Global Meetings and Events Congress Project Manager

at  AstraZeneca

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
The Congress Project Manager, part of AstraZeneca’s Global Meetings and Events (GME) team within Global Business Services (GBS), ensures top-tier event delivery through a Strategic Meetings Management Program (SMMP). This role focuses on using congresses to implement disease strategies and improve care for patients with rare and devastating diseases.
The Project Manager specializes in face-to-face and hybrid congress planning for the Rare Disease Unit (RDU). The team coordinates AstraZeneca’s presence at congresses, aiming to lead in the rare disease sector. They improve experiences for Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and partners, strategically invest to improve congress impact, and collaborate across brand teams and functional groups.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in congress management, knowledge of 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 global Pharmaceutical market and strong understanding of external partners including physicians, payers and patients

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Ability to deliver and remain resilient within a fast paced, dynamic, changing environment.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills, negotiation, collaboration, conflict management and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated financial/budget proficiency.
• Have a compliance mind-set with strong focus on adherence to industry guidelines, company policies and financial transparency.
• Proven ability to act independently and be resourceful in approach to problem solving.
• Cvent platform experience

DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Knowledge of methodology for process improvement
• Event industry qualifications (e.g. CMM, CME)
  At Alexion, you will find a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and a diverse environment where your contributions are valued. You will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of rare disease research and make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
  Ready to lead and inspire? Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease.

• Plan and implement congresses (face-to-face/hybrid) by collaborating closely with business owners, team members, customers, and partners, ensuring all event aspects are covered. The role is responsible for overall operational planning which includes site visits, virtual platform management, supplier recommendations, contract negotiations, budgets, creation and ownership of project plans, leading project team calls, attendee logistics oversight and on-site support.
• Connect with cross-functional teams to define objectives & success measures and how we want to “show up” at Global & National reach congresses.
• Act as internal congress expert, advising teams on sponsorship level, investment, and congress activities, including booth space, booth design, symposia and sustainability considerations.
• Apply operational management techniques to handle exhibition booth, symposia, sponsorship, housing, and budget management. Use Cvent and follow GME established processes as required.
• Provide strong project management with the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across all levels of organizations, both internal and external
• Understanding of external regulatory codes across major markets and Congress locations, i.e., ABPI/EFPIA, alongside AstraZeneca/Alexion internal policies and reporting requirements
• Understand the therapy area key priorities and congress presence strategy.
• Manage workload and priorities to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Identify creative solutions to find cost saving opportunities while adapting to ever-changing business needs.
• Be an active member of the broader GME team, be a good role model, support benchmarking, drive best practices and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate effectively with external vendors and internal collaborators to establish strong working relationships.