THE JOB / Experiential Director, National Staffing Lead (Global Soccer) (Financial Services Client) (Contract)

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of the staffing plan for the client’s marketing activations for the FIFA World Cup 26™.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

The priority location for this role is Charlotte, NC, but the location of this position can be flexible with priority given to candidates open to hybrid work (3 days week in office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA, and Miami, FL. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates with East Coast working hours as a prerequisite

This position will be based in Dallas, TX during the tournament (roughly 8-10 weeks in late May - late July)

WHEN YOU’LL WORK

Contract Dates: January 1^st, 2026 to August 31^st, 2026

Contract Type: W-2 Employment

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

Octagon is seeking a National Staffing Lead to oversee all staffing operations for our client’s FIFA World Cup 26™ partnership activations across multiple host cities. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the full workforce lifecycle — including scheduling, training, engagement, and logistics — for over 650 team members, comprising Octagon employees, contractors, and temporary staff. 

You’ll play a critical role in ensuring that every staff member is equipped, informed, and motivated to deliver world-class fan experiences. Working cross-functionally with operations, logistics, and vendor teams, you’ll guarantee seamless coordination of staffing plans, accreditation, transportation, accommodations, and meals throughout the tournament. 

The ideal candidate is a strong operational leader with exceptional organizational skills and a passion for people management. You excel at building structures amid complexity, motivating large teams, and maintaining high standards of communication and accountability. 

• Oversee the full staffing operation for more than 650 team members across multiple event sites, including Octagon employees, contractors, and temporary staff. 
• Develop and manage staffing schedules, shifts, and rest days to ensure full coverage and compliance with labor standards. 
• Lead the accreditations process, ensuring all staff have the correct access levels and credentials throughout the tournament. 
• Maintain continuous engagement and morale among team members, implementing recognition, communication, and support programs. 
• Serve as the primary liaison with temporary staffing vendors, managing contracts, communications, and issue resolution. 
• Coordinate and execute all required training sessions to ensure staff are properly prepared for their roles and understand key operational protocols. 
• Oversee all workforce logistics — including transportation, accommodations, and meals — to guarantee a seamless experience for all personnel. 
• Collaborate closely with regional operations and experience leads to align staffing plans with event timelines, activation needs, and client expectations. 
• Manage staffing budgets, forecast needs, and identify opportunities for efficiency without compromising quality or performance. 
• Provide on-site leadership during live event operations, addressing staffing or logistical challenges in real time. 

THE BIGGER TEAM YOU’LL JOIN

Recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work in Sports”, Octagon is the global sports, entertainment, and experiential marketing arm of the Interpublic Group.

We take pride in being Playmakers – finding insightful, bold ways to create play in our work, our lives, and in the world. We believe in the power of play to create big ideas and unlock potential for our clients and talent.

We can put ourselves in the shoes of fans because we ARE fans – of sports, entertainment, and culture at large. This expertise allows us to continually evolve the fan experience across sports and entertainment alongside some of the biggest brands and talent in the world.

The world needs play more than ever. Are you a Playmaker?

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• 5–7 years of experience in event staffing, workforce management, or large-scale operations — preferably in sports, live events, or experiential marketing. 
• Proven success managing large, diverse teams and coordinating multiple staffing vendors. 
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities with an eye for detail. 
• Experience developing and maintaining schedules, shift plans, and credentialing systems. 
• Skilled in vendor relations, budgeting, and operational reporting. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a hands-on, people-first leadership style. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and workforce management or project tracking platforms. 
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments while maintaining a calm and solutions-oriented mindset. 
• Endurance, stamina and physical ability to work long hours for extended days during activations.  
• Persistent enthusiasm, energy and drive through the project both in the office and importantly, on the road.  
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.  
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for up to or more than eight hours at a time.  
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: High (40-60%). 

This position pays an annualized rate of $100,000, and is not overtime-eligible. Contract positions with Octagon are not benefits-eligible.   

Octagon is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.