Director of Ticketing and Business Operations - FIFA World Cup 26™

Who We Are:

On Location is a premium experience provider, offering world class hospitality, ticketing, curated guest experiences, live event production, and travel management across sports, entertainment, and fashion. From unrivaled access for corporate clients to guests looking for fully immersive experiences at marquee events, On Location is the premier and official service provider to over 150 iconic rights holders, such as the IOC (Paris 2024, Milano Cortina 2026, LA 2028), NFL, NCAA, UFC and PGA of America, and numerous musical artists and festivals. The company also owns and operates a number of unique and exclusive experiences, transforming the most dynamic live events into a lifetime of memories. On Location is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.

Endeavor is a global sports and entertainment company, home to many of the world’s most dynamic and engaging storytellers, brands, live events, and experiences. The Endeavor network specializes in talent representation through entertainment agency WME; sports operations and advisory, event management, media production and distribution, and brand licensing through IMG; live event experiences and hospitality through On Location; full-service marketing through global cultural marketing agency 160over90; and sports data and technology through IMG ARENA and OpenBet. Endeavor is also the majority owner of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), a premium sports and entertainment company comprising UFC and WWE.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Director of Ticketing and Business Operations to manage regional ticketing efforts and serve as the primary liaison to FIFA for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. In this role, you will oversee all aspects of ticketing logistics and execution, ensuring efficient and seamless operations for one of the world’s most complex and high-profile events.

As the primary liaison between FIFA’s local office and the broader ticketing team, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to align all operational elements with FIFA’s standards and expectations. Your responsibilities will include managing the entire ticketing lifecycle, focusing on logistics, distribution, and customer service, while maintaining strong communication and collaboration with FIFA representatives and partners.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing large-scale ticketing operations, demonstrating a proven ability to lead teams, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and deliver a world-class experience for millions of fans.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as the primary liaison between FIFA’s local office and the ticketing team, ensuring seamless communication and alignment on all ticketing initiatives.

• Coordinate closely with FIFA, local organizing committees, stadium management, and other key partners to guarantee compliance with FIFA’s standards and protocols.

• Maintain strong relationships with internal teams, FIFA representatives, local authorities, and external partners, ensuring a collaborative approach to ticketing operations.

• Oversee and manage all aspects of ticketing operations, including distribution planning, inventory management, and issue resolution.

• Ensure efficient and accurate processes for ticket sales, distribution, and entry systems across multiple venues and touchpoints.

• Manage the logistics of ticket distribution, ensuring that all tickets are delivered accurately and on time to customers, partners, and stakeholders.

• Develop and implement contingency plans for ticketing logistics to manage unforeseen challenges efficiently.

• Integrate and manage advanced ticketing systems to support seamless ticket sales, entry management, and customer service functions.

• Ensure systems are optimized for efficiency, accuracy, and scalability, supporting the complex demands of the event.

• Oversee customer service protocols related to ticketing, ensuring all fan inquiries and issues are resolved quickly and effectively.

• Continuously improve customer service operations based on feedback and operational performance, striving to enhance the fan experience at every stage of the ticketing process.

• Serve as the central point of communication for all ticketing-related matters, providing regular updates to stakeholders and ensuring transparency in operations.

• Ensure all ticketing operations adhere to FIFA’s guidelines and international standards, implementing processes that guarantee compliance across all venues and stages of the ticketing lifecycle.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sports Management, Sales, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in ticketing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably in large-scale international events.

• Proven track record in managing and optimizing large-scale ticketing operations for major sports events.

• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in stakeholder management.

• Proficiency with advanced ticketing systems and technology platforms.

• Ability to lead and collaborate effectively with diverse international teams.

• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, particularly in high-pressure environments.

ADDITIONAL COMPETENCIES:

• Fluency in multiple languages a plus, particularly Spanish, and French.

• Crisis management skills, able to manage high-pressure situations and make quick decisions that align with both strategic objectives and operational needs.

• Adaptability and flexibility, with the capacity to respond swiftly to changes in the market or operational challenges.

• Strong project management skills, capable of overseeing multiple projects simultaneously and delivering results on time and within budget.

• Customer-centric mindset, ensuring that all ticketing operations enhance the fan experience and meet the expectations of a diverse, global audience.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• High ethical standards and integrity, reflecting the values and spirit of the FIFA organization.

• Innovative and creative thinking, to continuously improve and redefine ticketing practices and customer engagement.

• Detail-oriented, with a focus on precision and accuracy in all aspects of ticketing and event operations.

• Resilience and endurance, with the stamina to manage long hours and intense work schedules, especially during the event planning and execution phases.

Endeavor unites and brings people together in our love of sport, culture, and entertainment. We understand this can only be accomplished when we lead with a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. As a global company that drives culture, we strive to reflect the world’s diverse voices.  

Endeavor is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.