Hospitality Director (Transportation Lead)(Global Soccer)(Contract)

THE JOB / Hospitality Director (Transportation Lead) (Contract)

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and delivery of transportation logistics in a hospitality program at major sporting events.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

Our headquarters are in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with 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, Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, and Miami, FL. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates with East Coast working hours as a prerequisite.

WHEN YOU’LL WORK

Contract Dates: January to August 31st, 2026

Contract Type: W-2 Employment

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

Octagon is looking for an experienced Transportation Lead to join a dynamic team, working with a global client with sponsorships for the FIFA World Cup 26™.

The candidate must have relevant experience in the planning and delivery of transportation logistics in a hospitality programs at major sporting events.

On behalf our of our client, we manage an extensive global hospitality program for FIFA World Cup taking place across the U.S. during June 2026.  Leading up to the event, the Transportation Lead will be responsible for managing budget, planning, scheduling, trainings, and resourcing for all guests.

• Planning, management, administration and delivery of ground transportation.
• Providing financial account support with client budget, contracts, invoicing, tracking, PO creation and supplier payments, and detailed final reconciliation.
• Collaborate with the suppliers to ensure the smooth exchange of data for scheduling, guest management, and logistics.
• Regularly monitor the supplier’s performance to ensure they meet agreed-upon service levels, including timelines, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the suppliers to ensure the smooth exchange of data for scheduling, guest management, and logistics.
• Work with the suppliers to resolve issues promptly, maintaining a high standard of guest experience.
• Foster a positive working relationship with the suppliers and team members, ensuring open lines of communication and collaborative problem-solving.
• Oversee and conduct overall staff training, ensuring all staff members, suppliers/drivers are adequately prepared to meet guest and client needs, as well as to perform in a professional and efficient manner.

Key Responsibilities - Transportation Management:

• Liaise with transportation vendors and suppliers to secure reliable vehicles, drivers, and services.
• Oversee the relationship with the transportation supplier, ensuring they meet contractual obligations and deliver high-quality services. Act as the main point of contact between the organization and the transportation supplier, ensuring clear communication and alignment of expectations.
• Oversee and manage all transportation logistics for the hospitality program, ensuring smooth, timely, and efficient transportation for guests and staff.
• Communicate daily with the team to ensure the trackers are updated
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all transportation details to ensure smooth operations and quick access to necessary information.
• Create and maintain the transport planner + manifest, connected to the source, keep it updated and accurate
• Coordinate arrival and departure schedules for guests, ensuring timely pickups, transfers, and drop-offs at venues, airports, and hotels.
• Ensure smooth transportation operations on the match day and the stadium operations, including monitoring vehicle readiness, timely pick-ups, and prompt drop-offs to avoid delays and disruptions.
• Parking Pass management and distribution.
• Manage the transportation budget, working closely with the supplier to ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining high service standards.
• Review and approve invoices from the transportation supplier, ensuring accuracy and compliance with agreed terms.
• Ensure reconciliation files are accurate according to actual deliverables
• Serve as the main point of contact for clients regarding transportation-related concerns, ensuring proactive communication and resolution of any issues that arise.

This could be your next right move if:

• Have extensive experience in a similar, fast-paced, and dynamic role in the sport or entertainment industry
• Have proven transport event experience
• Enjoy managing a team
• Communicate clearly.
• Have the ability to collaborate across disciplines, departments, and client’s additional agency partners.

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

• Has lead Transportation for major events before
• Has 10+ years of experience with planning and scheduling transportation
• Strong Excel skills, used to pivot tables, and LOOKUP formulas.
• Patient, level-headed and cool under pressure
• Has exceptional attention to detail, time management and organizational skills
• Has a flexible, ‘can-do’ attitude and can work some weekends
• Is comfortable with a moderate amount of travel that will be required before the event for site visits, including nights and weekends when onsite
• Is a focused and performance driven individual, who can think on their feet, use initiative and be comfortable working in a global environment, under pressure, and to tight deadlines but within a team environment
• Enjoys working and being part of a big team and managing own team
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%)

This position pays an annualized rate of $100,000, and is not overtime-eligible. Contract positions with Octagon are not benefits-eligible.   

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.