Airport Manager - Vancouver

Application Deadline: 4 September 2025Department: Tournament and Venue OperationsLocation: VancouverCompensation: $145,000 - $170,000 / yearDescriptionAt 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 POSITIONReporting organizationally to the Director Operational Services, the Airport Manager will be a key member of the FIFA26 Operational Services team, and work in close collaboration with other key individuals responsible for developing a strategic plan for a Host City’s (HC) Airport services and operations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The main responsibilities and oversights of the Airport Manager for the FIFA World Cup 26™ include:

Plan, implement, and manage the HC airport operations for the arrivals and & departures of Constituent Groups during the FWC26 operational period. Develop the Airport Site Operating Plan; together with the HC Airport, its Stakeholders and FWC26 Functional Areas. Establish and manage relationships within the HC Airport and its Stakeholders, including authorities, government agencies, police, security agencies, airport concessionaires, etc. Collaborate with the FIFA charter flight company on providing services for its Teams travel operations; integrate into the Site Operating Plan. Coordinate with meet and greet companies regarding VIP arrivals and departures services.

Work with all transport suppliers, including bus, fleet, public transport, and other key functional areas, to develop arrivals & departures services. Lead the delivery of all constituent-related information, communications, and presentations at FWC26-related management and working group meetings, including any transport guides/information and other related documents. Build, train and manage its airport team of paid staff, contractors and volunteers. Prepare risk management analyses and develop mitigation strategies for arrivals & departures flows per Constituent Group. Manage the HCs Arrivals & Departures activities and resources within approved FWC26 budgets.

Monitor issue resolutions/escalations to the HC Airport Event Coordination Centre and FWC26 Transport Operations Centre during FWC26 operational period and resolve according. Delivery of the final operational plan and ensure a successful and smooth operations for all FWC26 Constituent Groups. Support the Transport and Arrivals & Departures team with other projects as required. Support delivery of Airport services for all test events before the FWC 2026. Travel within Canada, to the US and/or Mexico may be required to reflect the business needs of the department (meetings, workshops, site visits, other Events, etc).

This role requires you to be onsite 5 days a week (Monday-Friday). Other duties as assigned. FIFA World Cup 26 Skills FrameworkACCOUNTABILITY: Demonstrate commitment to responsibilities and objectively analyze one’s behaviour, while assuming consequences of one’s own actions and/or decisions and learning from one’s mistakes. DECISION MAKING: Ability to identify and swiftly make decisions in critical situations, take initiative and calculated risks, explore alternative solutions, and respond promptly to unforeseen circumstances. INCLUSIVITY: Achieve shared organizational objectives by sharing information with colleagues across all levels and divisions, tangibly influencing others, and maintaining a network of support contacts. INITIATIVE:

Capacity to break new ground, look for unconventional solutions, and produce fresh ideas. INNOVATION: Capacity to break new ground, look for unconventional solutions, and produce fresh ideas. LEADERSHIP: Ability to lead one’s contacts/colleagues/partners, encourage teamwork, and delegate authority / decision-making power, as needed, to produce the expected results and make efficient use of the team’s skills and talents. VISION: Ability to perceive the organization's global environmental impact, anticipate decision consequences, grasp organizational missions, and formulate strategic plans. Education & Qualifications:

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. Work Experience: 7+ years in airport transport operations, ideally in football, sport, or event. VIP operations within at least one international mega event, ideally more than one world-class sports event (e. g. , World Cup, Olympic/Paralympic Games, Regional Football Tournaments, etc. ). Working in multi-functional event organizations, dynamic and fast-paced environments. Leading a team and proven project delivery experience.

Working with public and private sector partners in a collaborative environment and ability to build strong partnerships. Good knowledge of significant event transport operations involved in airport operations flows and different levels of services. Good knowledge of administration and project management principles. Strong stakeholder management experience. Ability to prioritize clients’ needs, authority requirements, and FIFA/FWC2026 regulations. Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills. Ability to understand the big picture and adapt accordingly. Organized and detail oriented. Advanced communication and presentation skills. Ability to work both independently and within a team. Exceptional planning, organizational, and administrative skills.

Ability to work and communicate in a corporate and project-focused organization. Flexibility when faced with ambiguity or constant change. Display the highest levels of integrity and commitment. Ability to motivate others toward a common goal. Positive attitude, patience, and persistence. Inter-cultural competence and sensitivity. Languages: Fluent in English. French proficiency is a plus. Technology: Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools. Planning software (Monday. com) and online collaboration tools.