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- Tasks: Lead stadium operations for the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 across multiple US venues.
- Company: Join Wasserman, a leader in sports marketing and management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to be part of a global event.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of one of the biggest sporting events in the world!
- Qualifications: Experience in major sporting events and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Intense but rewarding role with opportunities for growth and networking.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Fixed Term Contract (start ASAP Jan 2026 – end Aug 2026). Central Team Location: UK based pre‑tournament; US based during tournament. Wasserman is seeking an experienced Senior Director for Tournament Operations for FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026. This role will lead end‑to‑end stadium operations across multiple US venues; working as a conduit on T&H communications, on‑site troubleshooting, incident response, stadium manager oversight and stakeholder coordination.
What You Will Be Doing
- Tournament & Stadium Operations: Lead operational delivery at stadiums, including ticket troubleshooting, liaison with T&H on VIP/guest services, fan experience, tournaments rights delivery and on‑site logistics. Manage and support stadium managers across all venues, providing clear direction, decision‑making and escalation pathways. Establish and enforce operational protocols to ensure issues are resolved quickly and safely.
- Troubleshooting, Risk & Incident Management: Serve as the primary escalation point for stadium‑related issues – including security incidents, access challenges, logistical disruptions (e.g., transport) or stakeholder concerns. Coordinate with stadium operations teams, security, FIFA staff and internal partners to deliver confident, timely decisions. Monitor emerging risks and ensure contingency plans are understood and activated when required.
- Stakeholder Communication & Alignment: Deliver clear, concise updates to the end client, Wasserman leadership, stadium teams and cluster managers. Provide daily operational reporting, incident logs and status updates to support transparent decision‑making. Ensure all tournament communications, toolkits and operational guidance are fully understood and implemented.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with the FIFA Account Lead to align on approvals, workflows and communication requirements. Work with Wasserman cluster managers to ensure each region is equipped with accurate information, documentation and escalation paths. Liaise with brand teams to provide assurance, clarity and support around all on‑the‑ground operations.
What You Need
- Proven track record delivering major global sporting events in stadium or venue environments (e.g., Olympics, FIFA tournaments, UEFA competitions, Premier League, NFL, Copa Libertadores, CONCACAF, etc.).
- Experience leading complex, fast‑moving operational environments under pressure and at scale.
- Strong background in rights delivery, ticketing operations, stadium logistics, crowd/guest management or similar.
- Exceptional ability to make rapid decisions, communicate clearly, and coordinate cross‑functional teams.
- Skilled in managing senior stakeholders, crisis scenarios and ambiguous or evolving information.
- Demonstrated leadership of dispersed teams or venue managers.
- Ability to work intense hours during tournament windows, including evenings and weekends.
Wasserman does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
Tournament Operations Lead – Senior Director employer: Wasserman
Contact Detail:
Wasserman Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Tournament Operations Lead – Senior Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people who are already in the game. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and the role. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for. This will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to tournament operations. Highlight your ability to handle pressure and make quick decisions, as these are key in this fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Tournament Operations Lead – Senior Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Tournament Operations Lead role. Highlight your experience with major sporting events and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences in stadium operations or crisis management that demonstrate your ability to handle the pressures of a major tournament.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder communication, make sure to highlight your communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can convey complex information clearly and concisely, so don’t hold back on showcasing this in your written materials!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wasserman
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of tournament operations and stadium management. Brush up on your knowledge of major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, and be ready to discuss your past experiences in similar roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams under pressure. Think about times when you’ve had to make quick decisions or manage crises, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might want to prepare a few key points about how you would handle communication with various teams and clients.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think through potential challenges you might encounter during a tournament and how you would address them, especially regarding logistics and incident management.
