Manager, Recruitment Operations - FIFA World Cup 26™

THE ROLE 

The Recruitment Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing all operational aspects of the recruitment functions for all temporary staff hired in support of On Location’s hospitality operations at FIFA World Cup 2026™.  This role will work closely with the WFO team, Functional Area Leads and HR to ensure a seamless and efficient recruitment process.  The Recruitment Operations Manager will be essential in driving efficiency in recruitment operations, managing protocols in the ATS, and providing strategic insights to improve the candidate experience and overall hiring performance.   

The ideal candidate will have a strong focus on collaboration, leadership, and operational excellence while maintaining compliance across various levels of onboarding operations. This role requires close partnership with HR, Immigration and Legal, and various stakeholders to meet staffing needs across all workforce functions. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Process Optimization & Recruitment Systems: 

• Oversee the Applicant Tracking System, standardizing and streamlining procedures to enhance the candidate and hiring manager experience. 

• Design, implement and continuously improve recruitment processes to ensure efficiency and consistent practices across all programs, utilizing the ATS capabilities to their fullest extent. 

• Manage recruiter workload and bandwidth to identify potential imbalances in the workflow and create proactive solutions to increase efficiency across the recruitment team. 

• Collaborate with Workforce Tech Manager to ensure the ATS is properly integrated and optimized for performance. 

• Monitor the usage of the ATS, ensuring consistency in full-cycle recruitment process is maintained across all roles. 

Recruitment Operations Management: 

• Collaborate with the wider Workforce Operations Team to maintain consistent recruitment operations practices while adapting to the specific needs of the local workforce. 

• Ensure compliance with all relevant recruitment regulations, employment laws and legal requirements across multiple countries, states and provinces, relevant to the match schedule.  

• Collaborate with Legal, HR and Immigration Legal to maintain industry knowledge, best practices and changes to regulation that impact recruitment efforts in relevant markets.  

• Manage a team of Recruiters, providing leadership, mentorship and consistent direction according to organization initiatives against the project. 

• Assist in organizing and leading on-site training for staff prior to and during FIFA 2026 events. 

• Collaborate with external vendors and staffing agencies as needed to support recruitment efforts. 

• Ensure effective communication and alignment across all teams and functional areas involved in the recruitment process.  

Workforce Engagement and Retention: 

• Implement workforce engagement strategy, with workforce experience as a focus 

• Support FAs with workforce recruitment and on site management, ensuring consistency in communication and engagement pre, during and post Tournament. 

• Build excitement around Host City and operations, sharing best practice/ideas with wider Workforce Operations team 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Hospitality, Sports Management, Business, or related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience. 

• Previous experience in human resources, staffing operations, workforce management, or large-scale event operations. 

• Previous experience of working on a major sporting event beneficial. 

• Experience working within one of FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host Countries or Cities; understanding of local culture and labor laws highly advantageous 

• 5-8 years’ experience in recruitment operations, HR operations or related field, with strong leadership or managerial experience. 

• Proven track record of optimizing recruitment processes and leveraging technology to improve efficiency. 

• Experience with Applicant Tracking Systems, HRIS platforms and other recruitment tools. 

Skills & Abilities: 

• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data to drive decisions. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively at all levels. 

• In depth knowledge of recruitment processes, best practices and industry trends. 

• Experience managing a team and developing a team to reach operational goals against tight deadlines. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

• Proficiency with workforce management technologies such as Airtable, and Microsoft Office 365. 

• Ability to work autonomously in a remote setting 

• Team player with a flexible and positive attitude 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be flexible with work hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 

• Domestic travel will be required, with an estimated travel range of 10-15% annually.