Sitting within the Operations Department, Venue Management along with Dressing and Signage, Fan Operations, Team Services and Competition Management aims to deliver the most engaging, innovative, and accessible World Cup experience for all players, fans, partners, and the community.
Reporting organizationally to the Executive Director Operations and operationally to the Lead Venue Management/Headquarters Venue Operations Director during event time, the Venue Operations Director will help serve Venue Management efforts for the FIFA World Cup 2026 that for the first time ever, is hosting 48 teams and 1,200+ players across 3 countries and 16 venues. Also Venue Operations Director will be a vital part of Mundial de Clubes FIFA 25, the new tournament will be played for the first time in 2025, when 32 of the globe's leading teams gather in the USA for the inaugural edition.
This role will be based in one the 9 Host Cities mentioned below:
Los Angeles
Seattle
San Francisco
Houston
Kansas City
Atlanta
Boston
Philadelphia
New York/ New Jersey
THE POSITION
This role will be responsible for the successful implementation of Venue Management project on site, overseeing operational planning of World Cup stadium and a multiple number of Training Sites (Venue Specific and Team Base Camp Training Sites). Further, this role may initially oversee 3 or more Host Cities as Regional Venue Operations Director and in 2026 he/she will become Venue Operations Director of a Host City and, in particular, a unique stadium.
Responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the Venue Operations Director for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and Mundial de Clubes FIFA 25 include:
Establish constructive communication channels between FIFA, local authorities, and stakeholders.
To integrate all relevant operational and overlay plans into effective venue plans.
To assess and validate FWC26 event requirements to the reality of the venues.
Supervise all FIFA Official Sites within the venue and facilitate discussions with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
Coordination of policies, requirements, and planning with FIFA26, FIFA, Host Country and site authorities.
Integrate all relevant functional areas operational plans for FWC26 and MCF25.
Contribution to workshops, seminars, and meetings.
Contribution to project management and knowledge management initiatives including event debriefs, and knowledge capture and documentation activities.
Co-ordination, planning and delivery of official and non-official test events.
Supervise and support stadium remodulation and construction projects, assuring FIFA requirements are met.
Co-ordinate with all stakeholders (i.e., Host Country public authorities, public transport, police, emergency services and site authorities) to ensure the smooth running of each FIFA Official Site.
Plan, manage and implement a good quality and cost-efficient on-site support for all relevant internal departments as well as other stakeholders (i.e. sponsors, service providers, etc.). Organize and lead Stadium Inspection Tours.
Full support to functional areas on site visits and activities.
Oversee 3 or more stadiums during the planning phase, acting as Regional Venue Operations Director.
Management of a stadium during event time.
YOUR PROFILE
Education & Qualifications
University degree in appropriate subject (or adequate training/vocational education).
Team Player, willing to work to tight timelines.
Solution oriented
Problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
Positive attitude, patience and persistence.
Ability to prioritize and handle large workload efficiently at peak times.
Ability to work under pressure and stress.
Sound judgement and prioritization of tasks.
International, cross-cultural work experiences preferred. Experience or knowledge of local culture will be an added benefit.
Work Experience
FIFA World Cup experience or other major international sporting event on relevant position.
Minimum 8 years of management experience in stadium operations for professional sports clubs and/or venue management in the organization of major sporting events.
Proven track record in managing complex projects, preferably international sports events.
Knowledge of event planning and event project management processes.
Experience in the development and integration of operational plans.
About FWC2026
The FIFA World Cup 26™ will mark the first time that the tournament features 48 teams and will be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
This new format redefines excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement from fans and players in North America and all over the world. Now is your time to be a game changer and join the workforce that is planning and delivering this unique and unforgettable experience.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Spectator Sports
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