Fortrea is a global clinical research organization with 30+ years of experience, specializing in agile solutions for biotech, biopharma, medical device, and diagnostic companies. Operating in around 100 countries with over 15,000 employees, Fortrea manages Phase I-IV clinical trials, pharmacology, and consulting across more than 20 therapeutic areas.

At Fortrea, innovation drives clinical trial design, patient recruitment, and operational excellence. The company fosters a culture that empowers teams to pursue new approaches and deliver life-changing healthcare solutions efficiently.

How This Role Contributes To Fortrea

The Senior Marketing Manager – Events leads Fortrea’s global events team within the Global Marketing function. This strategic leader is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive global tradeshow and event strategy that aligns with Fortrea’s business objectives. The role oversees a team of event professionals, ensuring seamless planning, execution, and post-event analysis of high-impact congresses and events globally. This individual partners cross-functionally with Marketing, Medical, Commercial, Operations, and external vendors to deliver consistent, engaging, and results-driven event experiences. They are also responsible for presenting strategic recommendations to senior leadership, tracking ROI, and continuously optimizing event processes and performance.

Core Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development – Manage and mentor a high-performing global events team. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Identify career development opportunities and coach team members to achieve their professional goals.
Global Event Strategy & Contracting – Lead the development and execution of the company’s global event strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market opportunities. Oversee strategic vendor partnerships and contracting to support long-term event success.
Event Calendar & Planning – Own the annual global event calendar. Collaborate with Business Unit planning leads to define event priorities, recommend participation, and establish success metrics.
Logistics Oversight – Provide strategic guidance and operational support to the events team on all logistical components for events,
Budget Management – Manage and optimize global event budgets. Ensure fiscal discipline, cost-effectiveness, and ROI across all initiatives, while maintaining high-quality execution.
Post-Event Analysis & Reporting – Lead post-event debriefs and performance reviews. Analyze data, track ROI, and present actionable insights to senior stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement through strategic recommendations.
Operational Excellence – Design and refine scalable processes and workflows to support global event execution. Champion best practices and operational efficiency across the events function.
Content & Materials Preparation – Oversee the development and delivery of event materials, including promotional items, branded assets, and lead capture tools. Ensure consistency with brand standards and messaging.

Required Qualifications

10+ years of experience planning and executing tradeshows, conferences, and events in the life sciences industry across multiple regions
Bachelor’s degree in marketing or business field preferred; MBA a plus
Deep expertise in the tradeshow and convention space, including systems, terminology, and onsite logistics
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a global, remote-first environment
Strong executive presence and confidence in presenting to senior leaders
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business goals into actionable event plans
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight deadlines
Proficiency in tools such as Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Smartsheet, and SharePoint
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance

Ideal Candidate

Proven experience leading small and large-scale international tradeshows and regional/domestic conventions, with a strong track record of strategic impact and operational excellence
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization, including senior executives
Strategic thinker and proactive problem-solver with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
Passionate about crafting memorable, high-impact event experiences that drive brand engagement and business results
Proficient in event management and CRM platforms such as Salesforce, Smartsheet, and Zuant (or similar tools)
Demonstrated success managing and developing global teams, fostering a culture of innovation, growth, and performance
Experience in healthcare, biotech, or pharmaceutical industries strongly preferred

Travel Requirements

Travel up to 20%, including weekends

This is a hybrid role with the expectation to work withing our Durham headquarters 2-3 days each week.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

_Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to electrical office equipment.
Occasional drives to site locations with occasional travel both domestic and international.

Physical Requirements

Frequently stationary for 6-8 hours per day.
Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Occasional crouching, stooping, with frequent bending and twisting of upper body and neck.
Ability to access and use a variety of computer software developed both in-house and off-the-shelf.
Light to moderate lifting and carrying (or otherwise moves) objects including luggage and laptop computer with a maximum lift of 15-20 lbs.
Regular and consistent attendance.
Varied hours may be required.

Pay Range: $90,000-$120,000 USD base annual salary

Benefits: All job offers will be based on a candidate’s skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data. Regular, full-time or part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(K), ESPP, Paid time off (PTO) or Flexible time off (FTO), Company bonus where applicable.

The application deadline is September 30th, 2025.

Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.