Executive Operations Director

Department: Tournament and Venue Operations

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Brazil

Reporting To: Sarai Bareman

The FIFA Women’s World Cup is the biggest female sporting event in the world, the pinnacle of women’s football globally and the main showcase for our sport, our athletes, our Member Associations, and our fans.

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").

The Executive Operations Director, under the guidance of the Executive Tournament Director and in close collaboration with the Head of the FIFA Women’s World Cup is responsible for the successful operational delivery of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and all related events in accordance with the comprehensive project plan. This includes ensuring the appropriate hosting conditions are provided in collaboration with the host cities, stadium and venue owners, local authorities and third-party entities.

• Leadership & Team Management:
  • Lead and manage the operations team, working closely with all key stakeholders (FIFA Zurich, state and federal government where necessary, host cities, commercial partners, etc.).
  • Ensure effective collaboration between all departments and individuals involved in the tournament's operations.
  • Provide strategic guidance and decision-making during the tournament planning and execution phases.
  • Specifically, the Executive Operations Director shall be responsible for the key operational departments within FIFA27 Brazil, including: Venue Operations, Competitions & Team Services, Safety, security, accreditation & access control, Technology, Events & Entertainment, Medical, Technical Services / Infrastructure, Broadcast and media, Event Services (such as transportation, logistics, travel and accommodation).
• Operational Planning & Execution:
  • Oversee the operational execution of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, covering all tournament venues, from logistics and planning through to match-day operations.
  • Implement and oversee operational plans, ensuring alignment with FIFA’s goals, budgets, and timelines.
  • Coordinate various functional areas to ensure seamless operations at all venues.
  • Manage the operational budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently across all functional areas.
  • Report on financial performance and provide operational cost optimization strategies.

• Extensive Experience in Major Sports Events:
  • At least 8-10 years of experience in managing operations for large-scale sports events (e.g. World Cup, Olympic Games, continental championships, etc.).
  • Proven track record of managing cross-functional teams for international sporting events, with an emphasis on logistics, venue management, and stakeholder coordination.
• Leadership & Management:
  • Strong experience in leading large teams, with the ability to manage diverse and high-performing teams.
  • Previous experience in a senior management role with decision-making authority.
  • Ability to work in high-pressure environments and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Operational Expertise:
  • In-depth knowledge of operational best practices in international sports events, including logistics, security, transportation, and venue operations.
  • Experience managing logistics for major international sporting events, including team operations, transport, logistics, goods delivery.
• Knowledge of Sports Governance and Regulations:
  • Strong understanding of FIFA regulations, tournament operations, and the international sports governance landscape.
  • Knowledge of the compliance and safety standards required for international events.
• Crisis Management & Problem Solving:
  • Strong crisis management skills with a proven ability to handle unforeseen challenges during large-scale events.
  • Ability to think quickly and implement solutions under tight deadlines.
• Financial Management:
  • Proven ability to manage substantial operational budgets and resources.
  • Experience in cost control, optimizing event operations within budget constraints.
• Communication & Stakeholder Relations:
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to liaise with high-level stakeholders, including government officials, commercial partners and media (when necessary).
  • Experience in managing relationships with diverse international stakeholders, including sponsors, local authorities, and FIFA officials.
• Cultural Competency & Multinational Experience:
  • Experience working in multinational environments and understanding cultural nuances when coordinating across countries.
  • Fluent in English and Portuguese (Brazilian) with proficiency in additional languages (e.g., Spanish, French) preferred.