Manager, Airport

Manager, Airport - Guadalajara Application Deadline: 26 January 2026 Department: Tournament and Venue Operations Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time Location: Mexico Description 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 POSITION The Airport Manager shall work with the Senior Arrivals and Departures Manager on developing a strategic plan for airport services and policies and procedures for arrivals and departures constituent groups, ensuring the plan is in line with established SLAs. The manager also manages the area's activities and resources within the approved budget. This position can be based in any of the three host cities: Guadalajara, Monterrey, or Mexico City. Therefore, we are looking for a candidate who is either currently located in one of these cities or willing to relocate. The role of the Airport Manager includes: Leading a team, including recruitment and training. Plan, implement, and manage the airport operations in the Host City required for the arrivals and departures of FIFA Constituent Groups during the operational period of FWC 2026, considering the service levels, transport and logistics complexity, and demand of this client group. Managing all operational aspects following the governance structure and interdependency with other airport stakeholders. Managing the relationship within the airport venue and all external collaborators, including authorities, government agencies, private airport concessionaires, security agencies, and other stakeholders. Monitoring issue resolution and their escalation to the event coordination center at the airport. Integrating the charter flight managing company into the operating plan. Recruit, manage, and lead the team under his/her responsibility. Lead the arrivals and departures service planning for this client group to ensure the service levels are in accordance with FIFA service levels for this client group to ensure the overall success of the tournament. Coordinate all transport suppliers, including bus, fleet public transport, and other key functional areas to develop the services. Led the VIP airport team, including contractors and volunteers, to ensure all client service level planning is integrated with other key FWC 2026 functional areas at site and venue level, including all stadiums and non-competition sites. Lead the delivery of all client-related information, communications, and presentations at crucial client meetings, plus any client transport guides/information and other related documents, both electronic and published. Support delivery of Airport services for all test and side events before the FIFA World Cup 2026. 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. The Airport Manager is responsible for building, training, and motivating its airport team of paid staff and volunteers for the duration of the FWC 2026 project, including any side events that may occur. YOUR PROFILE We work hard at FIFA.We are dedicated, ambitious and innovative. And we respect our values. Always. For all roles, we seek talented people with an entrepreneurial spirit and a global mindset. The specific competencies we require for this position are: English and Spanish fluency 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. 7+ years of work experience in airport transport operations, ideally in football, sport, or event. VIP operations experience within at least one international mega event, ideally more than one world-class sports event (e.g., World Cup or Olympic Games, Regional Football Tournaments, etc.). Experience working in multi-functional event organizations and dynamic and fast‑paced environments. Experience working with public and private sector partners in a collaborative environment and ability to build strong partnerships. Good knowledge of administration and project management principles. Ability to prioritize client’s needs, authority requirements, and FIFA/Q22 regulations. Strong IT skills; familiarity and comfort with MS Office (especially MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Monday.com, Visio, Project) Your curriculum must be uploaded in English. #J-18808-Ljbffr