Manager, Stadium Bus Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Be part of the team delivering world-class mobility for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

TMS is the global leader in ground transportation management, logistics, mobility and venue solutions, renowned for delivering top-tier services for the world’s most complex events with unwavering confidence and integrity. With over 30 years of industry experience, we proudly reflect on managing transportation for more than 1,450 events and contracts, safely transporting over 120 million passengers. Our prestigious portfolio includes supporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Olympic & Paralympic Games, Formula One, NBA, Kentucky Derby, Coachella, and major corporations like Microsoft and Google. We also support citywide events and trade shows such as NAHB, NAB, SEMA, NACS, and ICSC. Our aim is to be distinguished by the quality of our work, fostering a legacy of trust and superior performance.

As New York/New Jersey prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™, TMS is proud to deliver the Host City Bus Operations for Park & Rides (P&R) program, a critical component of the mobility network moving thousands of spectators to and from MetLife Stadium.

Position Title: Manager, Stadium Bus Operations

Reports to: Project Lead

Position Summary: 

As Stadium Bus Operations Manager, you will lead the on-site delivery of Park & Ride (P&R) Bus Operations at MetLife Stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in New York/New Jersey.

You will oversee all match-day bus activities within the stadium precinct, managing fleet movements, load zones, and workforce operations in alignment with the Transport Operations Center (TROC). The role demands strong operational leadership, real-time decision-making, and coordination across multiple partners to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable transport for up to 18,000 spectators per match.

As a key member of the Transport Leadership Team, you will drive readiness, testing, and event-time delivery, ensuring that every journey reflects the world-class standards of FIFA, the Host City, and TMS.

Responsibilities: 

Operational Delivery

• Lead and manage all P&R Stadium Bus Operations at MetLife Stadium.
• Oversee bus load zones, dispatching, staging, and recycling to ensure safe, efficient passenger and vehicle flow.
• Implement the approved Bus Mall design, including ADA load zones, queues, and pedestrian interfaces.
• Coordinate real-time operations with the HC Transport Operations Center (TROC) and Command, Control, Communication, and Coordination (C4) system, maintaining effective communication and rapid incident response.
• Maintain compliance with all Local Area Traffic Management Plans (LATMPs), Vehicle Access and Parking Permits (VAPPs), and HC operational standards.
• Manage bus recycling between the stadium and Park & Ride clusters to maintain optimal throughput.
• Supervise workforce deployment, shift rotations, and welfare across all operational zones.
• Confirm Bus Mall and Staging Area readiness before each match, including signage, lighting, barriers, and communications.
• Lead operational readiness activities, including test events, match-day briefings, and equipment setup to ensure full operational preparedness.
• Monitor live Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) data, radio communications, and on-ground operations.

Venue Integration

• Integrate bus operations into the wider stadium transport plan, aligned with ingress/egress timings, gate openings, and security procedures.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Venue Operations Center and Security Teams.
• Support Venue management and Security during emergencies, evacuations, or severe weather to ensure rapid transport response.
• Contribute to stadium planning, readiness, and debrief sessions, advising on layout, wayfinding, and spectator experience.
• Coordinate with other transport modes, rail, rideshare, and workforce shuttles, to deliver a seamless mobility network.
• Oversee Last Mile pedestrian movements, ensuring safe, well-lit, and clearly signed access.
• Manage ADA golf buggy shuttle operations, ensuring safe accessible service and driver coordination.

