event management or similar stadium operations. If you are ready to be a pivotal part of one of the most significant events in sports history, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact at the FIFA World Cup 26™.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in sports event management, business administration or equivalent
- 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
- demonstrable ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and under pressure
- team player with a strong customer-service focus
- 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
- fluent in English
- proficiency in Spanish and/or French is a plus
- proficient in MS Office including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio and Project and planning software and online collaboration tools
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in sports event management, business administration or equivalent
- 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
- demonstrable ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and under pressure
- team player with a strong customer-service focus
- 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
- fluent in English, Spanish and/or French proficiency is a plus
- proficient in MS Office including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio and Project and planning software and online collaboration tools
Job Duties
- 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
- oversee and coordinate stadium operations on match days, ensuring functional areas are aligned
- manage the Stadium Operations Center 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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