FIFA Partnership Manager (Temporary)

General Summary

This is a temporary position with a current end date in December 2026. This position is onsite, based out of our Irvine, CA office.

The Manager for Kia’s FIFA Partnership Program will report to the National Manager, Brand Partnerships & Events and will lead in establishing and managing all aspects for Kia’s FIFA partnership executions to ensure an efficient and organized timeline. The outcome will be the successful execution of all program-related initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and partnership requirements. This position will manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables while fostering collaboration with internal teams, external partners, and FIFA stakeholders. The role significantly impacts Kia’s global brand visibility, ensuring maximum return on investment for the partnership.

Focus Areas:

• • Lead the overall project timeline, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met on time and within budget.

  • Coordinate and lead cross-functional team meetings to align goals and update stakeholders.

  • Act as a liaison between Kia, FIFA and associated partners, ensuring smooth communication and relationship management.

  • Oversee the development and execution of deliverables, including marketing assets, activations, and event planning.

  • Identify potential risks and challenges, providing solutions to mitigate disruptions to the program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1st Priority - 45%

Overall Management:

• Lead all aspects of the FIFA program timeline, ensuring efficient and effective program execution. Define project goals, scope, and deliverables. Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and budgets.

2nd Priority - 25%

Partner & Team Coordination:

• Act as the coordinating point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on objectives. Lead cross-functional teams, delegate tasks, and ensure accountability. Establish a meeting cadence that aligns with project timeline; manage deliverables, feedback and monitor execution.

3rd Priority - 20%

Performance Monitoring:

• Track project progress, evaluate key performance metrics, and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Lead cross-functional project check-ins.

4th Priority - 10%

• Reporting: Provide regular project updates to leadership and stakeholders through reports, dashboards, or presentations on the status of the program.

• Process Improvement: Recommend and implement project management tools and best practices to optimize efficiency.

Qualifications/Education

• Bachelor’s degree required in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality and Management.

Job Requirement

Overall Related Experience

• Minimum three to five years in a marketing project management. Preferably within the Automotive Industry.

• Three to five years’ experience working within sports/partnership marketing, events or show environment.

• Event Planning or CMP Credential is a plus, or equivalent experience.

• Understanding of FIFA/ Soccer is a plus.

• Event Planning or CMP Credential is a plus, or equivalent experience.

Other Requirements

• Travel will be required domestically and/or internationally.

• May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job, including weekends and/or holidays.

• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

• Proficiency with project management tools.

• Exceptional proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions, data analysis, and pivot tables.

• Expert PowerPoint skills for creating visually appealing and storytelling presentations.

• Experience with SAP.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficient PC skills in Window applications.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Organizational, detail-oriented, and analytical skills.

• Detail-oriented.

• Interpersonal skills.

• Ability to monitor budget.

• Ability to react to and anticipate delays/challenges.