Sr. Experiential Director (Host Countries Trophy Tour Lead)

United States of America
Requisition ID: 13579
THE JOB /2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola – Host Countries Trophy Tour Lead
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 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 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 Host Countries Trophy Tour Lead will serve as key Coca-Cola contact across all 3 host countries and work alongside two Coca-Cola Territory Managers who assist each market with bottler communication, development, and execution of their specific activation plans, per the Host Countries Program Guidelines. Additionally, the Host Countries Trophy Tour Lead will work closely with two Sr. Experiential Directors (one in Experiential and one in Production) who will lead all aspects of key workstreams relative to the onsite activations such as Routing, Logistics, Production, Test Event, etc.
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 Reports and works closely with SVP, Program Lead as well and Global Trophy Tour Leads providing comprehensive updates on the overall status of host countries' marketsMain client servicing and oversight of Trophy Tour markets located across 3 Host Countries (Mexico, USA, and Canada) every step of the way to implement Program Guidelines and advise markets on how to localize to meet their objectivesCollaborate with two Coca-Cola staff (Territory Managers) who are managing the day-to-day Host Countries Program developmentCollaborate with the Production Group Directors and Managers making sure all program development is in line with logistical and production operationsDevelopment and presentation of PowerPoints to the day-to-day client and the Coca-Cola system (leads, bottlers, partner agencies, other FWC workstream leads, etc)Lead and conduct advance market visits with some markets, prior to tour executionProvide regular status updates from respective markets for Coca-Cola, FIFA, and the entire global teamPrimary liaison between local teams and program collaborators, e.g., FIFA, Coca-Cola Global, global vendors, global sponsors/partnersWork closely with a Finance support team member to manage the Host Countries Tour program budget and work closely with the Octagon finance team to provide frequent budget updates to the clientPrepare After Action Review to capture key learnings of the FWCTT TeamGlobal Team Contribute to writing and designing the Tour Guidelines – a toolkit for host countries and global program activation and plan for local markets to leverage againstSupport in operational/logistical planning as needed for Global team event deliverablesCollaborate with the Global Tour Director and identify effective and efficient ways of working (e.g., information-sharing, resource-sharing, etc)Travel with the Global Team to observe and learn how Trophy Tour operates in a live environmentTour Execution On-the-ground team lead for Host Countries' markets providing direction and communication with the client and program lead as necessaryWork with Tour leads and local markets to implement and locally coordinate transportation and lodging for the core traveling team in assigned marketsLead author for comprehensive recap reports for each respective FWCTT marketTHE 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 programsSubstantive 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 deadlinesAbility to develop structured, client-ready PPT presentations to articulate concepts with minimal direction across the Coca-Cola system effectively –this is a mustDynamic presentation skills with all audience levels, i.e., internal and external client presentationsStrong teammate – this role will require frequent collaboration with other team members and collaboratorsEndurance, 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 roadExperience managing large-scale and/or global events – previous experience with the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is highly valuableProven ability to develop and sustain strong working relationships with multiple national and local clientsSound decision-making and problem-solving skills based on agency, client, and industry knowledgeEffective leader and team builder who can provide direction, coaching, and mentorshipAbility to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for up to or more than 8 hours at a timeThe 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.
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.

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