Experiential Manager, Production Manager

THE JOB / 2026 FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola – Host Countries Tour Production Director

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.

Octagon is in search of an Account 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 region/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.

The Host Countries Production Manager will serve as the day-to-day Coca-Cola contact across all 3 host countries to support the development of Tour routing and logistics as well as the experiential footprint of events in accordance with the Global Program Guidelines, in order to meet Coca-Cola Business Goals.

Additionally, the Host Countries Production Manager will report and work closely with the Host Countries Production Group Directors who are leading the overall operational plan development and execution with the Coca-Cola contacts across all Tour stops. Alongside the Host Countries Production Director, the Production Managers will be part of a broader team, each of which will have unique responsibilities for the overall team depending on team needs and specific expertise.

This role will involve extensive away from home travel, inconvenient working hours as you navigate clients in different territories, minimal sleep, and the absolute experience of a lifetime. This is a true once-in-a-career opportunity for a driven Experiential Manager.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

Host Countries Production Manager

• 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) that caters towards the unique environment of the tour and brings the Coca-Cola market activation plans to life
• Collaborate closely with the other Production Manager, Group Directors and Host Countries Program Lead surrounding the planning and execution of all markets activation plans and strongly advise on operational feasibility of those 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
• Continually look for innovative solutions and production methods.
• Contribute to After Action Review to capture key learning’s of the FWCTT Team

Global Team

• Support the Production Group Directors, Host Countries Tour Lead and Global Tour Director as needed on workstreams such as routing, logistics, aviation, carnet, asset production
• Provide input to Global Guidelines – a toolkit for global program activation and plan for local markets to leverage against
• Occasionally travel with Global Tour Team to support the experiential assets

Tour Execution

• 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 incl. (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

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

• 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
• Standout colleague – this role will require frequent collaboration with other team members and stakeholders
• 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 along
• 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
• Understands how to connect experiences to drive content
• Open to change and highly adaptable to shifting needs and deadlines
• Strong computer skills – Microsoft Office proficiency (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
• Valid drivers license and clean driving record required.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Full time (75%-100%)

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.

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