Sr Event Planner

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.   Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.   We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

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.

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