Venue Operations Manager – 8 Host Cities

Venue Operations Manager – 8 Host Cities (Brazil) Department: Tournament and Venue Operations Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time Location: Brazil Description FIFA27 will be established as the Local FIFA Subsidiary in Brazil, to work together with FIFA HQ in Zurich and globally, to deliver the biggest women’s sporting event in the world, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 (“FWWC2027”).Please submit your CV in English, as it will be reviewed by an international team.THE POSITION Reporting to Senior Venue Operations Manager, and working alongside the FIFA Tournament & Venue Operations team in Zurich, the Venue Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring that the stadium is delivered in full compliance with FIFA Hosting Requirements and for leading the operational delivery of all FWWC2027 matches and non-matchday activities at the venue.The tournament will be staged across 8 stadiums in Brazil, and we’re recruiting one Venue Operations Manager for each host city: Belo Horizonte - Estádio Mineirão Brasília - Estádio Nacional Fortaleza - Arena Castelão Porto Alegre - Estádio Beira-Rio Recife - Arena de Pernambuco Rio de Janeiro - Estádio do Maracanã Salvador - Arena Fonte Nova São Paulo - Arena Itaquera Please apply only if you currently live in one of these cities or can relocate there independently.The position requires the effective and efficient management of all venue operations, ensuring seamless coordination with FIFA’s functional areas as well as internal and external stakeholders. Key areas of focus include transparency, communication, issue escalation, problem-solving, innovation, and the use of reporting tools to guarantee operational excellence.The Venue Operations Manager will act as a coordinator, facilitator, and decision-maker at the stadium. Together with the FIFA27 Senior Venue Manager, the FIFA FWWC Lead Venue Management team, and the FIFA27 Head of Operations, this role holds ultimate responsibility for venue event planning, operational readiness, and on-site implementation, in close collaboration with all stakeholders.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Responsible for the operational delivery of each match day and non-match day at the venue. Will liaise with all functional areas including Competitions, Broadcast, Media, Dressing & Signage, Fan Operations, Pitch Management, Partnerships Rights Delivery, Technical Services & Overlay, Stadium Entertainment, Ticketing, Hospitality, Technology, FTI (Football Technology Innovation), Catering as well as other functional areas such as Services (Logistics, Transport, Guest Management) and Safety, Security, Accreditation & Access and Workforce and Volunteer Management, to ensure the smooth, efficient and effective operation at the venue for all constituent groups. Establish constructive communication channels between FIFA, FIFA27, venue and local authorities and stakeholders. Co-ordinate with all stakeholders (i.e. Host City authorities, venue operators, public transport, police & emergency services) at a venue level through regular coordinated meetings and/or workshops, to ensure the smooth running of events at the venue. To integrate all relevant operational plans into effective venue plans. To assess and validate FIFA’s event requirements to the reality of the venue. Integration of all relevant functional area operational plans into the stadium environment. Risk identification and mitigation across the venue. Supervise and support stadium renovation and construction projects, assuring FIFA requirements are met. Contribution to project management and knowledge management initiatives including event debriefs, and knowledge capture and documentation activities. Contribution to workshops, seminars and meetings with FIFA, FIFA27, Host Country and site authorities. Coordination of policies, requirements and planning with FIFA, FIFA27, Host Country and site authorities. Co-ordination, planning and delivery of official test events. Plan, manage and implement a good quality and cost-efficient on-site support, service and operations for all relevant FIFA departments as well as other stakeholders (i.e. sponsors, service providers, etc.). Organize and lead Stadium Inspection Tours. Full support to functional areas on site visits, activities and post inspection BIM360 follow up. Manage and review the Stadium budget including regular reporting. YOUR PROFILE Minimum 8 years of management experience in multi-purpose arenas, professional sports clubs, or large-scale international sporting events. Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams with strong stakeholder management skills across international and multicultural environments. Excellent communication and crisis management skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and provide decisive leadership. Strong knowledge of event planning, operations, and project management processes. Familiarity with the host stadium and its operational environment will be considered an asset. Demonstrated experience in the development and integration of operational plans across multiple functional areas (e.g., security, spectator services, media, broadcast, hospitality). Experience in budgeting, financial oversight, and resource management for large-scale events. Strong understanding of health & safety, risk management, and security regulations in stadium operations. Proven track record in managing complex international projects involving multiple stakeholders and authorities. Education University degree in appropriate subject (or adequate training/vocational education). Bilingual - Brazilian Portuguese and English Strong administrative and IT skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Skills & Competencies Strong team player, able to work collaboratively while meeting tight deadlines. Solution-oriented mindset with persistence, resilience, and a positive attitude under pressure. Ability to prioritize and manage high workloads efficiently during peak operational periods. Sound judgment, critical problem-solving ability, and capacity to make key decisions under pressure. Effective leadership skills, including motivational leadership, negotiation, and relationship management. High levels of energy, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across diverse stakeholder groups. Experience or knowledge of the local culture and market will be considered an advantage. Ability to thrive in an international, dynamic, and fast-changing environment. Adaptable and culturally sensitive, with proven experience working across international and cross-cultural contexts. Requirements Right to work in Brazil Fluent in English (spoken and written) Fluent in Portuguese (spoken and written) Based in one of the listed cities (Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador & São Paulo) or able to relocate there independently #J-18808-Ljbffr