Global Category Leader – Congresses & Events

Overview

As Global Category Leader for Congresses & Events, you will define and deploy global and regional procurement strategies across congresses, external events, and internal meetings. You will shape a scalable, compliant supplier ecosystem, balancing global consistency with local relevance across markets. You’ll partner with Commercial, Medical, and Corporate Functions to deliver value, governance, and performance. This role offers the chance to influence large, high-impact events and drive sustainable supplier partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end Category Management for Congresses & Events services at global and regional levels, including strategy, sourcing, supplier performance, governance, and value delivery.
• Define global and regional sourcing strategies in collaboration with Commercial, Medical, and affiliate stakeholders (including North America).
• Develop scalable frameworks and supplier ecosystems (agencies, venues, production, logistics, digital/hybrid services) and ensure adoption across affiliates.
• Monitor KPIs and dashboards for spend visibility, compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction; drive value delivery and supplier adoption.
• Lead governance, supplier negotiations, and contract frameworks (global framework agreements, rate cards, performance-based contracts).
• Animate and enable cross-regional procurement communities and affiliate networks to ensure consistent execution and best-practice sharing.
• Drive category transformation initiatives aligned with SSC models and end-user experience; implement playbooks and standardized RFP templates.

Key requirements

• 8–10+ years in Procurement with strong experience in congresses, meetings, events, hospitality, or related services.
• Global category leadership experience.
• Experience in pharmaceutical or healthcare industries or highly regulated environments.
• Deep knowledge of event operating models, supplier management, and contracting.
• Understanding of pharma event environments, governance, and compliance requirements.

• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen
• Influence and stakeholder management
• Collaboration and matrix leadership
• Strategic sourcing and supplier management
• Contracting and negotiations
• SRM and supplier ecosystem design

…