Hospitality Manager, Soccer

THE JOB / Hospitality Manager, Soccer

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing programs.

***Our headquarters is in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with a priority given to candidates open to hybrid work (2-3 days week in office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL, or Atlanta, GA. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates with East Coast working hours as a prerequisite.”

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Account Manager to join a dynamic team, working with a key 2026 FIFA World Cup sponsor. The role is ideal for someone with previous major event experience who is looking for a new and exciting challenge.

In addition to 2026 FIFA World Cup hospitality operations planning, the successful candidate will be working on three top-level music events that will occur in July and August 2025 across Europe and USA.

This role will assist the account team based in the UK, Germany and USA and we’re looking for candidates who are highly detail orientated, possess solid event management skills and have a passion for sport and music.

The role is 50/50 split across working on 2026 FIFA World Cup and delivering hospitality programs for major music festivals and responsibilities will include following:

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Supporting account team in the day-to-day planning and management of a global hospitality program
• Research and management of suppliers, from branding to accommodation and transport
• Working alongside client procurement, finance and legal teams to ensure smooth vendor selection and contracting process.
• Manage internal, client and third-party agency meetings including accommodation, meeting space, F&B and transport bookings.
• Attend project related workshops and site visits
• Account administration including ownership of status document and budget tracking
• Lead communication with music festivals organisers especially their ticketing and operations teams
• Create guest communication plan and deliver accordingly
• Set up and manage online portal for guests’ registration
• Assist in producing operational manuals and reports as required
• Taking a lead on managing guest information updates and communicate to relevant managers on-site (Transportation, Hotel, F&B, Tickets, etc.)
• On-site event delivery including guest liaison, supplier management and team support

THE BIGGER TEAM YOU’LL JOIN

Recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work in Sports”, Octagon is the global sports, entertainment, and experiential marketing arm of the Interpublic Group.

We take pride in being Playmakers – finding insightful, bold ways to create play in our work, our lives, and in the world. We believe in the power of play to create big ideas and unlock potential for our clients and talent.

We can put ourselves in the shoes of fans because we ARE fans – of sports, entertainment, and culture at large. This expertise allows us to continually evolve the fan experience across sports and entertainment alongside some of the biggest brands and talent in the world.

The world needs play more than ever. Are you a Playmaker?

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Previously worked on Olympics, FIFA World Cups, UEFA Champions League Finals, UEFA European Championships or any other major sporting event
• Love events and hospitality operations
• Worked with international guests and enjoy getting to know more about other cultures
• Pays attention to the details and stay focused so nothing gets missed.
• Ability to think on your feet and use your initiative. You like learning new things and can quickly adapt when things change.
• Excited to travel and enjoy meeting new people.
• Communicates clearly. Can write well, you speak in an engaging way and can explain your thoughts and ideas succinctly
• Enjoys solving problems and finding creative solutions to difficult challenges
• Thrives on working on a number of projects at any one time
• Patient, level-headed and cool under pressure
• Possesses strong skills in Power Point Skills, Excel and Outlook and a confidence to present internally and externally
• Happy to work weekends and the long hours during event time
• Fluency in other languages a plus.
• Agency experience working in a similar role, ideally with experience on major sporting events, is a plus.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%)

L3: The base range for this position is $60,000 – 65,000. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background pertinent experience, and qualifications

Octagon’s comprehensive benefit package includes:

• Unlimited PTO policy – we understand you need time for play!
• Competitive medical/dental/vision insurance plans with FSA/HSA and Dependent Care FSA options. Pet Insurance for those who need it too!
• Generous Family and Parental Leave Policy (12 weeks) with eligibility extended to all parents regardless of gender or primary/secondary caregiver status 
• Access to our parent company (IPG) Savings plan (401K program) with company match as well as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Pretax Transportation/Commuter Benefits and Parent Travel Program
• Dedicated Mental Health resources including Headspace membership, Employee Assistance Program (CCA) and more
• Discount portal for everyday goods and services
• Employee Resource Groups and inclusive diversity programming and initiatives
• Personal Development programs 

Octagon is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

#LI-JR1