Conference Project Manager

At AstraZeneca we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the upmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships that help pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people’s exceptional skills with those of people from all over the globe.

As a Conference Project Manager, within our Global Congress & Conference Team (GCCT), you will deliver global conference project management for external meetings with Health Care Professionals on allocated projects for various study/project/functional teams across AstraZeneca. You will apply specialist knowledge within conference project management and meeting delivery to ensure the delivery of meetings to budget and in a manner that aligns to all external regulations and internal AstraZeneca policies, both local and global.You will manage risk, using judgments in complicated or novel situations, and you will be expected to have excellent levels of interactive communication within the teams – directly advising others. You will deliver allocated activities via a range of delivery methods, including outsourcing of projects and working in partnership with both internal customers and external suppliers.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide expert conference project management leadership for study/project/functional teams in all regions, covering all aspects for designated events (such as Investigator Meetings, Advisory Boards, meetings at Congress etc.).
• On a Project Management basis, lead a global, cross-cultural, cross-functional, internal and external team to deliver each allocated project, ensuring a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the deliverables for each team member.
• Take overall logistical responsibility for events directly delivered under the GCCT Operating Model – including venues, hotels, on-site attendee management, and audio-visual production.
• Take overall outsourcing responsibility for events indirectly delivered under the scope of the GCCT Operating Model.
• Take overall responsibility for Regulatory Compliance with Global and Host Country rules for all logistical elements of events directly delivered or outsourced under the GCCT Operating Model.
• Deliver events via established packages of service with external suppliers using framework agreements and negotiated rates (delegate management suppliers and audio-visual suppliers).
• Manage operational relationships with external suppliers (delegate management and audio-visual suppliers).
• Provide information and guidance to Science Units teams for events not directly managed or outsourced by GCCT (including Regulatory Compliance guidance for all logistical elements).
• Continually support the development of a network of external suppliers, in conjunction with Development Operations leadership and Procurement.
• Set up the event management system for each directly delivered or outsourced event.
• Provide accurate financial/budget management information, including charge-backs to teams and analyze dollar, timeline and resource variances to projects.
• Provide documented added-value and cost-effective savings on all projects.
• Support the maintenance of the GCCT operating model and drive the development of improved processes and standards by sharing best practices and lessons learned.
• Act as a coach and/or mentor to other members of GCCT as appropriate.
• Ensure all activities conform to AstraZeneca compliance and purchasing standards.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Highly developed conference project management and budget management skills.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in international conference project management – preferably from within the pharmaceutical industry or similar large multinational organization.

Essential Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of project management tools and processes, including risk management, cost, time and resource management.
• In-depth experience and knowledge of the Regulatory Compliance processes for external interaction/engagements with HCPs, HCOs, HCP service providers, payers and public officials, (internal and external codes, local and global).
• Excellent leadership and negotiation skills.
• Excellent delivery focus – an ability to work to tight timelines and manage conflicting priorities while maintaining initiative and attention to detail.
• Good team player and team leader attributes
• Appreciation and understanding of cultural differences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English as the AstraZeneca working language.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical drug development processes.

We are looking forward to your application.

Next Steps – Apply!

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience – it is the only way that our Recruiter and Hiring Manager can know that you feel well qualified for this opportunity. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please share this posting with them.