Associate Manager, Event Strategy & Operations

1 Astellas Way Northbrook, IL 60062 US

Posted: 01/02/2026 2026-01-02 2026-02-01 Employment Type: Contract Job Category: Professional Services Job Number: 624647 Is job remote?: Yes Country: United States

Job Description

Pay 60-74/h depending on experience

Position Summary: The Associate Manager, Event Strategy & Operations (Contractor) will support the Manager, Speaker Bureau & Event Operations in strategy, planning, compliance, and execution of events operations. This dynamic role focuses on operational excellence in support of Brand Marketing and Field Sales teams. Key responsibilities include planning and execution of strategic initiatives, managing operations, risk management, performance reporting, training, and communications. The Associate Manager will also function as a liaison to external vendor partners and internal stakeholders (commercial, legal, compliance) to ensure adherence to regulatory and compliance guidelines.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning & Execution:
   • Partner with manager to drive collaboration with leadership to ensure continued alignment and develop/refine long-term strategic plans for event operations.
   • Translate broad organizational goals into actionable operational plans.
   • Oversee and manage cross-functional initiatives to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
2. Process Optimization & Resource Management:
   • Assist with the development and implementation of operational systems and best practices to maximize efficiency and productivity.
   • Assist with managing budgets and forecasts, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
   • Identify and mitigate operational, financial, and compliance risks.
3. Program Operations & Compliance:
   • Function as the lead contact for assigned brands, ensuring full compliance with company policies and regulations.
   • Lead marketing brand manager through the speaker identification, vetting, nominating, contracting, and training processes for their speaker bureau.
   • Oversee program monitoring, including speaker eligibility and utilization.
4. Performance Monitoring & Metrics:
   • 1) Champion development of reports or dashboards with KPIs
   • 2) Monitor KPIs and identify challenges and improvement opportunities
5. Training & Communications:
   • Schedule and execute vendor partner training sessions and sales training refreshers.
   • Develop and manage speaker program standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials.
   • Create and execute strategic communication plans across stakeholders.
6. Vendor Partner & Systems Management:
   • Co-lead vendor management, ensuring strong partnerships and timely performance.
   • Manage and update key systems related to speaker programs and exhibits & displays events.
   • Perform quality control on speaker contracts, communications, training, and other documentation.
7. Reporting & Oversight:
   • Assist with managing distribution of weekly program performance reports.
   • Asist with supporting any compliance audits.
   • Establish a regular cadence for updates and guidance to marketing brand teams, sales, and operations on best practices.

Preferred Experience/Skills:

• Cross-functional team leadership with a proven history of initiative-taking ownership of improvement opportunities as well as a results driven mindset.
• Experience in marketing/sales operations, including speaker programs, exhibits & displays, and compliance processes.
• Strong writing and editing skills for field and executive-level communications and presentations.
• Proficiency in digital tools and systems (e.g., MS Suite with strong Excel skills, Veeva, SharePoint).
• Project management, change management, and training experience.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal-skills, and emotional intelligence.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements.

Fraud Alert: Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma. The industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly, never provide banking information during the application process and always double check the email address of the Recruiter to ensure it’s from an official Planet Pharma domain (@planet-pharma.com, @planet-pharma.co.uk, and @ppgadvisorypartners.com) and not a domain with an alternative extension like .net, .org or .jobs.

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