Manager, Commercial Meetings & Events

As the Manager, Commercial Meetings & Events at Ardelyx, you'll oversee all aspects of event planning, including logistics, vendor management, and on-site coordination for various commercial meetings. You'll also track budgets, keep project timelines aligned using tools like Smartsheet, and manage stakeholder communications to ensure smooth operations. Your role is crucial in ensuring that our events run seamlessly and meet our strategic objectives.

To qualify for the Manager, Commercial Meetings & Events role at Ardelyx, candidates should possess a bachelor's degree coupled with at least 5 years of experience in event planning, particularly in the pharmaceutical, scientific, or biotech sectors. An event planning certification is preferred, along with proficiency in project management software and strong communication skills.

The anticipated annualized base pay range for the Manager, Commercial Meetings & Events at Ardelyx is between $106,000 and $130,000, depending on factors such as your relevant experience, training, and qualifications. This position also includes potential annual bonuses and equity awards, enhancing the overall compensation package.

As the Manager, Commercial Meetings & Events at Ardelyx, you'll enjoy a hybrid work environment, allowing for both remote work and collaboration at our corporate office. The position is flexible to suit your lifestyle while maintaining the vibrant culture that Ardelyx fosters.

Ardelyx offers a robust benefits package for employees in the Manager, Commercial Meetings & Events role, including a 401(k) plan with a generous employer match, extensive paid parental leave, health plans covering medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, and flexible time off. Employees can also benefit from equity incentive plans and at least 11 paid holidays each year.

When answering this question, share specific examples from your past roles where you successfully planned and executed events. Highlight your organizational skills, ability to manage budgets, and how you overcame challenges during planning. This showcases your readiness for the Manager, Commercial Meetings & Events position at Ardelyx.

Discuss your method for prioritizing tasks, such as setting clear timelines, utilizing project management tools, and delegating responsibilities when appropriate. Mention how maintaining communication with stakeholders helps you keep everything on track, a key aspect for the Manager, Commercial Meetings & Events role at Ardelyx.

Be prepared to mention specific tools such as Smartsheet, Microsoft Excel, or other project management software. Explain how you’ve used these tools to track progress, communicate with stakeholders, and manage your workload effectively, which is essential for success at Ardelyx.

Share your strategies for budget management, such as meticulous tracking of expenses, analyzing cost-effectiveness, and adhering to approval processes. Explain how you communicate budgets with stakeholders and adjust plans as necessary, emphasizing accountability in the context of the Manager, Commercial Meetings & Events role.

Prepare a story that illustrates your problem-solving skills—detail the challenge, your thought process in addressing it, and the outcome. This demonstrates your capability to handle pressure and showcases the value you can bring to Ardelyx.

Discuss your approach to networking and relationship management. Highlight how you foster communication, negotiate terms, and collaborate with vendors and partners to achieve shared goals, crucial for the Manager, Commercial Meetings & Events position at Ardelyx.

Explain how you communicate project status updates, milestones, and any adjustments throughout the planning process. Mention tools or practices you use to ensure transparency and collaboration, which are vital traits for success in this role.

Share your proactive strategies for identifying potential challenges early in the planning phase. Discuss how you develop contingency plans and your experience in quickly addressing issues as they arise, a key competency for the Manager, Commercial Meetings & Events role.

Emphasize your collaborative approach to event planning, sharing how you work with various departments and team members to integrate ideas and ensure alignment. Teamwork is essential for achieving successful outcomes in the Manager, Commercial Meetings & Events position at Ardelyx.

Convey your enthusiasm for Ardelyx's mission and values, and how your unique skills align with the company's goals. Express your desire to create impactful events that contribute to the success of Ardelyx and its teams, highlighting your passion for event planning.