Job Description
Be at the forefront of history as we prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – the first edition hosted across three nations. The FIFA World Cup 2026 Organizing Committee seeks a visionary Operations Manager to orchestrate seamless logistics for North America's most anticipated sporting event. This pivotal role demands strategic planning excellence and cross-cultural collaboration to deliver unforgettable experiences for fans, teams, and stakeholders.
Join our elite team shaping the legacy of football's pinnacle tournament. You'll drive operational excellence across venue management, transportation, and stakeholder coordination while pioneering sustainable practices. This is your chance to leave an indelible mark on global sports history in New York City – the epicenter of international attention during the World Cup.
Responsibilities
- Oversee end-to-end venue operations for NYC-based World Cup matches, including security protocols, crowd control, and emergency response planning
- Coordinate with FIFA, local authorities, and venue partners to implement standardized operational procedures across 16 host cities
- Lead logistics for team accommodations, training facilities, and VIP experiences in the New York metropolitan area
- Develop and manage multi-million dollar operational budgets while optimizing resource allocation and cost efficiency
- Design innovative fan engagement strategies leveraging NYC's cultural diversity to enhance tournament atmosphere
- Ensure compliance with FIFA's sustainability standards and legacy development initiatives for NYC's host venues
- Manage cross-functional teams of 200+ staff and volunteers during event execution phases
Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years in large-scale event operations management with 5+ years in international sporting events
- Proven expertise in FIFA/UEFA tournament protocols or equivalent mega-event frameworks
- Advanced proficiency in logistics software (e.g., SAP Event Management, Cvent) and data-driven decision making
- Exceptional crisis management skills demonstrated through high-pressure scenarios
- Deep knowledge of NYC's infrastructure, transportation systems, and regulatory landscape
- Fluency in English with bilingual proficiency (Spanish/French) strongly preferred
- Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) designation or equivalent operational certification
- Experience managing budgets exceeding $10M with rigorous financial accountability