At 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 POSITION Main activities and responsibilities
Reporting organisationally to the Regional Manager Customs (Canada), the Manager Customs & International Freight will play a pivotal role in Logistics efforts for the FIFA World Cup 26™, which, for the first time ever, is hosting 48 teams and 1,200+ players across 3 countries and 16 venues. This role will be responsible for customs operations to ensure a seamless and efficient delivery of services throughout the tournament. Further, this role will oversee a team responsible for customs operations, under the guidance of the Regional Manager Customs (Canada).
The main responsibilities of the Manager Customs & International Freight for the FIFA World Cup 26™ include:
- Support on the customs process involving Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA), and Canada participating Government Departments and Agencies (PGAs) in the import/export of goods required to stage the tournament.
- Support on cross-border movements involving U.S Customs Border Protection (USCBP) and USA Partner Government Agencies (PGA) in collaboration with the Manager Customs & International Freight – USA.
- Facilitate the agreed procedures and systems for efficient import/export of FWC26 goods.
- Manage the Logistics Service Provider (LSP) to support the agreed Customs & International Freight Forwarding operational milestones, shipment tracker report, performance measurables, and KPIs.
- Support the Freight Forwarders and Customs Clearance Brokers appointed by various FIFA Client Groups.
- Manage the day-to-day operations to mitigate risk and resolve issues for client groups and external stakeholders.
- Manage the eligible entity groups entitled to utilize the Simplified Customs Procedure and assist with a mechanism of distributing the list to appropriate municipality personnel.
- Facilitate training modules for all stakeholders to ensure knowledge and understanding of integrated Customs policies and procedures.
- Oversee, forecast, and capture of specific customs related analytics (i.e., number of customs entries, types of entries, etc.).
- Manage the movement of FWC26 related goods from global points of origin to destinations within Canada, Mexico and the USA.
- Liaise with counterparts in Mexico and the USA on transborder movements between Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
- Support on the Customs & International Freight Forwarding program and ensure policies and procedures are adhered to by FIFA Functions and FIFA Client Groups: FIFA, FIFA Commercial Partners, Contractors, Confederations, Host Broadcasters, Media Partners, Participant Member Associations, Subsidiaries, Hosting Associations Suppliers and Vendors.
- Manage the communication with client groups by streamlining customs information through various channels such as direct communication of Customs & Freight Guide, Vendor and Supplier Workshops, Broadcast Briefings, Microsoft Teams demonstration, Individualized trainings, and Logistics Portal (if applicable).
- Contribute to draft the Customs & Freight Guide for publication to all FIFA Client Groups.
- Manage the reconciliation and closure of all outstanding customs procedures.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, license, permits, and customs requirements.
- Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in Customs & International Freight Forwarding, incorporating innovative approaches to enhance the overall customs logistics operations for the World Cup.
- Participate in the Logistics Coordination Centre to provide robust support for Customs & International Freight processes during tournament time.
- Support in developing strategic plans to fulfil FWC26 sustainability commitments and goals.
- Participate in outreach programs, as required, intended to educate stakeholders on tournament time operations.
- Maintain daily/weekly logistics situational reporting.
- Other duties as assigned.
- 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).
FIFA World Cup 2026 Skills Framework
ACCOUNTABILITY: 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 or equivalent experience in Events Logistics, Supply Chain, etc.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in the Customs & Freight Forwarding industry in Canada/Mexico and/or USA logistics, etc.
- Knowledge and understanding of USMCA (United States of America, Mexico, and Canada Agreement), importation of restricted goods i.e., food/beverage, medical, vehicles, etc.
- Knowledge of Customs & Freight within Major Event logistics planning and delivery phases, and policies and procedures.
- Collaborative mindset, adaptable and willing to work to tight and changing timelines.
- Proficient in analytical thinking and data skills.
- Demonstrates positive attitude, patience, persistence, and determination.
- Experience working in a multi-cultural, multi-national environment.
Languages
- Fluent in English. French proficiency is a plus.
Technology
- Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools.
FIFA26 is a proud equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and prohibits discrimination of any kind on the basis race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
