Senior Manager, Ceremonies, FIFA World Cup 2026

Reporting organisationally to the Head of Event Delivery, the Senior Manager, Ceremonies will be a key member of the FIFA26 Events and Entertainment team, and work in close collaboration with the Executive Director of Events and Entertainment, the Head of Event Production and other key individuals responsible for delivering the most engaging, innovative, and accessible World Cup experience for all athletes, fans, partners, and the community

THE POSITION

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

• Project Leadership: Lead projects from concept to delivery, coordinating all event details, overseeing internal alignment, and approval processes.
• Contract Management: Contribute to all Scopes of Work (SoW), proposal analysis, negotiation, contracting, budgeting, variation tracking, legacy handover, and invoice payment, ensuring quality and adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Workflow Planning: Project manage and plan workflow and support processes, including the development of user-friendly and accessible filing and archiving systems.
• Project Planning and Scheduling: Project manage and update the on-time delivery of all Project Plans and Milestones.
• Content Production: Collaborate closely with the Content team to ensure that content production and delivery adhere to set timelines. This includes, but is not limited to, aspects such as music, film shoots, video content, graphics, translations, scripts, and the management of associated intellectual property (IP) and copyright issues.
• Functional Area Liaison: Act as the primary liaison for all relevant Functional Areas (FA), providing regular briefs to all stakeholders.
• Venue Planning: Lead in the planning of venue space and client journey documentation, such as Site Operational Plans (SOP’s).
• Training and Onboarding: Manage and ensure achievable timelines for training and onboarding of Agencies, Volunteers, Staff, Workforce, Broadcast, and Media services, including the preparation of comprehensive briefs.
• Media and Broadcast Briefs: Provide pertinent information for Media and Broadcast briefs.
• Brand Control and Integration: Working with the Content team on brand control and sign off, creative integrity, and integration across all event deliveries.
• Rehearsal Management: Oversee rehearsal scheduling, approvals, and alignment in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Policy, Procedures and Readiness Contributions: Contribute to the development of relevant Policies and Procedures, Project Charters, and C4 planning, and manage information distribution to all relevant stakeholders to ensure clear delivery processes.
• Reporting and Presentations: Provide relevant content for all associated high-level detailed reporting, such as Work in Progress (WIP) reports, Executive reports, project updates, dissolution plans, closeout, handover reporting (TOK), and Legacy handover
• Departmental Contributions: Contribute executive summary requirements to all Department detailed reporting and presentations
• Staff Support and Mentorship: Provide support and mentorship to staff, fostering their growth and effectiveness.
• Ad Hoc Duties: Undertake any other duties in line with the project role as requested or directed by senior management.

YOUR PROFILE

• Bachelor’s Degree or similar level of higher education or equivalency in industry experience.
• Subject matter or role specific expertise.
• Minimum 5 -7 years of experience in a similar role.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects in sporting multivenue mega events. (Experience working on FIFA events an advantage).
• Experience in working in large event services and venue teams.
• Experience in working with sporting organisations & governing bodies.
• Experience working with a range of Broadcast and Media services.
• Experience with and respect for cultural protocols and practices.
• Fluent in English. Spanish and/or French proficiency is a plus
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project), planning software and online collaboration and project planning tools e.g., Asana, Monday, WeTrack, etc.
• Understanding of design tools
• Strong understanding of the processes of content production and formats including but not limited to vision, graphics, headshots, and audio production.
• Able to interpret plans and drawings e.g., CAD’s, Autodesk®, BIM360, etc.
• Understanding of digital media
• Passion for understanding latest trends, technologies, and innovations

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.