Sr. Experiential Director (Trophy Tour)

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

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

Octagon is in search of a Sr. Experiential Director 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. 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. 

The Sr. Experiential Director will be one of two leads across all 3 host countries to develop and build out the Tour routing and logistics and the experiential footprint of events. Additionally, the SED will lead a wider Production Team that supports all production elements on a day-to-day basis. As members of the traveling team, the Group Directors will be required to travel domestically and internationally and work on weekends as needed. This position will work closely with the Host Countries Tour Lead who will oversee the day-to-day planning and development for the Host Countries Tour alongside Coca-Cola contacts across all Tour stops. In collaboration with the Host Countries Tour Lead, this person 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.

The role is a 100% commitment to delivering a best-in-class Host Countries Trophy Tour for a client with high expectations and vast experience in this area. Candidates with a general interest in soccer and familiarity with the domestic and global soccer landscape is a plus. 

This role will involve extensive away-from-home travel (mostly in 2026), inconvenient working hours as you navigate clients in different territories, and the absolute experience of a lifetime. This is a true once-in-a-career opportunity for the right sports marketer. 

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

Host Countries Trophy Tour – Production

• Reports to Global Trophy Tour Project Co-Leads and works closely with the Host Counties Tour Lead to develop an extensive operational touring plan across 3 Host Countries that caters towards the unique environment of the tour and brings the Coca-Cola market activation plans to life
• Collaborate closely with the Host Countries' Tour Lead and Tour Directors around the planning and execution of all market activation plans and strongly lead and advise on the operational feasibility of the program plans
• Lead 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
• Constantly refine and update the overall routing plan ensuring all touring variables and market program plans are reflected
• Provide regular status updates on any logistical, routing, and experiential implications of the Coca-Cola market activation plans
• Lead the comprehensive experiential asset production process including concepting, vendor selection, briefing, budget management, production, integration, and testing
• Lead the wider production team throughout all phases of the operations touring plan development and execution
• Continually look for innovative solutions and production methods.
• Support Host Countries' Tour budget management by working closely with the Program Co-Lead and Host Countries' Tour Lead
• Prepare After Action Review to capture key learning’s of the FWCTT Team
• Collaborate with Global Tour Lead and Tour Directors on workstreams such as routing, logistics, aviation, carnet, and asset production as needed
• Develop and constantly update the global route and operational plan around all logistical elements
• Provide input to Global Guidelines – a toolkit for global program activation
• Occasionally travel with the Global Tour Team to oversee the experiential assets
• Lead all transport and logistical elements of the event production
• Work closely with the Tour Lead and Coca-Cola partners to complete the events and coordinate the two leapfrogging touring team
• Oversee all experiential elements incl. (local) set-up teams
• Work with Team Managers and local markets to implement and coordinate transportation and lodging for the 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

• 8+ years’ experience in marketing/sponsorship, working with global sports properties and programs
• Substantive 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 the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Ability to develop structured, client-ready PPT presentations to articulate concepts with minimal direction across the Coca-Cola system effectively
• Dynamic presentation skills with all audience levels, i.e., internal and external client presentations
• Strong teammate – this role will require frequent collaboration with other team members and collaborators
• 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
• Experience managing large-scale and/or global events – previous experience with the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is highly valuable
• Proven ability to develop and sustain strong working relationships with multiple national and local clients
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills based on agency, client, and industry knowledge
• Effective leader and team builder who can provide direction, coaching, and mentorship
• Strong computer skills – Microsoft Office proficiency (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
• A valid driver's license and clean driving record are required. A valid US passport will also be required for international travel
• Anticipated travel amount: 
  • 2025 - Moderate (25 to 35%)
  • 2026 - High (80% or more for February - July 2026)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for up to or more than 8 hours at a time

The base range for this position is $90,000 – 110,000. 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 benefits 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.