Experiential Manager, Production Manager

Octagon • Stamford, CT

370d • $60,000 - $65,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Octagon is in search of an Experiential Manager to become a key player in the Host Countries project team of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola. As part of the core team, you will work up close with the world's most iconic sporting asset, for one of the world's best loved and biggest brands. The role is a 100% commitment to delivering a best-in-class Host Countries Trophy Tour, for a client with extremely high expectations and vast experience in this area. 2026 will mark the 6th edition of the tour and the second time Octagon will serve as the lead agency for the Tour. The role will encompass working with 3 different countries (US, Mexico, and Canada), and respective regions/cities spanning time zones, business objectives, and the full range of football interest levels. Given the complex layers of partners, vendors, and fluid environment for this program, we are looking for someone with 5+ years of proven experience with experiential and mobile tours as well as an in-depth understanding of all event production elements throughout the entire process to deliver a first-in-class Host Countries Trophy Tour. This includes - but is not limited to - workstreams such as transport, logistics, vendor management, production, tour staffing etc. As a member of the traveling team, the Production Manager will be required to travel domestically and internationally and work on weekends as required. Candidates should have an interest in soccer and should be familiar with the domestic and global soccer landscape.

Requirements

• 5+ years' experience in marketing/sponsorship, working with global sports properties and programs.
• High level of experience in event/experiential marketing: event production processes from briefing through execution, including but not limited to, logistics management, production, A/V, tech-savviness, shipping, etc.
• Highly meticulous self-starter, organized with ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Dynamic presentation skills with all audience levels, i.e., internal and external client presentations.
• Endurance, stamina and physical ability to work long hours for extended days on the tour.
• Persistent enthusiasm, energy and drive through the project both in the office and importantly, on the road.
• Problem solves effectively as a team and independently.
• Existing relationships working with production/fabrication vendors.
• Substantive experience managing event production processes from briefing through execution.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written).
• Experience managing large-scale and/or global events.
• Proven ability to develop and sustain strong working relationships with multiple national and local clients.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills based in agency, client and industry knowledge.
• Strong planning and organization skills to effectively manage numerous programs and resources simultaneously.
• Strong computer skills - Microsoft Office proficiency (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record required.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in soccer and familiarity with the domestic and global soccer landscape.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and work weekends or holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Reports and works closely with Host Countries Production Directors to support the development of an extensive operational touring plan across 3 Host Countries (Mexico, USA and Canada).
• Collaborate closely with the other Production Manager, Group Directors and Host Countries Program Lead surrounding the planning and execution of all markets activation plans.
• Support all logistical and touring aspects around the development and execution of the routing plan across 3 Host Countries based on a leapfrogging model of two tour teams.
• Continuously update the overall routing plan ensuring all touring variables and market program plans are reflected.
• Coordinate regular status updates on any logistical, routing and experiential implications of the Coca-Cola market activation plans.
• Manage the comprehensive experiential asset production process including vendor management, production, integration and testing.
• Contribute to After Action Review to capture key learning's of the FWCTT Team.
• Handle all transport and logistical elements of the event production.
• Work closely with the Host Countries Tour Lead and Coca-Cola stakeholder to execute the events and coordinate the two leapfrogging touring team.
• Lead all experiential elements including (local) set-up teams.
• Work with Team Manager and local markets to implement and coordinate transportation and lodging for core traveling team in assigned markets.

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO policy.
• Competitive medical/dental/vision insurance plans with FSA/HSA and Dependent Care FSA options.
• Pet Insurance.
• Generous Family and Parental Leave Policy (12 weeks).
• Access to 401K program with company match and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Pretax Transportation/Commuter Benefits.
• Dedicated Mental Health resources including Headspace membership.
• Discount portal for everyday goods and services.
• Employee Resource Groups and inclusive diversity programming and initiatives.
• Personal Development programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees