Experiential Manager, Production Manager

Experiential Manager, Production ManagerUnited States of America
Requisition ID: 13562
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 (3 days a week in the 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 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.
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 country 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 lifeCollaborate 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 plansSupport 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 teamsContinuously update the overall routing plan ensuring all touring variables and market program plans are reflectedCoordinate regular status updates on any logistical, routing and experiential implications of the Coca-Cola market activation plansManage the comprehensive experiential asset production process including vendor management, production, integration and testingContinually look for innovative solutions and production methods.Contribute to After Action Review to capture key learning's of the FWCTT TeamGlobal 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 productionProvide input to Global Guidelines – a toolkit for global program activation and plan for local markets to leverage againstOccasionally travel with Global Tour Team to support the experiential assetsTour Execution Handle all transport and logistical elements of the event productionWork closely with the Host Countries Tour Lead and Coca-Cola stakeholder to execute the events and coordinate the two leapfrogging touring teamLead all experiential elements incl. (local) set-up teamsWork with Team Manager and local markets to implement and coordinate transportation and lodging for core traveling team in assigned marketsTHE 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.
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 programsHigh 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 deadlinesDynamic presentation skills with all audience levels, i.e., internal and external client presentationsStandout colleague – this role will require frequent collaboration with other team members and stakeholdersEndurance, stamina and physical ability to work long hours for extended days on the tourPersistent enthusiasm, energy and drive through the project both in the office and importantly, on the roadProblem solves effectively as a team and independentlyExisting relationships working with production/fabrication vendors alongSubstantive experience managing event production processes from briefing through executionStrong organizational and leadership skillsExcellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written)Experience managing large-scale and/or global eventsProven ability to develop and sustain strong working relationships with multiple national and local clientsSound decision-making and problem-solving skills based in agency, client and industry knowledgeStrong planning and organization skills to effectively manage numerous programs and resources simultaneouslyUnderstands how to connect experiences to drive contentOpen to change and highly adaptable to shifting needs and deadlinesValid driver's 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
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 statusAccess 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 ProgramDedicated Mental Health resources including Headspace membership, Employee Assistance Program (CCA) and moreDiscount portal for everyday goods and servicesEmployee Resource Groups and inclusive diversity programming and initiativesPersonal Development programsOctagon 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr