Central Regional Manager, Retail Event Operations – FIFA World Cup (8-month contract)
FanaticsAs the Regional Manager, Event Retail Operations – FIFA, you will oversee planning, execution, and performance across three high-profile FIFA event retail locations (Kansas City, Houston, Dallas). You’ll lead and support location managers, guide cross-functional coordination, and ensure a consistent, premium fan experience throughout the region. As the tournament progresses and operational readiness becomes the focus, this role will transition into a City Manager position, taking direct leadership of one key event location within your region to drive executional excellence on the ground.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:
Regional Strategy & Leadership (Pre-Execution Phase)
Oversee and mentor Location Managers across three event retail sites, ensuring alignment with Fanatics’ operational standards and retail goals.
Develop and implement regional strategies around staffing, infrastructure, logistics, and inventory deployment in collaboration with internal departments.
Coordinate with FIFA partners, venues, and vendors to ensure operational readiness and brand consistency across all assigned markets.
Drive cross-site collaboration to ensure best practices and shared solutions for common challenges.
Transition to City Manager Role (Execution Phase)
As the tournament enters the critical execution stage, in addition to supporting the City Managers within your region, take on full-site leadership at one key location.
Oversee all aspects of retail operations including team leadership, customer experience, inventory, sales performance, and issue resolution.
Act as the main point of contact for all client, vendor, and internal communications at your assigned site.
Lead by example, providing direct, on-the-ground support, coaching, and problem-solving to ensure operational excellence during the event.
Event Planning & Execution
Ensure the successful buildout and breakdown of retail operations (fixtures, tents, POS) across assigned sites.
Support merchandising execution including planograms, product placement, and real-time inventory management.
Supervise staffing plans, training, scheduling, and performance across locations.
Monitor KPIs (sales, foot traffic, staffing productivity) and make data-driven adjustments during the event.
Post-Event & Reporting
Conduct post-event reviews for each site within your region, including financial performance, inventory reconciliation, and staff assessments.
Collaborate with finance and logistics to complete regional profit/loss analysis and inventory close-out procedures.
Prepare executive summaries and Regional Strategy & Leadership (Pre-Execution Phase)
Oversee and mentor Location Managers across three event retail sites, ensuring alignment with Fanatics’ operational standards and retail goals.
Develop and implement regional strategies around staffing, infrastructure, logistics, and inventory deployment in collaboration with internal departments.
Coordinate with FIFA partners, venues, and vendors to ensure operational readiness and brand consistency across all assigned markets.
Drive cross-site collaboration to ensure best practices and shared solutions for common challenges.
WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:
3–5 years of multi-site retail or event operations experience, preferably in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
Proven success in team leadership across geographically dispersed locations.
Strong organizational, time management, and analytical skills with a hands-on approach.
Ability to switch seamlessly between regional oversight and localized, site-specific leadership.
Experience building team culture and managing people operations across different markets.
Solid knowledge of retail systems, KPIs, inventory processes, and POS platforms.
Physical ability to lift 50 lbs. and work on your feet during long event days.
- Flexibility to travel and adapt quickly in dynamic, evolving event environments.
WHERE YOU’LL WORK AND WHAT’S REQUIRED:
This role is on location based, supporting FIFA World Cup.
Work Schedule commitment is through the full duration of the FIFA World Cup Event including weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the event schedule(s).
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:
Event Experience Progression: Opportunity to move from regional oversight into direct leadership as City Manager for one of the FIFA host city locations.
High-Impact Role: Help shape the fan experience at the most globally visible sporting event.
Collaborative Culture: Join a supportive team committed to operational excellence and innovation.
Growth & Development: Gain diverse leadership experience in both regional strategy and on-the-ground execution.
All travel expenses reimbursed.