Events & Engagements Lead - UK & Ireland

• Location: Reading
• Fixed Term Contract until 31st July 2026

About the job

The Events & Engagements Lead oversees strategic planning, leadership, and execution of event plans within their scope, including congresses, conventions, sales meetings, webinars, advisory boards, and speaker training. They manage end-to-end event processes, supervise Specialists, and ensure alignment with company standards and compliance. This role includes managing external suppliers, engaging stakeholders, and providing tools, services, and insights to enhance Business Unit performance, including budget reviews and efficiency recommendations.

Reporting to the Events & Engagements Head, the role ensures consistent HCP interactions, drives strategy, assesses risks, and resolves issues effectively. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are essential, as the Lead acts as a strategic ambassador for the company’s Play to Win approach.

Main responsibilities:

• Manage and train a team of Events & Engagements Specialists and hold them accountable in terms of performance, resources, and budget. Responsible for strategic planning and delegation of activities.
• Be the escalation and resolution contact for complex and sensitive issues that arise during interactions with HCPs.
• Facilitate a culture of best practice sharing. Provide advice and guidance on complex issues.
• Research and propose solutions for improving efficiency and simplifying processes.
• Keep up to date with relevant regulations and share knowledge accordingly.
• Set up project timelines and monitor progress.
• Oversee resource planning for events, meetings, and other activities that concern HCP engagements.
• Formulate policies, develop budgets and recruit professionals.
• Interpret requirements and determine strategies to improve team performance across geographies and business units.
• Make independent decisions regarding work processes and operational plans.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable regulations and policies.
• Develop team members, evaluating performance and providing feedback.
• Provide insightful views and solutions. Partner with business units and support staff involved in contributions, compliance, legal and finance areas.
• Define project procedures, methods, and controls. Align activities with One Sanofi tools and find synergies.
• Develop and maintain documentation, practice and reporting templates.
• Provide advice to business units regarding compliance matters for interactions with HCPs, including Fair Market Value calculations.  

About you

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• 5 to 7 years of professional experience in the event planning/contracting field, desirably in a highly regulated market.
• Significant business experience in the healthcare industry.
• Proven managerial skills, able to perform in a matrix organization.
• Fluent in written and spoken English. Additional languages are an advantage.

Competencies:

• Ability to drive projects to successful completion.
• Strong interpersonal skills, customer service orientation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Additional languages are an advantage.
• Event and congress expertise. Balanced focus between internal and external stakeholders.
• Financial acumen, project management and analytical skills.
• Ability to influence, collaborate, negotiate, and deliver solutions in a complex environment.
• Innovative mindset, change management.
• Able to adapt to changing business priorities.
• International outlook, able to work across cultural and geographical boundaries.
• Digital literacy.
• Superior organizational and adaptability skills.
• High ethical standards.

Why choose us?

• Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
• Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.

Visas for those who do not already have the right to work in the UK will be considered on a case by case basis according to business needs and resources.

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