Workforce Leadership

• Working alongside HR & Workforce, develop and plan workforce requirements.
• Support the recruitment, training, and deployment of operational staff and drivers.
• Lead and motivate supervisors and ground teams across all operational zones.
• Manage staff deployment, briefings, and role assignments to ensure full coverage during ingress and egress.
• Ensure all staff are briefed, uniformed, accredited, and equipped to deliver exceptional customer service and maintain operational safety.
• Oversee driver coordination, rest breaks, and adherence to routing and permit controls.
• Maintain operational welfare facilities, ensuring staff and drivers have access to rest areas, catering, and sanitation.
• Monitor performance, provide real-time feedback, and foster a safe, professional, and collaborative work environment.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as the on-site TMS lead for all bus operations at MetLife Stadium.
• Liaise with NJ Transit, NJDOT, PANYNJ, law enforcement, emergency services, and other partners to coordinate staging, loading, and traffic flow.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate services and respond to live event conditions.
• Coordinate with the Senior Manager, Bus Operations, to align stadium activities with the wider Park & Ride network.
• Represent TMS in venue operational meetings to ensure alignment between Transport, Venue, and Security teams.
• Act as the TMS liaison within the Venue Operations Center and TROC, sharing updates and decisions in real time.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce safety standards and ensure compliance with LATMPs, VAPP protocols, and HC requirements.
• Oversee ADA boarding and shuttle operations to ensure accessible, safe, and inclusive service delivery.
• Monitor crowd, vehicle, and weather conditions, activating mitigation or contingency plans as needed.
• Maintain safe separation in crowd/vehicle interaction zones through effective signage, barriers, and staff positioning.
• Lead initial incident response for bus or pedestrian safety events, ensuring containment, documentation, and reporting per TMS and HC protocols.
• Contribute to the project Risk Register, reporting new risks, near misses, and trends for continuous improvement.
• Ensure all staff are trained in emergency procedures, evacuation protocols, and escalation chains.

Testing & Readiness

• Lead readiness exercises at MetLife Stadium in coordination with HC and FIFA programs.
• Verify Bus Mall and Staging Area readiness before each test and match, including signage, lighting, barriers, and communications.
• Support multi-agency exercises involving transport, security, and emergency services to confirm coordination and operational integration.
• Ensure all operational staff complete readiness drills and scenario testing for crowd management, ADA, and contingency routing.
• Capture lessons learned, track corrective actions, and update the Venue Transport Operational Plan (VTOP) and workforce materials.
• Provide readiness status reports summarizing preparedness, test outcomes, and outstanding actions.

Customer Experience

• Maintain clear wayfinding, signage, and communication across all bus and pedestrian areas.
• Ensure staff interactions uphold TMS's commitment to professionalism and exceptional service.
• Respond promptly to spectator inquiries and incidents to maintain smooth operations.
• Oversee ADA assistance, including golf buggy transfers, priority boarding, and support staff.
• Coordinate with HC and Venue teams to align communications and signage with spectator flow and match schedules.
• Monitor queue times, accessibility performance, and passenger satisfaction, resolving issues in real time to ensure a positive experience.

Documentation & Reporting

• Develop and implement the Venue Transport Operational Plan (VTOP).
• Maintain accurate operational logs, incident reports, and staff rosters.
• Provide daily situation reports and performance updates to the wider project team.
• Contribute to the HC After-Action Report.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of stadium and venue transport operations and large-scale event mobility.
• Proven ability to lead live operations under pressure in a high-profile environment.
• Knowledge of LATMPs, VAPPs, and coordination between transport, venue, and security stakeholders.
• Proficient with AVL, radio communication, and dispatch control systems.
• Skilled in crowd flow, pedestrian safety, and emergency coordination.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across multi-agency environments.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Lead and attend meetings always representing TMS with the highest standard. Ensure timely response to all communications and maintain all documentation in company files and folders and sharing key documentation as required.
• Flexibility in working hours – no two days are the same. Be willing to work flexible and extended hours throughout the event period.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proficient in English (written and oral).
• Preferably 5-8 years of progressive responsibilities and work-related experience, and any combination of education and training, which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job, combined with demonstrated professional growth and achievement.
• Previous involvement in complex event operations, preferably at FIFA World Cup™ or Olympics/Paralympics scale or equivalent.
• Experience of working in International and US major events, preferably within a transport, venue or logistics planning capacity.
• Strong business acumen and transport language.
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 software.
• Proven experience managing stadium or major event bus or shuttle operations.
• Understanding of accessible and inclusive transport delivery.
• Experience with large workforce management in live event conditions.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

The employees’ responsibilities reflect current needs and requirements of the Company as at the date of issuing this position description. However, the services that the employee is required to provide for the Company may change over time as circumstances dictate.

TMS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.