Logistics experts work 'All in one rhythm' for the 2014 FIFA world cup Bra

With 3,170,856 cheering fans, over three quarters of a million litres of beer sold, 390,600 hot dogs consumed, and six million people attending public viewing sites across the globe for the South Africa games in 2010* – it’s clear to see that the FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest, and most logistically complex, sporting events in the world. The challenges involved in organising these events can be significant. The venue changes every four years, the crowd numbers top millions, weather can be volatile, and the host country may not be as prepared as other countries to cope with demands. Renowned for working with high-profile event suppliers like AB InBev and LOCOG, logistics recruiter Cast UK says people with specialist planning and logistics skills are the key to these events, as each event location has its own set of requirements. Managing director of Cast UK, Wayne Brophy, explains: “We find that with high-profile events, like the World Cup, a large percentage of the roles available will be short-term opportunities, lasting the duration of the tournament. Therefore, it’s key to recruit the right people from the outset as they have to be able to hit the ground running and commit to short-term contracts.” At Cast UK, all senior recruiters have either worked directly in supply chain and procurement or have extensive experience in specialist sector areas. This business model ensures that recruiters are informed about the industry challenges faced by their clients and they can assist them with finding the right people to tackle these demands. Wayne adds: “The World Cup in Brazil is a unique opportunity for skilled logistics professionals to play their part in the delivery of one of the world’s biggest global sporting events. While all eyes will be on the players come June, for logisticians, precision and planning will extend well beyond the pitch.”