Regional Manager, Arrivals & Departures, FIFA World Cup 2026 - Los Angeles

Reporting organisationally to the Head of Arrivals & Departures, the Regional Manager, Arrivals & Departures will be a key member of the FIFA26 Operational Services team, and work in close collaboration with the FIFA Zurich project team and other key individuals responsible for delivering the following arrivals and departures sub-projects: International and Inter-city Arrivals and Departures, Aviation and Airport Venue Management, and Train and Train Stations Venue Management for each Host Country part of the FWC 2026.

The Regional Manager, Arrivals & Departures for each host country shall work closely with the Arrivals & Departures Head and FIFA to develop a strategic plan and the concept of operation for the integrated delivery of the Arrivals & Departures Operation (Airports and train stations), that provides critical operational support to Arrivals & Departures Functional Area as well as Event Services Area and contributes substantially to the legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

THE POSITION

The main responsibilities and oversights of the Regional Manager, Arrivals & Departures for the FIFA World Cup 26™ include:

• Designing and implementing a suitable A&D service model in their country and in line with the other A&D Sr Managers in FWC 26, to service all FIFA Constituent Groups (Teams, Referees, FIFA Officials, VIPs, Workforce, Dignitaries, Media, Broadcast, Commercial Affiliates) at all official point-of-entry/exit sites, based on FIFA requirements and agreed service levels including but not limited to:
  • FIFA Club World Cup 2025
  • FIFA 2026 World Cup Tournament
  • Final Draws
  • Test Events
  • Team Workshops
  • Any other official side events
• Designing the initial structure of International and Inter-city Arrivals and Departures / Aviation and Airport Management/Train and Train stations Management and sub-projects including but not limited to A&D Information management, Venue planning, Constituent Group requirements, Tournament time operations
• Planning and implementation of an Arrivals & Departures Plan for each FIFA Constituent Group based on FIFA requirements and service levels
• Negotiating with the airport/ train authorities and government agencies to ensure that all the structures and procedures of the airport and train stations are aligned to deliver the best operation on peak throughout the FWC 2026 operational period
• Designing the concept of operations, the venue operating plan, and all relevant A&D policies and procedures
• Integration with Transport Client Services and Fleet / Bus Operations functions within Event Transport for Airport and train pick-ups and drop-offs
• Coordination with meet and greet companies regarding VIP arrivals and departures services
• Contributing to the slot’s allocation plan of the HC Airports for the period of the tournament ensuring that priority is given to the FWC-related aircraft movements
• Ensuring successful integration of the FWC air traffic into the overall international airline schedule
• Participate proactively in the Airport/ Mobility Working Groups and ensure (via close collaboration with HC Transport, Civil Aviation, Train, and Airport Authorities) that the air traffic and train movements match the airports and terminal capacities
• Planning and development (in coordination with Airport Authorities, HC Transport, and other FWC Functional Areas (Security, Logistics, Team Services, Guest Management, Marketing, etc.) the tournament time Operational Plan for the Airport (Airside and Landside Operations) and Train Stations
• Ensuring integration of the Airport Operational Plan with the Airport Transportation Plan, as well as correlation with all other Transport services and operations
• Delivery of the final operational plan and ensure successful and smooth operations for all constituent groups
• Implementing Project Management within A&D and Airport and Train management
• Identifying key milestones of International and Inter-city Arrivals and Departures / Aviation and Airport/train stations Management sub-projects
• Identifying key risks of International and Inter-city Arrivals and Departures / Aviation and Airport/train stations Management sub-projects
• Design and manage the budgets of International and Inter-city Arrivals and Departures / Aviation and Airport/train stations Management sub-projects
• Content preparation (slides, handouts, etc.) and preparation of reports for the FWC 26-related management meetings and working group meetings
• Presenting information in a focused, clear, and concise manner
• Hiring and training each Host City A&D Specialist, assigning responsibilities, and managing the Team from planning through delivery

YOUR PROFILE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management, Event Management, Major Sports events, or a combination of education and experience relating to the position.
• Master’s Degree is an additional asset.
• Minimum of 15 years of management experience, including team leadership and project management
• Minimum of 8 years A&D/Airport/Airline/Transport/Train Stations/Logistics Management work experience: ideally within the football, sport, international major event or within major airport holdings or Airline Passenger Services or fast-moving and complex operational environment
• Transport and/or A&D and Airport/ Train Station Senior Management experience within at least two mega project events, ideally more than one world-class sports event (e.g., FIFA World Cup and/or Olympic Games, Regional Football Tournaments, etc.)
• Considerable knowledge and experience in airport/ train station venue planning, information management, operating plans, budgeting, and resourcing
• Experience working with public and private sector partners in a collaborative environment and ability to build strong partnerships
• Resolve problems on the spot and escalate them into FWC 2026.

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.