The Congress Project Manager is a vital part of the Global Meetings and Events (GME) team within AstraZeneca's Global Business Services (GBS) organization. This team is dedicated to delivering world-class events through a Strategic Meetings Management Program (SMMP). In this role, you will support the strategic implementation of disease strategies and advance patient care for those suffering from rare and devastating diseases. You will deliver exceptional face-to-face and hybrid congress planning services, focusing on the Rare Disease Unit (RDU). The congress team coordinates how the business presents itself at congresses, aiming to provide a consistent experience for Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and key stakeholders. This role reports to the RDU Global Congress Director.
Accountabilities
What you'll do:
- End-to-end accountability for planning and executing congresses (face-to-face/hybrid) by collaborating with relevant business owners, multiple stakeholders, associations, and partners. Responsibilities include site visits, virtual platform management, supplier recommendations, contract negotiations, budgets, project plans, leading project team calls, attendee logistics oversight, and on-site support.
- Connect with cross-functional teams to define objectives and success measures for Global & National reach congresses.
- Act as an internal congress expert, advising teams on sponsorship levels, investments, and congress activities, including booth space, booth design, symposia, and sustainability considerations.
- Manage operational aspects of exhibition booths, symposia, sponsorships, housing, and budgets using Cvent and following GME processes.
- Provide strong project management with effective communication and collaboration across all organizational levels.
- Understand external regulatory codes across major markets and Congress locations (e.g., ABPI/EFPIA) alongside AstraZeneca/Alexion internal policies.
- Understand therapy area key priorities and congress presence strategy.
- Manage workload and priorities to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Identify creative solutions for cost-saving opportunities while adapting to changing business needs.
- Be an active member of the broader GME team, supporting benchmarking, best practices, and knowledge sharing.
- Work effectively with external vendors and internal stakeholders to establish collaborative relationships.
- Travel to support and execute all assigned congresses.
- Embrace change and find opportunities where least visible.
Essential Skills/Experience
- Experience in congress management with knowledge of the pharmaceutical congress industry, codes, and practices (minimum 3-5 years).
- Experience in leading teams and driving performance through external suppliers.
- Experience with virtual and/or hybrid events.
- Knowledge of the global pharmaceutical market and a strong understanding of external stakeholders including physicians, payers, and patients.
- Ability to work at the Guadalajara location in person for a minimum of 3 days a week (unless traveling for work). Remote working is limited to a maximum of 2 days.
Skills
- Ability to deliver and remain resilient in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, negotiation, collaboration, conflict management, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated financial/budget proficiency.
- Compliance mindset with a strong focus on adherence to industry guidelines, company policies, and financial transparency.
- Proven track record to act independently and be resourceful in problem-solving.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills; ability to lead to desired outcomes.
- Proficiency in MS Office tools (MS Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
- Ability to travel by airplane, boat, rail, and/or car when required.
Desirable Skills/Experience
- Cvent platform experience.
- Knowledge of methodology for process improvement.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Event industry qualifications (e.g., CMM, CME).
- Team management experience.
At AstraZeneca, you will join a talented global team that powers our mission to better serve patients every day. We leverage exciting new technology and digital innovations to accelerate our evolution. Our entrepreneurial spirit keeps us ahead of the rest as we apply creativity to every task. Working here means being part of a high-performing team that thrives in a fast-paced environment. We are united by our passion for helping patients and empowered by our sense of camaraderie. With countless opportunities available, this is the place to build an unrivaled reputation while being rewarded for your successes.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now!
Date Posted
18-Oct-2024
Closing Date
02-Nov-2024
Alexion is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where every single person can belong because of their uniqueness. The Company will not make decisions about employment, training, compensation, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, religion, creed or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), parental status (including adoption or surrogacy), military status, protected veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or expression, genetic information, mental illness or other characteristics protected by law. Alexion provides reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of candidates and employees. To begin an interactive dialogue with Alexion regarding an accommodation, please contact accommodations@Alexion.com. Alexion participates in E-Verify.
