FIFA Compliance Lead

About Mace and the Opportunity

Mace combines expert construction and consultancy services aimed at maximizing the potential in individuals and projects, redefining ambitious goals. Our core values prioritize collaboration, integrity, client focus, safety, and creating opportunities for growth.

This position is tied to a landmark initiative involving the delivery of world-class stadiums and assets for major sporting events. Mace is deeply involved with a motivated client and seeks experienced professionals to promote excellence throughout these high-profile projects.

Role Overview

The FIFA Compliance Lead, also known as the FIFA Stadium Expert, serves as the single accountable authority for all FIFA and World Cup compliance requirements across the stadium program. This role offers expert interpretation, assurance, and strategic counsel regarding FIFA regulations, hosting standards, and compliance methods. The Lead will closely collaborate with the client, World Cup Authority, FIFA, and all consulting and delivery teams to ensure alignment across stadium planning, design, construction, and operations, balancing risk, budget, schedules, and legacy considerations.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison with FIFA, World Cup Authority, and the client by leading meetings, reviews, workshops, and submissions, clearly advising on acceptability, exceptions, and risks.
• Own and translate all FIFA requirements into executable guidance for design, construction, temporary overlays, operations, safety, security, broadcast, media, hospitality, and fan experience.
• Create and implement a FIFA compliance strategy and roadmap including quality assurance of all compliance documentation and reporting tools.
• Provide program-wide assurances about compliance status, highlight risks, propose mitigation strategies, and manage trade-offs between permanent and temporary solutions.
• Coordinate technical integration across various teams (design, engineering, overlay, safety/security, commercial, procurement), scrutinizing proposals to ensure FIFA compliance and cost-effectiveness.
• Advise senior client leaders on FIFA strategies, obtain approvals, and consider legacy impacts to ensure compliance without incurring unnecessary long-term expenses.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Architecture, Engineering, Sports Venue Design, Project Management or a related field (professional accreditation or FIFA-specific credentials preferred).
• Substantial practical experience working with FIFA World Cup stadiums or similarly major event venues in design, delivery, or operations.
• Proven interaction with FIFA, Local Organizing Committees, or World Cup governing groups, with strong knowledge of FIFA stadium standards and approval processes.
• Program-level experience managing multiple venues, balancing compliance, risk, costs, and legacy objectives.
• Comprehensive technical expertise in stadium design, construction, temporary overlays, safety/security, broadcast, media, and operations with the capability to interpret complex FIFA regulations.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills; credible under pressure, commercially aware, collaborative, and confident in challenging decisions when necessary.

Mace Core Values

• Safety First: Champion safety, health, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusiveness throughout all work activities.
• Client Focus: Lead cost management services emphasizing quality deliverables, strategic outcomes, and strong client relationships.
• Integrity: Promote ethical and fiscally responsible operations aligned with business objectives and legal compliance.
• Create Opportunities: Mentor and develop teams to ensure delivery excellence and foster a continuous improvement culture.

Additional Information

Mace welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and encourages applications even if all criteria aren't fully met, recognizing potential for the role or other positions in the organization. Part-time, flexible, or hybrid working options may be considered if compatible with role requirements.