Director Safety, Security & Access

Department: Safety & Security

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Zurich

Description

THE POSITION

• Defining and driving FIFA’s global safety, security, access, and accreditation strategy for tournaments and events worldwide.
• Leading and developing the Safety, Security & Access subdivision, including people, resources, priorities, and budgets.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on strategic and operational security matters.
• Collaborating with Local FIFA Subsidiaries, Host Associations, Local Organising Committees, public authorities, venue operators, and international stakeholders to ensure aligned and effective event security operations.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of security concepts, operational plans, inspections, assessments, and risk mitigation measures.
• Continuously reviewing and enhancing FIFA’s security regulations, standards, and procedures to address emerging risks and evolving industry trends.
• Driving collaboration between public and private security stakeholders to ensure integrated and effective security delivery.
• Supporting the development of safe, inclusive, and accessible football environments through partnerships with Confederations and other key stakeholders.
• Leading the development, training, and supervision of FIFA’s Security Officers network.
• Representing FIFA at international institutions and forums, including organizations such as the United Nations, Interpol, the Council of Europe, ASEAN, and the African Union.
• Delivering workshops, conferences, training programs, reports, and presentations that strengthen security capabilities across the FIFA ecosystem.

YOUR PROFILE

• University degree in Law, Security Studies, or a related field, or equivalent police or military education.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in senior security roles connected to large-scale international sporting events, ideally within football.
• Extensive expertise in event security operations, international security frameworks, and complex risk environments.
• Proven success leading large-scale international projects and working effectively with public and private security authorities.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing teams in a complex, multicultural environment.
• Strong understanding of football governance, stakeholder management, and the global sports landscape.
• Excellent judgment, decision-making ability, and a high level of accountability.
• Resilient, proactive, solution-oriented, and comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders globally.
• Fluent in English; additional language skills, particularly French, Spanish, Arabic or Portuguese, are highly valued.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

PERKS & BENEFITS

• Health and fitness: Regular football sessions for all abilities, plus on-site gym.
• Home office: Up to two days of home office per week if work permits and home office allowance for all.
• Language courses: Offered to all staff to aid personal and professional growth.
• Continuous learning: We care about your development and encourage internal mobility, offering a variety of training and education to help achieve it.
• Pension: Flexible pension benefits with generous employer contributions.
• Relocation assistance: A dedicated team will be on hand to support your relocation.
• Sustainability: We support all employees using public transport.
• Vacation: Maintain a healthy work/life balance with a generous vacation allowance.
• Volunteering: Make an impact beyond your regular role and bond with colleagues by volunteering with one of our partners.