Associate Director, GMP Operational Quality - Cell & Genetic Therapies

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 157,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is seeking an Associate Director, GMP Operational Quality to oversee a Quality team, ensure compliant GMP activities, and mentor staff in a fast-paced environment. You will coordinate with internal and external partners, manage QA for change controls, investigations, and CAPAs, and support regulatory inspections to drive continuous improvement across the department.

The role requires strong cGMP knowledge, senior-level project management, and demonstrated

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of cGMPs in a pharmaceutical setting.
• Experience leading quality teams and mentoring staff.
• Experience with regulatory inspections and audits.
• Strong risk-based decision making and CAPA handling.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Quality team providing oversight and support to Vertex activities.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to resolve complex quality issues.
• Oversee vendor performance and Quality Agreements.
• Develop compliant quality processes to support GMP activities.
• Oversee QA support of Change Controls, GMP investigations and CAPAs.
• Track performance metrics and report to senior management.
• Participate in inspection readiness and regulatory site inspections.
• Assist with regulatory submissions review.
• Lead continuous improvements of department processes.

Skills

Quality leadership

Team mentoring

Risk-based decision making

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

cGMPs knowledge

Audit readiness

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific or allied health field

8+ years of work experience and 2 years of management experience

Tools

QDocs

Trackwise

Veeva

Job description

Job Description

General Summary

The Associate Director, GMP Operational Quality is responsible for oversight of team activities, development of personnel and ensuring quality of deliverables within department purview. The incumbent has comprehensive knowledge of principles and application of quality assurance and compliance. The incumbent is responsible for development of group goals and projects ensuring alignment with corporate goals and compliance with all regulatory requirements, refining goals and projects when necessary. The incumbent not only coordinates group responsibilities to ensure timely delivery to support business, but mentors team members to provide individual development in addition to efficient and valuable service to project teams.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead a Quality team: primarily responsible for providing quality oversight and support to business activities within purview at Vertex
• Collaborate with internal and external business partners to resolve complex quality issues to ensure compliant solutions
• Oversee CMO/Vendor performance, establishment of Quality Agreements and adherence of Quality Agreement terms
• Enable team to achieve team goals/objectives and enable their individual career development
• Develop and maintain compliant quality processes to support GMP activities
• Oversee the QA support of Change Controls, GMP investigations and associated CAPAs.
• Track performance metrics and report to Sr Management; develops tactics to improve performance outcomes
• Participate in inspection readiness activities and lead Quality development discussions as necessary during regulatory site inspections.
• Support review of regulatory submissions, as applicable
• Lead continuous improvements of department processes, realizing efficiency gains, and ensuring team continues to meet expanding business needs with lean resources.
• Lead and follow up on any QLT action items assigned.
• Identify and communicate risks and assist with risk mitigation plans as necessary
• Supports internal audit or external audit programs; assists in preparation of audit responses
• Provide comprehensive knowledge support for partner and regulatory agency audits
• Assist management team in budgeting and scheduling
• Responsible for the following activities related to people management responsibilities:
• Talent Acquisition/ Recruiting/Interviewing/ Selection/Onboarding
• Performance Management (goals, monitoring, reviews);
• Monitoring /Supporting Employee Engagement and Retention;
• Succession Planning;
• Accomplishing staff results by communicating job expectations, planning, coaching, training and developing personal growth opportunities through IDPs.
• Accountable to provide oversight of day to day team operations
• Assists with workforce planning/resource modeling and to update through forecasting activities

Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth and specialized knowledge of both the conceptual and practical application of cGMPs in a pharmaceutical setting; in-depth knowledge of global GMP requirements and managing quality in support GMP manufacturing
• Demonstrated success in building high-performing teams and skilled at managing team and individual development
• Strong management skills with the ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high degree of quality, accuracy and timeliness
• Substantial background in managing complex projects/teams within stated objectives and timelines and with a strong understanding of the underlying business drivers; skilled at applying project management processes / tools to lead meetings, assist with project planning, and facilitate attainment of project objectives
• Ability to independently lead cross-functional teams and represent the interests, strategies and objectives of Quality unit
• Strong skills in mentoring staff and transferring technical knowledge to enable their capabilities and development
• Ability to communicate cross-functionally to a wide variety of audiences; exchanges complex concepts with the ability to influence leaders, customers, or vendors to adopt of a new point of view and/or to take action
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex quality matters and make decisions utilizing risk-based approach; identifies and leverages the appropriate expertise to implement solutions
• Substantial experience successfully leading event investigations, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and CAPA
• Extensive exposure with multiple regulatory agencies across applicable GxPs during inspections
• Substantial experience with electronic document management systems (e.g., QDocs, Trackwise, Veeva)

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or allied health field (or equivalent degree)
• Typically requires 8+ years of work experience and 2 years of management experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

Pay Range

$156,600 - $234,800

Disclosure Statement

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

#LI-Hybrid

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]