Ticket Management Director

Octagon is looking for a highly experienced Ticket Management Director to join a dynamic team, working with a global client with sponsorships of FIFA World Cup 2026. This role is a unique opportunity to join our team.  

The candidate must have relevant experience in the planning and delivery of end-to-end ticketing operations in a hospitality programme at major sporting events.  

Leading up to the event, the Ticket Director will be responsible for ticket and system planning and set-up, allocation, working with key global stakeholders and the team to ensure seamless guest experience. 

This is a fixed term contract role until August 2026. 

Key skills we’re looking for:  

Ticket Inventory Management · System Management · Budget management · Key Client/Stakeholders Management · Excel & data reporting · Analytical thinking & problem solving 

We’re looking for someone who will be responsible for:  

• Leading all ticketing operations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, overseeing allocation, tracking, and delivery across a diverse global client base
• Providing strategic oversight and advisory support to align ticketing operations with stakeholder goals and contractual obligations
• Establishing and managing an integrated ticket and guest access system, ensuring alignment 
• Coordinating closely with departments such as Hospitality, Compliance, Accreditation, and Guest Services 
• Maintain accurate records in Excel (pivot tables, XLOOKUP, data validation) formulas in general
• Directing end-to-end planning and execution of ticket fulfilment, venue support, and guest service delivery for priority client groups
• Managing ticket-related communications and resolving queries in collaboration with both internal and external teams
• Acting as the primary point of contact between Organisers teams, key stakeholders, and internal operational units
• Leading contingency planning and issue resolution to ensure operational readiness across all venues
• Delivering accurate reporting, reconciliation, and audits of ticket inventory, providing regular insights to leadership and partners 

Key Responsibilities Overall: 

• Configure and maintain a secure, scalable ticketing management system and tracker
• Ensure all systems and practices comply with FIFA regulations, data protection laws, and contractual obligations
• Serve as the central contact for assigned client groups, ensuring their ticketing needs are met with precision and professionalism
• Track ticket allocations, transfers, and usage with clear reporting structures and accountability
• Develop and manage strategies for ticket distribution, policy compliance, and operational readiness across all delivery channels
• Analyse data to create performance dashboards, contribute to insights, and support post-tournament reporting
• Anticipate and resolve potential delivery challenges, escalating when necessary and implementing mitigation plans
• Recruit and lead on-the-ground ticketing support teams for event delivery 

This could be your next right move if: 

• (5-10 years) Extensive Ticket Management experience in major events (FIFA World Cup or Olympics), with a strong eye for detail and precision in high-pressure environments
• Technically confident with major events ticketing platform (FIFA or Olympics), guests’ registration tools, and data privacy requirements
• Proven ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and in person with stakeholders at all levels
• Strong Excel skills, able to build automated files (pivot tables, formulas, advanced data analysis) 
• Comfortable navigating cross-functional teams, clients, and agency partners with diplomacy and ease
• Highly organized, dependable, and focused; nothing slips through the cracks under your watch
• Collaborative by nature - you enjoy helping others succeed and thrive in a team-focused culture
• Open to global travel and flexible work hours, including weekends and later nights as part of the experience 

THE BIGGER TEAM YOU’LL JOIN 

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? 

ABOUT US  

Octagon is a global creative agency in sports, entertainment and culture.  

We’re part of a wider family of agencies – the Octagon R&CPMK – a group of specialist agencies working with brands, athletes, and celebrities. Group agencies include Futures Sport & Entertainment, FRUKT and No2ndPlace. We’re all part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (IPG), one of the world’s most respected advertising networks. 

Founded in 1982 with over 800 employees around the globe. Our Headquarters is in Stamford, Connecticut with further offices around the world including: New York, LA, Miami, McLean, Sao Paulo, Johannesburg, Sydney, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Barcelona, Madrid, London and Manchester. 

We inspire brands and people to play. At Octagon, it’s all in Play. 

http://www.octagon.com/ 

Octagon is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.