Congress Program Manager (ES, Spain, Virtual, EUROPE)

About Us:

At BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E), we provide more than meeting and event planning services: we create connections that inspire, motivate and change behavior for our customers. As the world’s most trusted and innovative meetings and events agency, BCD M&E cultivates a culture of people, passion and purpose to drive business forward.

Headquartered in Chicago, with locations in 60+ countries across the world, BCD M&E’s team of 2,000+ people are committed to sustainability and driving success for our customers, our business and ourselves. Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and we look for people that want to be a part of something special, can rise to our standards and love to bring their unique perspective to the table.

While we can’t guarantee every day will be the best (who can?), we can promise a community of people who genuinely care and lead with empathy, a flexible workplace with awesome perks and challenging work that means something.

See what life is about at BCD M&E at

Congress Program Manager

Home based, Spain

We’re looking for an experienced Congress Program Manager to lead the end-to-end planning, execution, and reconciliation of congresses and meetings in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.

In this role, you will oversee the logistical, operational, and financial components of assigned programs while serving as the primary liaison between clients, internal teams, and external suppliers. You’ll play a critical role in delivering seamless, compliant, and high-quality congress experiences while managing multiple programs at once.

This is an exciting opportunity for a professional with strong congress and meeting planning expertise, exceptional client-facing communication skills, and a passion for delivering excellence in the life sciences sector.

What You’ll Do

Meeting Planning & Program Execution

• Lead and manage recurring planning calls with internal teams and stakeholders
• Oversee housing contracts in alignment with congress regulations and client requirements
• Manage exhibitor registrations and attendee-related congress logistics
• Coordinate congress-related meetings, site inspections, planning meetings, and pre-conferences
• Partner with logistics teams on hotel, ground transportation, and onsite operational support
• Reconcile meetings in accordance with client audit standards and maintain an audit-ready environment
• Ensure all compliance requirements are met, documented, and maintained throughout the program lifecycle
• Manage program budgets, financial tracking, and final reconciliation

Technology & Data Management

• Oversee the creation and distribution of registration forms and attendee communications
• Maintain accurate congress data, budgets, and reporting in technology platforms such as Cvent and client-specific systems
• Ensure all program information is complete, current, and aligned across tools and workflows

Client & Supplier Management

• Serve as the primary client contact for all congress logistics and planning milestones
• Manage key deadlines and maintain fiscal oversight of congress-related activities
• Respond to client inquiries related to registration, reporting, and program status in a timely manner
• Collaborate with sourcing and planning partners to evaluate hotel options and provide strategic recommendations
• Support supplier negotiations to secure favorable pricing, concessions, and value for congress spend
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, service, and integrity in all client and supplier interactions

Project & Team Management

• Manage an average of 5–10 programs simultaneously, ensuring all deliverables are completed on time
• Prioritize and assign congress-related tasks effectively across the team
• Communicate updates and critical information clearly and promptly
• Oversee escalations and drive issue resolution throughout the congress lifecycle
• Coordinate onsite staffing needs, including Trip Directors and other support personnel
• Provide subject-matter expertise in congress processes, especially housing and registration
• Support training initiatives and continuous improvement of workflows and tools

What You Bring

You have:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, or equivalent education and experience
• Minimum 3 years of experience in congress or meeting planning
• Proven success managing small- and large-scale congress and meeting programs
• Experience supporting clients in the life sciences industry
• Strong ability to manage time, prioritize work, meet tight deadlines, and perform well under pressure
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Cvent
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Fluency in English language (spoken and written)
• Ability to travel up to 25% (Valid passport required)

You might also have:

• 1+ years of experience working for or with medical societies in a congress environment

The annual gross salary range for candidates for the position of Congress Program Manager is between 34.000€ and 39.000€. The actual pay depends on your skills, qualifications and experience.

THE PERKS

Flexible Working

We believe that a flexible working environment is key to getting the best out of our teams. We will support you to work where you need to and when you need to, depending on how you work best.

Room to Grow

Our line of work and business structure challenge our people in a way that inspires growth, with learning and development built into every role. We give individuals ownership over the direction and speed in which they grow.

Everyone has a voice

We thrive on conversations that spark curiosity and empathy. No matter how big or how small, every voice is heard, considered and respected.

Make your move

The diversity of roles across BCD M&E’s global locations means that our people often find new adventures during their time with us. Join us as a meeting planner role in the UK, stay for a global marketing career — there’s always room to move.

We’ve got you covered

Our extensive benefits include comprehensive healthcare, retirement plans, continued education support, diverse work locations, travel and hotel discounts, volunteer and sustainability opportunities and a successful employee recognition program.

We’re positive. You’ll love it.

It starts from the top. Our leaders lead with positivity, believe in our people and trust us to do the right thing. There will always be support along your journey, in little and big ways.

Originally posted on Himalayas