Workforce Manager - FIFA World Cup 26

On Location; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading event management firm is seeking a Venue Workforce Manager for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This role encompasses managing local workforce logistics, liaising with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring smooth event operations. Candidates must have expertise in staffing operations and excellent project management skills. The position involves remote work until the event, followed by onsite duties in Houston, Texas.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in staffing operations or large-scale event operations.
• Experience in the Travel & Hospitality industry, particularly in workforce logistics.
• Familiarity with labor laws in host countries or cities.

Responsibilities

• Act as the liaison between the Workforce Team and local stakeholders.
• Deliver and adapt the tournament training plan for local needs.
• Manage workforce logistics including travel and accommodation.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management, Hospitality, Sports Management, Business

Tools

Smartsheet

Airtable

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

THE ROLE

The Venue Workforce Manager plays a pivotal role in the Workforce Team, reporting to the Director of Workforce Operations and will be a key member of the On Location Venue Team for FIFA World Cup 2026. This role is responsible for supporting training, and day-to-day operations for workforce teams in host cities, acting as the critical link between On Location’s national strategy and local workforce delivery. The Venue Workforce Manager will ensure seamless execution by fostering collaboration, providing leadership, and driving operational excellence. Success in this role requires strong partnership with Workforce Operations, HR, the Delivery Team, and functional area leads to support workforce needs across all aspects of the event.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as the key liaison between the central Workforce Team, Venue Team, and local stakeholders to ensure workforce operations are consistent, compliant, and fully supported.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external partners including Host Venue contacts, FIFA, MLS, and staffing agencies where applicable.
• Support the implementation of central Workforce Team plans, policies, and tools, providing regular updates and ensuring alignment across the Venue Team.

Training & Development:

• Deliver the tournament-wide training plan locally, adapting materials for Host Venue needs
• Assist planning and delivery of Venue Specific Training for On Location Workforce

Operations:

• Lead Host Venue workforce logistics, including travel, accommodation, uniform distribution, additional accreditation requests, and on-site services, ensuring records are maintained and reconciled post-event.
• Partner with FIFA and functional areas (FAs) to align workforce operations, schedules, and deployment with event goals.
• Serve as the main point of contact for On Location workforce , overseeing welfare, wellbeing, and issue resolution, escalating as needed.

Communications & Planning:

• Develop and distribute city-specific operational communications to workforce regarding uniform and accreditation collection, training, and accommodations, ensuring smooth information flow across the On Location Venue Team.
• Track and measure event performance, manage post-event evaluations, and contribute to workforce process improvements.

Workforce engagement and retention

• Implement workforce engagement strategy, with workforce experience as a focus
• Support FAs with workforce onboarding and on site management, ensuring consistency in communication and engagement pre, during and post Tournament.
• Build excitement around Host Venue and operations, sharing best practice/ideas with wider Workforce Operations team

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management, Hospitality, Sports Management, Business, or related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• Previous experience in staffing operations, workforce management, or large-scale event operations.
• Experience working in the Travel & Hospitality industry, especially in workforce operations or workforce logistics.
• Previous experience of working on a major sporting event beneficial.
• Experience working within one of FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Countries or Cities; understanding of local culture and labor laws highly advantageous

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with workforce management technologies such as, Smartsheet, Airtable, and Microsoft Office 365.
• Experience working with Event Management or Candidate Management Systems.
• Familiarity with data analytics related to workforce scheduling and operational performance.
• Ability to work autonomously in a remote setting
• Team player with a flexible and positive attitude

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Right to Work in one of US, CAN & MEX is required
• Fluency in Spanish and English is required for any MEX based positions
• This position will be a remote working position until closer to the tournament when role will be Venue based. (Accommodation is not provided for this position)
• Must be flexible with work hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Domestic travel will be required, with an estimated travel range of 10-15% annually.

*This role will be paid as a weekly rate, based on 40 hours per week.