Dressing and Signage Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Dressing and Signage Design Manager

Company: FIFA

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary

Category: Operations & Project Management (Event Operations, Design Operations)

Date Posted: 2026-08-03

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design workflow and artwork production for all event dressing and signage assets, ensuring brand consistency and operational excellence.

• Manage a diverse team of in-house designers, freelance artists, and external supplier-based artworking teams to deliver high-quality visual elements for a global sporting event.

• Develop and implement robust sign-off procedures for product design, artwork, and production, leveraging content management systems and custom solutions.

• Collaborate closely with Venue Management, Technical & Infrastructure departments, and appointed suppliers to integrate dressing and signage seamlessly across all competition and non-competition venues.

• Act as the primary point of contact for all design and artwork-related queries, contributing to strategic team meetings and reporting on project progress and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for the operational success and visual identity of the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027™. It requires a blend of creative project management, technical understanding of print and production, and strong stakeholder engagement, all within the context of a high-profile international event. The focus is on managing the process and teams involved in design and artwork, rather than being a hands-on designer.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the comprehensive design and artwork creation process for all printed and digital materials related to event dressing and signage functions.

• Lead the development of mock-ups and visualisations required to support the Dressing and Signage Function, ensuring clear communication of design concepts.

• Direct and coordinate the workload of in-house, freelance, and supplier-based design and artworking teams, optimizing resource allocation for efficiency.

• Work collaboratively with appointed suppliers to establish standardized templates for all artwork, incorporating essential production considerations like bleed, trim, and material specifications.

• Partner with other functional areas to generate template visualisations of various spaces across official FIFA sites, aiding in holistic planning and integration.

• Serve as the initial and primary member of the artwork sign-off team, rigorously ensuring all submitted artworks adhere to the established design guidelines and principles for the respective competitions.

• Develop and maintain a rigorous design and artworking process with appointed suppliers, maximizing the utilization of their existing content management systems for streamlined workflows.

• Act as the central focal point for all Dressing and Signage design and artwork queries, proactively contributing to team meetings and providing necessary reports.

• Potentially relocate to a Host City for up to three months to serve as a Dressing and Signage Venue Manager at an allocated stadium during event periods, ensuring on-site operational execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, supplier coordination, and quality assurance within the design and production lifecycle. The ability to manage diverse creative teams and ensure adherence to strict brand and technical standards is paramount. The potential for on-site venue management during the event period indicates a need for flexibility and hands-on operational involvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Design, Architecture, Project Management, or a closely related field, or equivalent vocational training and experience.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in Design Management roles, with a proven track record in delivering dressing, signage, branding, or look projects for large-scale international events (e.g., FIFA World Cups, Olympic Games).

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage complex design workflows, creative teams, and multiple concurrent projects in a high-pressure environment.

• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the capacity to plan, execute, and monitor design and artworking processes to meet strict deadlines and quality standards.

• Stakeholder Management: Extensive experience in managing relationships and expectations across multiple organizations, departments, and external suppliers.

• Print & Production Technicalities: Solid understanding of the technical aspects of print production and signage manufacturing, including materials, methods, and end-use considerations.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience in developing and integrating design processes using CMS, with a readiness to learn and adapt to new technology platforms.

• Visualisation & Mock-up Creation: Ability to manage the creation of compelling visualisations and mock-ups for design concepts and space planning.

• Brand Guideline Adherence: Meticulous attention to detail in ensuring all design outputs strictly comply with established brand guidelines and design principles.

• MS Office Suite Proficiency: Advanced skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, and Project for planning, reporting, and communication.

• Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency in both Brazilian Portuguese and English is essential for effective communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Artworking Capability: While not primarily a designer role, possessing the ability to perform design and artwork tasks can be beneficial for quality assessment and team support.

• Event Operations Acumen: Familiarity with the operational demands and logistical complexities of major international sporting events.

• Planning Software: Experience with specialized planning and online collaboration tools beyond standard MS Office.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including venue management, technical departments, and marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical, hands-on experience in managing design output for large events, rather than pure theoretical knowledge. The need for technical understanding of print and production, coupled with proficiency in CMS and strong stakeholder management, are key differentiators. The bilingual requirement is critical for a role based in Brazil for an international organization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Workflow Management: Showcase examples of managing the lifecycle of design projects, from concept to final production-ready artwork, highlighting process efficiency and problem-solving.

• Team and Supplier Management: Evidence of managing creative teams (in-house, freelance, external) and coordinating with suppliers to deliver on project objectives, demonstrating leadership and collaboration.

