Senior Manager, Competition

Reporting organizationally to the FIFA27 Head of Competition Management and Team Services (Brazil) and FIFA Competition Management (Zurich), the Senior Competition Manager will be a key member of the FIFA27 Competition Management (CPM) team. Working closely with and under the guidance of the FIFA Competition Management project team, the role is responsible for delivering the highest standards of competition, tournament and match operations in Brazil before and during the FWWC27, as well as for FIFA test events and other relevant tournaments and events.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage Competition Management activities in Brazil, reporting to the FIFA27 Head of Competition Management and Team Services in Brazil, and FIFA Competition Management in Zurich.
• Act as the main counterpart to FIFA Competition Management core project team in Zurich.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, football communities and relevant institutions, to ensure successful delivery of objectives.
• Ensure strategy, planning, coordination and implementation of competition area and stadium readiness is in line with FIFA regulations, policies and guidelines.
• Recruit, manage and oversee the locally based Competition Management team, including staffing, planning, training, administration and integration into stadium venue teams.
• Oversee the successful operational coordination and delivery of FIFA27 Competition Management team before and during FWWC27.
• Manage budgeting, tracking and cost control for Competition Management, ensuring regular reporting to FIFA27 and FIFA Zurich.
• Representing Competition Management at key meetings and inspections whenever necessary.
• Plan and deliver competition-related events, workshops and seminars in collaboration with FIFA Competition Management team (including test events, draw(s), and official FIFA workshops). Ensure regular reporting to the Local Entity’s management and maintain clear and efficient communication with all functional areas and external partners.
• Monitor competition areas during venue construction or refurbishment to ensure compliance with FIFA standards and follow up on all associated requirements.
• Plan and deliver stadium and competition readiness exercises, including development of training materials.
• Ensure stadium and team equipment requirements are met (e.g. team materials, field of play equipment), including procurement coordination with Stadium & Infrastructure, Pitch Management, and Team Services.
• Prepare progress reports and presentations on Competition Management matters.
• Representing Competition Management at the Tournament Operations Centre during event time, ensuring effective communication and reporting to FIFA HQ Competition Management Project Lead and Head of Competition Management and Team Services.
• Support the recruitment, training and coordination of Competition Management volunteers.

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management or Event Management (master’s degree is an asset).
• Minimum 6 (six) years of experience in football and event management; international experience is preferred.
• At least 4 (four) years of experience in Competition Management (football and match operations).
• Strong knowledge of international football.
• Proven experience in competition and match operations, as well as sports venue operations.
• Solid understanding of event planning and project management processes.
• Knowledge of the local culture and operational environment in Brazil is an advantage.
• Strong administrative and IT skills, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to monitor performance and implement decisive corrective actions.
• Ability to hire, develop, coach, appraise and retain highly qualified employees.
• Capacity to make key decisions for the business through critical problem-solving skills and an ability to use sound judgement.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, negotiation and relationship-management skills, with high energy and a proactive mindset.
• Experience of managing multi-disciplined teams across a variety of business areas.
• Ability to work effectively in an international, dynamic and demanding environment.
• Ability to adapt and work with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Fluency in English and Portuguese (written and spoken); any additional language skills (in particular Spanish and French) are an asset.

• Right to work in Brazil
• Ability to re-locate to Rio de Janeiro.