Job Description

The Senior Congress Planner serves as a strategic lead responsible for the end-to-end planning, governance, and execution of pharmaceutical congress participation. This role independently manages complex congress
portfolios and exercises advanced judgment and discretion in decision-making related to budget, vendor strategy, compliance, and operational execution. The position is accountable for outcomes that directly impact financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, stakeholder experience, and the effectiveness of Gilead’s congress presence.

Core Responsibilities

• Independently lead all aspects of assigned congresses, including strategic planning, operational design, financial governance, vendor selection, and execution, with full accountability for outcomes, timelines, and compliance.
• Serve as the primary decision-maker for congress operational strategy, including budget optimization, resource allocation, vendor negotiations, and risk mitigation within established corporate, legal, and regulatory frameworks.
• Develop and enforce congress execution strategies, determining appropriate logistical approaches, registration models, exhibit asset utilization, and attendee engagement methods based on business priorities and event objectives.
• Exercise independent judgment in managing congress budgets, including forecasting, accruals, reconciliation, and expense reporting; make decisions and recommendations that materially impact financial outcomes, return on investment, and budget integrity.
• Lead vendor sourcing, contracting recommendations, and commercial negotiations, with authority to influence scope, cost, and delivery models to meet business objectives; manage vendor performance and resolve issues as needed.
• Apply independent judgment to ensure congress activities comply with regulatory, legal, and internal policy requirements, proactively identifying risks and determining appropriate mitigation strategies in partnership with Legal and Compliance when required.
• Establish, evaluate, and evolve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for congress execution, identifying gaps, driving continuous improvement, and implementing process changes that enhance efficiency and consistency across the broader meetings organization.
• Act as a strategic advisor to internal stakeholders, influencing decision-making related to congress participation, engagement models, and attendee experience through data-driven and experience-based recommendations.
• Manage without authority, providing oversight, guidance, and quality assurance across events led by other planners to ensure consistency, compliance, and operational excellence; serve as a senior subject-matter resource for complex or high-risk congresses.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and strategic projects that impact congress planning capabilities, including the implementation of new tools, technologies, and workflows across the organization.

Decision-Making & Autonomy

• Operates with substantial autonomy in planning and executing assigned congresses
• Makes independent decisions related to budget management, vendor strategy, operational execution, and issue resolution
• Escalates only matters involving significant risk, policy deviation, or enterprise-level impact
• Accountable for outcomes and business impact rather than task-level execution

Knowledge & Skills

• Extensive experience in congress and large-scale event management
• Advanced understanding and application of event planning principles, industry standards, and best practices
• Demonstrated analytical expertise, strategic thinking, and ability to make sound decisions in complex environments
• Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing complex budgets
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams
• Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical or regulated environment
• Proficiency in MS Office and event-related technologies, including financial management tools, Cvent, Jifflenow, and SAP
• Willingness to travel approximately 25%

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and Fiver Years' of Experience

OR

Master's degree and Three Years' of Experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required in Event Management, Business, Marketing, or a related field
Minimum of 5+ years of progressively responsible congress or large-scale event management experience
Demonstrating independent decision-making authority and ownership of outcomes

Event Management, Marketing, or equivalent professional experience
Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), or equivalent certification
Experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industries

For additional benefits information, visit:

https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.