• Brand Implementation Case Studies: Present case studies where you have successfully translated brand guidelines into tangible dressing and signage elements for events, emphasizing consistency and impact.

• Process Optimization Examples: Illustrate instances where you improved design or artworking processes, potentially through the implementation or enhancement of content management systems or workflow automation, with measurable results.

• Technical Specification Adherence: Include examples demonstrating your understanding and application of technical requirements for print and production, ensuring suitability for various materials and applications.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping out and optimizing design and artworking workflows, including stages for concept development, review, revision, and final approval.

• Implementation and Automation: Provide examples of how you have implemented or leveraged systems (like CMS) to streamline design asset management, production coordination, and approval processes.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Show how you have tracked and reported on the performance of design and artworking processes, focusing on efficiency, adherence to timelines, budget management, and quality outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should focus on demonstrating management capabilities and process oversight rather than a personal design portfolio. Emphasis should be on how candidates have managed teams, implemented efficient workflows, ensured brand integrity, and navigated the technical complexities of large-scale event production. Quantifiable achievements and clear process documentation are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the international nature of FIFA, the significant responsibilities, and the location in Rio de Janeiro, a competitive salary is expected. For a Managerial role with 5-10 years of experience in a major event context, the estimated annual salary range in Brazil would typically fall between R$ 150,000 to R$ 250,000 (Brazilian Real), which is approximately USD $28,000 to $47,000, depending on exact experience, negotiation, and FIFA's internal compensation bands.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, likely aligned with international standards.

• Retirement Plan: Contribution towards a pension or retirement savings plan.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, public holidays, and sick leave.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and attending relevant industry events to enhance skills in design management, event operations, and new technologies.

• Travel Opportunities: Potential for travel to other FIFA events or host cities for site visits and coordination.

• Event Access: Unique opportunity to be part of a major global sporting event with potential access to behind-the-scenes experiences.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for relocation to Rio de Janeiro, including potential housing or logistical assistance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, during critical project phases and especially leading up to and during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™, extended hours, weekend work, and potential on-call duties may be required to meet event deadlines and operational demands. Flexibility is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for managerial roles in major event organizations in Brazil, adjusted for the international scope of FIFA and the specific demands of the role. Benefits are typical for large, international organizations, with a focus on health, well-being, and professional growth. The working hours underscore the demanding nature of event-specific roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: International Sports Federation / Event Management. FIFA operates at the highest level of global football, organizing major tournaments and promoting the sport worldwide. This involves a unique blend of sports governance, event logistics, marketing, and global collaboration.

Company Size: FIFA is a large, international organization with a significant global workforce, including permanent staff at its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, and numerous project-specific teams established for major events like the FIFA Women's World Cup. The Brazil subsidiary for FWWC2027 will comprise a dedicated team focused on local delivery.

Founded: FIFA was founded in 1904. The establishment of a Local FIFA Subsidiary in Brazil for the 2027 Women's World Cup signifies a strategic operational model for major event delivery, bringing international standards and expertise directly to the host nation.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: This role sits within the Technical & Infrastructure department, reporting to the Senior Dressing and Signage Manager. It operates in close collaboration with the Venue Management team and other FIFA27 Operations functional areas.

• Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the Senior Dressing and Signage Manager, with responsibility for managing a network of designers and artworkers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Requires extensive interaction with various FIFA departments (e.g., Marketing, Branding, Venue Operations, Logistics) and external stakeholders, including Host City representatives, suppliers, and potentially local authorities.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design Integration: While creative, the process emphasizes data and operational requirements to inform design decisions, ensuring functionality and adherence to standards.

• Structured Workflow Planning: A systematic approach to managing the design and artworking lifecycle, from initial concept and brief to final production-ready files.

• Agile Event Delivery: The nature of event operations requires adaptability and responsiveness to evolving needs, with processes designed to accommodate changes while maintaining quality and timelines.

Company Website: https://www.fifa.com

📝 Enhancement Note: FIFA's culture is characterized by professionalism, a commitment to excellence in global sports, and a highly international working environment. For event-specific roles, there's an added layer of intense, deadline-driven operational focus. Understanding the scale and global reach of FIFA is crucial for appreciating the context of this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level management position. It requires significant experience in managing design processes and teams within a large-scale event context. The role offers substantial responsibility for critical visual elements that directly impact the perception and functionality of a major international tournament.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Senior Manager, indicating a clear hierarchy within the operations and technical departments. This structure allows for oversight and strategic alignment while empowering the manager to lead their specific domain.

