Protective Security Operations Manager

FIFA has established a Local FIFA Subsidiary in Brazil to work together with FIFA Zurich to deliver the biggest women’s sporting event in the world, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ (“FWWC2027”) that for the first time ever, is hosted in South America in Brazil. Now is your time to be part of the workforce that is creating this unique and unforgettable experience.

Please submit your CV in English, as it will be reviewed by an international team.

THE POSITION

The Protective Security Operations Manager owns the detailed operational planning and coordination of protective security activities within the Protective Security Operations portfolio. The role converts approved requirements and public security commitments into workable operational arrangements for protected movements, designated persons, close protection interfaces, Trophy security and designated central sites.

The Manager also leads the Movement Security Coordinator and Venue Safety and Security Managers (VSSMs) during tournament operations within the approved VSSM programe and host city operating model.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and coordinate detailed protective security arrangements in accordance with approved portfolio requirements.
- Own the detailed operational planning and coordination of security movement arrangements within the portfolio, including designated protected movements and the security solutions required for team and referee movements.
- Coordinate police escort requirements, routes, departure and arrival arrangements, secure loading and unloading points, contingencies and other relevant movement security measures.
- Lead and manage the Security Movement Coordinator and ensure that movement requirements are accurately planned, tracked and communicated.
- Manage VSSMs during tournament operations and provide clear priorities, direction and performance oversight across assigned host cities and clusters.
- Ensure VSSMs are appropriately prepared, briefed and deployed to deliver decentralised Protective Security Operations in accordance with the approved VSSM programe and host city operating model.
- Oversee VSSM implementation of approved non-competition site and protective security arrangements, including local operational adjustments, supplier delivery, site readiness and public security coordination.
- Review significant operational issues, risks and proposed changes raised by VSSMs and provide direction or escalation where required.
- Ensure changes affecting staffing, operating hours, contractual scope, resources or budget are referred to the relevant central owner for approval.
- Maintain oversight of VSSM support to team and referee movement readiness, including origin and destination security arrangements and other significant host city movements.
- Monitor VSSM reporting, assurance activity and operational performance and ensure material issues are escalated to the Senior Manager Protective Security Operations.
- Coordinate operational arrangements for designated protected persons and maintain effective interfaces with close protection teams.
- Coordinate FIFA-provided close protection resources where applicable.
- Own the detailed security planning and operational delivery arrangements for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy, FIFA HQ, IBCC and Final Draw.
- Act as the principal tactical and operational Safety & Security interface with public security authorities for activities within the role’s scope.
- Coordinate with Team Security to ensure that movement security arrangements meet the security requirements established for teams and referees.
- Coordinate with Stadium Safety and Security Managers (SSSMs) on protective security and close protection requirements within stadium environments.
- Identify, manage and escalate material risks, resource requirements, operational dependencies and changes with contractual or budget implications.

YOUR PROFILE

Education
- Degree in security management, law enforcement, risk management or a related field desirable.
- Relevant professional qualifications in protective security, close protection, security management or major event operations are desirable.
Experience
- Substantial experience in protective security, major event security, law enforcement, close protection coordination or a comparable operational security role.
- Proven experience planning and coordinating protected movements, police escorts, routes, arrival/departure arrangements and contingencies.
- Practical experience coordinating close protection interfaces and security arrangements for designated persons.
- Experience managing operational security personnel and decentralized delivery teams.
- Proven experience directly managing and developing teams, including setting objectives, delegating responsibilities, managing performance and holding staff accountable for delivery.
- Experience coordinating operational requirements with public security authorities and other government agencies.
- Major sporting event or complex multi-site operational experience is highly desirable.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong planning, operational coordination and problem-solving capability.
- Sound judgement and decision-making under pressure.
- Strong stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple operational priorities simultaneously.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Good organizational and documentation skills.
- Advanced IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office.
Certifications & Requirements
- Right to work in Brazil.
- Fluent in English (spoken and written)
- Fluent in Portuguese (spoken and written)
- Ability to re-locate to Rio de Janeiro.
- Willingness to travel nationally and work extended or irregular hours during tournament periods.