FIFA Compliance Lead

About the project

This role sits within a major sports infrastructure programme focused on delivering world-class assets for large-scale sporting events, including several stadium developments. The position offers the chance to help shape a landmark programme backed by a highly motivated client group, where strong delivery and high standards are expected at every stage.

Role overview

The FIFA Compliance Lead, also referred to as the FIFA Stadium Expert, holds overall responsibility for FIFA- and World Cup-related compliance across the stadium programme. This person acts as the programme’s main authority on FIFA requirements, providing interpretation, assurance, and strategic advice on hosting standards, regulations, and approval routes. The role works in close coordination with the client, the World Cup Authority, FIFA, and wider consultant and delivery teams to ensure stadiums and associated facilities are planned, designed, delivered, and operated in line with FIFA expectations while keeping a close eye on risk, budget, schedule, and legacy value.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the main contact for FIFA, the World Cup Authority, and the client, leading meetings, workshops, submissions, reviews, and recommendations on compliance, exceptions, and risk.
• Take ownership of all FIFA requirements and convert them into practical actions covering design, construction, overlay, operations, safety, security, broadcast, media, hospitality, and fan experience.
• Create and manage the compliance approach and action plan, including the drafting and quality review of reports, dashboards, submissions, and review packs.
• Provide programme-level assurance on compliance progress, major risks, mitigation measures, and the balancing of permanent works against temporary or overlay solutions.
• Coordinate technical integration across design, engineering, overlay, safety and security, commercial, and procurement functions, challenging proposals to confirm alignment with FIFA and value objectives.
• Support senior client stakeholders with guidance on FIFA strategy, approvals, decisions, and legacy implications, helping maintain compliance without adding unnecessary long-term cost.

Requirements

• A degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sports Venue Design, Project Management, or a similar field; professional accreditation or FIFA-related credentials are an added advantage.
• Substantial practical experience with FIFA World Cup stadiums or other major event venues in design, delivery, or operations.
• Direct exposure to FIFA, Local Organising Committees, or World Cup authorities, along with a solid understanding of FIFA stadium standards and approval workflows.
• Programme-level experience handling multiple stadiums or venues while balancing compliance, risk, cost, and legacy outcomes.
• Strong technical knowledge of stadium design, construction, overlay, safety, security, broadcast, media, and operational requirements, with the ability to interpret complex rules and standards.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities, with the confidence to work under pressure, collaborate effectively, remain commercially aware, and challenge constructively.

Values and working style

The organisation places strong emphasis on safety, client commitment, integrity, and creating opportunities for people to grow. Team members are expected to support safe and inclusive working practices, deliver reliable outcomes, operate ethically, and help develop others through coaching and leadership. The culture encourages continuous improvement and long-term client relationships.

Additional information

The employer welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and encourages people to apply even if they do not meet every requirement. The role may also be suitable for part-time, flexible, or hybrid working arrangements if these can be accommodated within the position. No external application site or applicant count details are included in the source.