Manager, Airport, FIFA World Cup 2026

Department: Tournament and Venue Operations

Location: All Locations

Description

Reporting organisationally to the Senior Manager, Arrivals & Departures the Manager, Airport will be a key member of the FIFA26 Arrivals & Departures team, and work in close collaboration with the Event Transport team and other key individuals responsible for delivering services for a Host City's (HC) Airport services and operations for the FIFA Club World Cup (FWCW25).

The successful candidate is expected to be a self-starter, a multitasker who works well under pressure, can lead and manage a team, and can deliver within strict timelines.

THE POSITION

The main responsibilities and oversights of the Manager, Airport for the FIFA World Cup 26™ include:

• Plan, implement, and manage the HC airport operations for Constituent Groups' arrivals and departures during the FCWC25 operational period.


• Apply the Airport Site Operating Plan, together with the HC Airport, its Stakeholders, and FCWC25 Functional Areas.


• Manage the established relationships within the HC Airport and its Stakeholders, including authorities, government agencies, police, security agencies, airport concessionaires, etc.


• Collaborate with the FIFA charter flight company to provide services for its Teams' travel operations; integrate into the Site Operating Plan.


• Coordinate with meet and greet companies regarding VIP arrivals and departures services.


• Work with all transport suppliers, including bus, fleet, public transport, and other key functional areas, to deliver arrivals and departures services.


• Lead the delivery of all constituent-related information, communications, and presentations at FCWC25-related management and working group meetings, including transport guides/information and other related documents.


• Build, train, and manage its airport team of contractor staff and volunteers.


• Prepare risk management analyses and develop mitigation strategies for arrivals & departures flows per Constituent Group.


• Manage the HC's Arrivals & Departures activities and resources within approved FCWC25 budgets.


• Monitor issue resolutions/escalations to the HC Airport Event Coordination Center and FCWC25 Transport Operations Center during the FCWC25 operational period and resolve accordingly.


• Deliver the final operational plan and ensure successful and smooth operations for all FCWC25 Constituent Groups.


• Support the Transport and Arrivals & Departures team with other projects as required.


• Support delivery of Airport services for all test events before the FCWC25.


• Any other duties that may be required.

YOUR PROFILE

Bachelor's degree in project management, Event Management, Major Sports events, or a combination of education and experience.

• Master's Degree is an additional asset.


• Good knowledge of significant event transport operations involved in airport operations flows and different levels of services.


• Good knowledge of administration and project management principles.


• Strong stakeholder management experience.


• Ability to prioritize clients' needs, authority requirements, and FIFA/FWC2026 regulations.


• Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to understand the big picture and adapt accordingly.


• Organized and detail oriented.


• Advanced communication and presentation skills.


• Ability to work both independently and within a team.


• Exceptional planning, organizational, and administrative skills.


• Ability to work and communicate in a corporate and project-focused organization.


• Flexibility when faced with ambiguity or constant change.


• Display the highest levels of integrity and commitment.


• Ability to motivate others toward a common goal.


• Positive attitude, patience, and persistence.


• Inter-cultural competence and sensitivity.


• 7 years in airport transport operations, ideally in football, sports, or events.


• VIP operations within at least one international mega event, ideally more than one world-class sports event (e.g., World Cup, Olympic/Paralympic Games, Regional Football Tournaments, etc.).


• Working in multi-functional event organizations, dynamic and fast-paced environments.


• Leading a team and proven project delivery experience.


• Working with public and private sector partners in a collaborative environment and ability to build strong partnerships.


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


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