Operations Impact: The Dressing and Signage Design Manager has a direct and visible impact on the overall FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™ experience. Their work shapes the visual identity and user experience within stadiums and associated venues, influencing spectator perception, brand representation, and functional wayfinding. Effective management contributes significantly to the event's success and FIFA's brand reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Event Leadership: Successful performance in this role can lead to opportunities to manage larger or more complex operational areas within future FIFA events or other major international sporting competitions.

• Specialized Skill Development: Deepening expertise in event branding, visual production management, and cross-cultural team leadership. Potential for specialization in areas like stadium dressing, wayfinding systems, or digital signage integration.

• International Project Management: Gaining invaluable experience in managing international projects with diverse teams and stakeholders, enhancing career prospects in global event management and operations.

• Permanent Roles: Potential pathways to permanent positions within FIFA's permanent staff structure, particularly in departments related to event delivery, technical operations, or brand management, depending on organizational needs and individual performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for professionals looking to specialize in event operations and visual management. The growth trajectory is geared towards increased responsibility in high-stakes international projects, offering a unique platform to build a career in sports event management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Brazil, likely within a dedicated FIFA Local Subsidiary office established for the Women's World Cup 2027™. This environment will be dynamic, project-focused, and highly collaborative, with staff from various functional areas working towards a common goal.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, the role explicitly states the potential for relocation to a Host City for up to three months during the event period, requiring adaptability to different on-site environments within the host nation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a fast-paced, team-oriented workspace where close collaboration with colleagues, designers, and external partners is essential for seamless workflow execution.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technologies, project management software, and potentially specialized design and content management systems provided by FIFA and its appointed suppliers.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with the Senior Dressing and Signage Manager, venue teams, and various operational departments, fostering a culture of communication and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week may be extended significantly during peak periods, including the lead-up to and duration of the tournament. This necessitates a flexible approach to working hours, with a strong commitment to meeting event deadlines. Site visits and potential on-site presence during the event are integral parts of the work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of major event organizations – demanding, fast-paced, and highly collaborative. The need for on-site presence in Host Cities during the event period highlights the hands-on nature of the role and the requirement for flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, focusing on relevant experience in design management for large-scale events and bilingual proficiency.

• First Interview (Virtual/In-Person): Typically with the hiring manager (Senior Dressing and Signage Manager) and possibly an HR representative. Focus on experience, key responsibilities, technical skills, and understanding of event operations.

• Second Interview (Virtual/In-Person): May involve a panel interview with key stakeholders from different departments (e.g., Venue Management, Technical). This stage assesses broader collaboration skills and strategic thinking.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, focusing on how they've managed design processes, teams, and suppliers for similar events. This is a crucial part of evaluating practical application.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or the head of the department to discuss overall fit, long-term vision, and final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Management & Process: Showcase your ability to manage complex projects, teams, and workflows. Use case studies to illustrate your problem-solving skills and strategic approach to design and production management.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, successful delivery against deadlines, adherence to brand standards).

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders, managed external suppliers, and integrated design elements into broader event operations.

• Demonstrate Technical Understanding: Briefly explain the technical considerations you factored into your designs and production processes (e.g., material selection, print methods, digital rendering).

• Tailor to FIFA: Research FIFA's brand guidelines and recent event aesthetics to show you understand their visual language and operational context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions that present hypothetical challenges related to managing design teams, dealing with supplier issues, or resolving design conflicts under tight deadlines.

• Process Design Exercise: You might be asked to outline how you would approach managing a specific aspect of the dressing and signage workflow for a new venue or element.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating your design rationale and operational plans clearly and concisely, as if presenting to diverse groups of stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh practical experience and the ability to articulate management strategies. The portfolio review is less about artistic merit and more about demonstrating a robust, systematic approach to managing the design and production lifecycle for large-scale events.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• MS Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, reporting, and planning.

  • Excel: For tracking budgets, timelines, supplier deliverables, and performance metrics.
  • PowerPoint: For presentations, mock-ups, and stakeholder updates.
  • Word: For documentation, briefs, and correspondence.
  • Visio/Project: For process mapping, workflow visualization, and project scheduling.

• Design & Artworking Software (Familiarity Required): While not a hands-on designer, understanding the capabilities and outputs of software like Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is crucial for managing designers and reviewing artwork.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Extensive use of the appointed Dressing and Signage Supplier(s) project, content, and scoping management systems will be required. Readiness to learn and master new, potentially custom, platforms is essential.

• Online Collaboration Tools: Platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication, file sharing, and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Tools used for tracking project progress, task management, and resource allocation (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or FIFA's internal systems).

• Reporting Dashboards: Potential use of dashboard tools for visualizing project status, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational metrics, possibly integrated with CMS or project management systems.

