Senior Director, Infrastructure - FIFA Work Cup 26

TKO Group Holdings, Inc

About The Position

The Senior Director of Infrastructure – Primary Vendor for the FIFA World Cup 26™ is responsible for leading the oversight, management, and execution of all technical and infrastructure services delivered by the primary vendor. This senior role ensures seamless planning, production, and delivery of overlay, site support, technical systems, and infrastructure across venues, while aligning with FIFA and On Location Events, LLC (OLE) requirements. Acting as the key point of accountability for the primary vendor, this role integrates event objectives with technical and operational needs, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and at the highest standards of safety and quality.

Requirements

Senior-level experience in technical production, overlay, and infrastructure management for global-scale events, preferably in sports or entertainment.
Proven expertise in managing large infrastructure vendors and multi-venue delivery programs.
Strong knowledge of temporary structures, overlay logistics, heavy equipment, and production management.
Experience with procurement, contract management, and budget oversight at scale.
Demonstrated ability to anticipate challenges, troubleshoot under pressure, and maintain operational continuity.
Excellent organizational, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
Expertise with union labor environments, safety regulations, and top tier event production standards.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation (modify based on country form of measurement)
The ability to remain in a standing position for extended periods, except where sitting is permitted by law or reasonable accommodation is required.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in a variety of weather conditions.
Must be fluent in English, both written and verbal proficiency
Legally able to work with no assistance in sponsorship in the assigned country.

Responsibilities

Infrastructure & Technical Oversight Serve as the primary lead for managing the chosen vendor and infrastructure teams across all venues.
Oversee planning, drafting, and execution of overlay and infrastructure systems, including site support, space use, and technical production needs.
Ensure all technical and infrastructure elements align with FIFA’s objectives, operational standards, and approved budgets.
Lead technical rehearsals and readiness checks to guarantee seamless execution.
Event Planning & Management Collaborate with OLE, FIFA, partners, Functional Areas (FA’s) and stakeholders to define infrastructure objectives, scope, and deliverables.
Develop comprehensive infrastructure delivery plans, including budget, timelines, logistics, and resource allocations.
Coordinate planning through to post-event handback, including evaluation and reporting of technical performance.
Review and manage workflows of direct reports, ensuring the Commercial Village Operations and Production Manager and the Infrastructure and Production Manager receive the necessary support and remain accountable for their duties and deliverables.
Vendor & Supplier Management Directly manage the primary vendor’s performance, ensuring contract compliance and adherence to technical specifications.
Negotiate terms, track deliverables, and ensure timely resolution of change orders or scope adjustments.
Hold vendors accountable for meeting service levels and reporting requirements.
Budget & Resource Management Develop and oversee infrastructure and technical budgets, ensuring efficiency while maintaining quality.
Monitor costs, identify potential overruns, and recommend corrective measures.
Secure and allocate necessary resources, equipment, and systems within established constraints.
Production Coordination Partner with creative and operational teams to translate event design and vision into technical reality.
Coordinate procurement, installation, operation, and dismantling of all technical infrastructure.
Manage integration between infrastructure providers and other event contractors (power, overlay, structures, sanitation, crowd control, etc.).
Health, Safety & Compliance Implement and enforce health and safety measures for staff, contractors, and attendees.
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and FIFA safety and security regulations.
Oversee risk management and troubleshooting during technical delivery and live operations.
Event Execution Direct technical setup, on-site operations, and tear-down of infrastructure across all assigned venues.
Monitor real-time technical performance and troubleshoot issues to maintain continuity.
Guarantee smooth execution and alignment with rider requirements and creative standards.
Post-Event Evaluation & Reporting Lead post-event evaluations to assess vendor performance, infrastructure quality, and technical delivery.
Document lessons learned and provide recommendations for future events.
Maintain detailed documentation including specifications, manuals, contracts, and change logs.
Communication & Stakeholder Collaboration Act as the senior liaison between FIFA, OLE, vendors, and venue stakeholders for all infrastructure matters.
Provide regular progress and financial updates to OLE leadership.
Foster a collaborative environment across internal teams, vendors, and contractors.