Senior Arrivals & Departures Country Manager

At FIFA26, our vision is to unite the world through the greatest sporting event of all time. The FIFA World Cup 26™ will mark the first time that the tournament will feature 48 teams and be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico and the USA. This new format will redefine excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement among fans and players across North America and all over the world. Now is your time to become a game changer and join the workforce that will plan and deliver this extraordinary and unforgettable experience. The Senior Arrivals & Departures Country Manager is responsible for 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 Senior Arrivals & Departures Country Manager 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 Senior Arrivals & Departures Country Manager is responsible for building relationships and integration with civil aviation and train authorities to support the movement of FIFA constituent groups in the country internationally and inter-city for the duration of the FWC 2026 project.  

The successful candidate is expected to be a self-starter and multitasker who works well under pressure, can lead, and manage a team, and delivers to strict timelines. Managing the area's activities and resources within the approved budget is also within the Sr. Manager's scope. He/she needs to ensure the integration with all the other FWC 26 areas present in the airport/train stations as Workforce/ Volunteers/ Guest Operations & Protocol Etiquette/ Team Services / IT, ensuring the plan is in line with established FIFA SLAs. 

THE POSITION

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 
• Support recruiting Airport/train A&D Team, overseeing training of staff and contractors, if applicable, to ensure A&D Services are delivered according to the Operational Plan 

YOUR PROFILE

FIFA World Cup 26 Skills Framework: ACCOUNTABILITY: Demonstrate commitment to responsibilities and objectively analyze one’s behavior, while assuming consequences of one’s own actions and/or decisions and learning from one’s mistakes.  DECISION MAKING:  Ability to identify and swiftly make decisions in critical situations, take initiative and calculated risks, explore alternative solutions, and respond promptly to unforeseen circumstances. INCLUSIVITY: Achieve shared organizational objectives by sharing information with colleagues across all levels and divisions, tangibly influencing others, and maintaining a network of support contacts.  INITIATIVE:  Capacity to break new ground, look for unconventional solutions, and produce fresh ideas.  INNOVATION: Capacity to break new ground, look for unconventional solutions, and produce fresh ideas.  LEADERSHIP:  Ability to lead one’s contacts/colleagues/partners, encourage teamwork, and delegate authority / decision-making power, as needed, to produce the expected results and make efficient use of the team’s skills and talents.  VISION:  Ability to perceive the organization's global environmental impact, anticipate decision consequences, grasp organizational missions, and formulate strategic plans. Education & Qualifications:

• 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. 

Work Experience:

• 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. 
• Advanced communication skills 
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage a team  
• Exceptional planning, organizational, and administrative skills 
• Ability to work and communicate in a corporate and project-focused organization 
• High level of presentation and negotiating skills 
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills 
• Flexibility when faced with ambiguity or constant change 
• Positive attitude, patience, and persistence 
• Inter-cultural competence and sensitivity 

Languages:

• Fluent in English. French proficiency is a plus 

Technology:

• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools 

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.