CRM & Automation:

• Supplier Management Systems: Processes or systems for managing relationships, contracts, and deliverables with external suppliers.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Understanding how CMS and other integrated systems can automate aspects of the design approval and production hand-off process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in MS Office is a baseline. The critical technology aspect is the ability to quickly learn and effectively manage specialized content management and project scoping systems provided by FIFA's suppliers. Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite is beneficial for understanding the work of the teams being managed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering world-class events that meet FIFA's high standards for quality, professionalism, and participant experience.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where cross-functional departments and external partners work together seamlessly towards shared event objectives.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and transparency in all dealings, particularly with suppliers and stakeholders.

• Efficiency: Driving process optimization and resourcefulness to deliver complex projects effectively within tight timelines and budgets.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and creative solutions to enhance the event experience and operational effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactive engagement with various departments to ensure dressing and signage designs are aligned with branding, venue operations, marketing, and logistical requirements.

• Process Review and Feedback: Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement through regular review of workflows and constructive feedback loops with team members and suppliers.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across the design and operations teams to build collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at FIFA, especially for event delivery, is driven by a passion for football and a commitment to executing major global events flawlessly. This role requires an individual who thrives in a high-stakes, collaborative, and deadline-driven environment, valuing both creative execution and operational rigor.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Teams: Coordinating the efforts of in-house, freelance, and multiple external supplier teams with varying work styles and quality standards.

• Brand Consistency Across Diverse Assets: Ensuring a unified look and feel across a vast array of applications, from stadium banners to functional signage and vehicle wraps.

• Technical Production Complexity: Navigating the intricacies of different print methods, materials, and installation requirements for a wide range of dressing and signage elements.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the requirements and expectations of multiple internal departments, external partners, and potentially Host City entities.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Quickly mastering and integrating new content management and project management systems provided by suppliers.

• On-site Event Demands: Potential for intense pressure and extended working hours during the tournament period, requiring resilience and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Event Operations Specialization: Deepen expertise in the operational intricacies of major international sporting events, particularly in visual branding and infrastructure.

• Advanced Project Management: Gain experience with sophisticated project management methodologies and tools used in global event delivery.

• Supplier and Contract Management: Develop skills in managing complex contracts and performance with large-scale event service providers.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Enhance abilities in working effectively with international teams and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Potential to attend relevant events focused on event design, branding, and operations to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to its scale and complexity, but these challenges are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities. Overcoming these hurdles will build a highly valuable skill set for a career in global event management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a design workflow for a large-scale event with multiple venues and tight deadlines. How do you ensure quality and consistency?" (Focus on process, team management, and quality control.)

• "How have you managed external design or production suppliers to ensure they meet your project's requirements and brand standards? Provide an example." (Highlight stakeholder management, contract oversight, and performance monitoring.)

• "Imagine a situation where a key design element for a stadium dressing project is technically unfeasible due to production limitations. How would you address this with the design team, suppliers, and venue managers?" (Assess problem-solving, communication, and compromise skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to working for FIFA and specifically on the Women's World Cup 2027™?" (Show genuine interest in the event and FIFA's mission.)

• "How do you ensure your work aligns with an organization's brand identity, especially in a global context with diverse cultural interpretations?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand management and cultural sensitivity.)

• "Describe your experience working in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment like major event operations. How do you manage stress and maintain team morale?" (Highlight resilience, leadership, and team support.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project presented, clearly outline the objective, your role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solution/process implemented, and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Emphasize Management & Process: Focus on how you managed the project, the teams, and the suppliers, rather than just the final visual output. Show your systematic approach.

• Visual Aids are Key: Use clear, concise visuals to illustrate your points. If possible, show examples of briefs, mood boards, production-ready files, and final installed elements.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your process, decision-making, and any challenges encountered during the projects you present.

• Highlight Bilingualism: If presenting in English, subtly demonstrate your proficiency and comfort. If a translation is needed, ensure it's seamless.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a robust understanding of project management, design operations, and stakeholder engagement within the context of major events. The ability to articulate processes and manage complex relationships will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the FIFA jobs portal link provided. Ensure your CV is in English as requested.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in design management, large-scale event production, print/signage technicalities, and stakeholder management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience managing design workflows, creative teams, and supplier relationships for major events. Focus on process, problem-solving, and results.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples and strategic thinking related to design operations and event management. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Research FIFA & FWWC2027: Understand FIFA's mission, brand guidelines, and the specific goals for the Women's World Cup 2027™. Familiarize yourself with the operational context of hosting such a large event in Brazil.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.