Retail Operations Manager – FIFA Fan Festival (FIFA World Cup 2026)

About the role

Elevate Global is partnering with Fanatics to support retail operations across FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Festival locations and were looking for experienced hands-on managers to lead on-site retail execution. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced event environments knows how to lead teams under pressure and can balance planning with real-time problem solving.

Youll work closely with our partners internal teams and on-site staff to ensure each Fan Festival retail location is set up staffed merchandised and operated to a high standard from build through breakdown.

Locations

This role supports FIFA World Cup 2026 operations across multiple host cities including:

• Dallas
• Houston
• Philadelphia
• Toronto
• Vancouver

Candidates may be considered for one or multiple locations based on experience availability and business needs.

What youll be responsible for

Event planning and setup

• Lead day-to-day retail operations planning for assigned Fan Festival locations
• Support store layout planning fixture setup and merchandising execution
• Coordinate staffing plans and schedules in partnership with People Ops and recruiting teams
• Act as a key point of contact for on-site partners and stakeholders
• Ensure retail locations are fully stocked organized and customer-ready

On-site execution

• Oversee on-site builds POS setup event days and breakdown
• Direct and support retail staff to ensure smooth operations and a strong customer experience
• Monitor POS accuracy and assist with product setup or labeling as needed
• Troubleshoot issues quickly and calmly during live event days
• Manage timelines expenses and operational details to stay on plan

Post-event wrap-up

• Support inventory count-out transfers and shipping per program requirements
• Contribute to post-event reporting and operational feedback
• Partner with finance and leadership on recap insights and improvement opportunities

What were looking for

• 2 years of experience in event operations retail management or hospitality
• Experience leading teams in high-volume fast-paced environments
• Strong communication and organization skills
• Comfortable making decisions on the fly and handling pressure
• Solid working knowledge of POS systems inventory flow and retail KPIs
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Willing and able to travel including overnight stays
• Authorized to work in the United States

Work requirements

• On-site role supporting FIFA World Cup Fan Festival operations
• Travel required for training and on-site event support including overnight stays as needed
• Availability required throughout the full tournament schedule including nights weekends and holidays

Employment details

• This role is employed directly by Elevate not by the client venue or FIFA
• Employment with Elevate is at-will meaning either the employee or Elevate may end the employment relationship at any time with or without notice or cause subject to applicable law
• This is a project-based role tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule and operational needs

Compensation

• Manager roles: $1600 per week
• Vancouver-based roles: $1800 per week

What Elevate offers

• Travel expenses reimbursed
• Opportunity to work on one of the largest global sporting events
• A collaborative people-first team environment focused on delivery and respect
• Managers may be eligible for a discretionary bonus targeted at approximately 10% of base pay based on overall program and performance outcomes

The job description is not all-inclusive. Elevate reserves the right to amend this job description at any time.

Elevate Staffing provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.