Specialist, Stadium Pitch & Competition Security - Match Day Only

Specialist, Stadium Pitch & Competition Security - Match Day Only

Department: Tournament and Venue Operations

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Guadalajara

Description

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

Reporting operationally to the FIFA Stadium Safety & Security Senior Manager, the Stadium Security Pitch & Competition Specialist is responsible for overseeing the Private Security resources deployed within Pitch and Competition‑related zones during Match Day stadium operations.

The role ensures that stadium‑provided personnel assigned to the Field of Play, pitch perimeter, tunnel access, and competition‑controlled areas operate in accordance with approved FIFA policies and procedures, the Venue Safety & Security Plan (VSSP), Dot Planning, and Match Day directives.

The Stadium Pitch & Competition Specialist supports the protection of the Field of Play and controlled competition environments in coordination with FIFA Security, Competition, and Stadium Operations.

Key Responsibilities and Oversight

Operational Delivery – Pitch & Competition Zones

Oversee EVS personnel deployed across:

• Pitch perimeter (including LED line and field protection areas)
• Field Intervention Team (FIT)
• Training
• Communications
• Testing
• Player tunnel access points
• Team bench and technical areas (as applicable)
• Competition‑restricted circulation routes
• Controlled media pitch‑side positions

Ensure deployment aligns with approved Dot Planning and VSSP zoning.

Maintain operational integrity of access control points into competition‑restricted areas.

Field of Play Protection

• Support implementation of anti‑pitch incursion measures.
• Monitor spectator proximity risks and potential breach points.
• Ensure rapid coordination with Private Security and Law Enforcement in the event of attempted or actual pitch incursions.
• Support orderly and secure movement of Teams, Match Officials, and Competition personnel.
• FWC2026 SEC liaison with public safety and first responder associates during field‑level response to pyrotechnics deployment and eradication.

Compliance & Standards

• Confirm only properly accredited personnel access controlled competition zones.
• Monitor adherence to FIFA operational directives relating to Field of Play protection.
• Identify and escalate any deviations from approved operational planning.

Incident Management & SOC Coordination

• Monitor, document, and report incidents occurring within Pitch & Competition zones.
• Immediately elevate pitch‑related incidents to the EVS Manager and Stadium Operations Center (SOC).
• Support incident response coordination in alignment with FIFA Security directives.
• Provide timely situational updates through established reporting channels.
• Participate in post‑incident reviews where applicable.

Stakeholder Liaison

• Coordinate operationally with FIFA Competition team, Private Security supervisors, Stadium Operations, Broadcast representatives operating in pitch‑side zones.
• Ensure clarity of escalation pathways for pitch‑related incidents.
• Maintain professional conduct in high‑visibility and broadcast‑sensitive environments.

Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate operational records relating to pitch‑zone staffing and incidents.
• Submit Match Day updates and post‑match summaries as required.
• Support compliance verification and operational validation processes.

YOUR PROFILE

ACCOUNTABILITY: Demonstrate commitment to responsibilities and objectively analyze one’s behavior, 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 Event Management, Sports Management, Operations Management, Security Management, or related field preferred.
• Relevant professional certifications in event operations or safety management are an advantage.

Work Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in security operations, preferably in major events, hospitality, logistics, or VIP environments.
• Experience supervising or coordinating private security services.
• Familiarity with hotel security operations and transport/logistics environments.
• Strong understanding of access control, incident response, and operational security principles.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple sites, and perform under pressure.
• Major event or international tournament experience is an advantage.

Languages

• Fluent in English. Spanish and/or French proficiency is a plus.

Technology

• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools.

Additionally, FIFA 26 offers a competitive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401k retirement plan.