Associate Director, Manufacturing Operations

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); United States; Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US) seeks an Associate Director, Manufacturing Operations for Cell Therapy in Boston, MA. The role leads multi-product cell therapy manufacturing operations across three shifts, ensuring compliant production and strong leadership within a GMP framework.

The position emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, process optimization, and implementation of digital systems. Hybrid-eligible or on-site options are available, with focus on developing talent and sustaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, technical, or engineering discipline.
• Typically requires 12 years of experience or equivalent.
• Experience managing day-to-day drug product manufacturing site operations.
• Experience building and training manufacturing teams in cGMP environments.
• Experience supporting regulatory inspections (FDA/EMA).

Responsibilities

• Deliver program goals by ensuring efficient, compliant execution of cell therapy manufacturing activities, including DP manufacturing.
• Build and maintain inventory to support patient needs.
• Lead cross-functional stakeholders to translate strategy into manufacturing execution.
• Facilitate alignment and prioritization of manufacturing activities and objectives.
• Ensure products are manufactured and delivered safely, timely, and cost-effectively per regulatory requirements.
• Monitor resources including FTE allocation, equipment utilization, and capacity planning.
• Analyze operating costs and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency.
• Support digital systems implementation to enhance operations and data integrity.
• Drive digitization and automation as a functional owner.
• Champion adoption of digital tools and technologies within manufacturing.
• Coach and develop direct reports and leaders for strong succession planning.
• Attract, develop, and retain key manufacturing talent.
• Foster a culture of flexibility, agility, compliance, and collaboration.
• Promote a strong quality culture aligned with GMP.

Skills

GMP knowledge

Manufacturing metrics

Budgeting & forecasting

MES & digital data

Digitization opportunities

Coaching & mentoring

Leadership development

Regulatory inspections

Senior leadership communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in science/engineering

Tools

MES systems

Digital data management

Job description

Job Description General Summary:

The Associate Director, Manufacturing Operations for Cell Therapy leads a team responsible for the execution of multi-product manufacturing operations. This role is accountable for the compliant production of cell therapy products and for the oversight, development, and training of the manufacturing team to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of therapies to patients. The role also cultivates and leverages cross-functional partnerships to identify and implement creative solutions to organizational opportunities and challenges. The Associate Director, Manufacturing Operations reports directly to the Senior Director, Manufacturing Operations and is a key member of the operational and manufacturing execution leadership team. This position is based in Boston, MA and provides oversight of three shifts supporting seven-day-a-week production at the Boston manufacturing facility. This role will partner closely with colleagues across Vertex to ensure the seamless supply of commercial cell therapy products.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Deliver program goals by ensuring the efficient and compliant execution of all cell therapy manufacturing activities, including direct responsibility for the finished drug product (DP) manufacturing function
• Build and maintain inventory to support patient needs
• Lead cross-functional stakeholders to translate strategic decisions into manufacturing execution
• Facilitate alignment and prioritization of manufacturing activities and objectives
• Ensure products are manufactured and delivered in a safe, timely, and financially responsible manner in compliance with FDA, EMA, and other applicable global regulatory requirements
• Monitor and manage resources, including FTE allocation, equipment utilization, and capacity planning
• Analyze operating costs and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency
• Support the implementation and optimization of digital systems to enhance manufacturing operations and data integrity
• Drive digitization and automation as a functional owner by identifying opportunities for process optimization and implementation
• Champion the adoption of digital tools and technologies within the manufacturing organization
• Coach and develop direct reports and emerging leaders to build a strong leadership pipeline
• Lead talent management and development activities, including succession planning, performance management, and career development
• Attract, develop, and retain key talent across the manufacturing organization
• Foster a culture of flexibility, agility, efficiency, compliance, and collaboration across teams and stakeholders
• Promote a strong quality culture and ensure all activities align with GMP requirements
• Maintain training excellence initiatives to ensure team competency and ongoing regulatory compliance
• Present effectively to senior leadership and cross-functional teams across Vertex

Knowledge and Skills:

• Expert knowledge of GMP manufacturing
• Demonstrated ability to develop and track manufacturing metrics
• Proficiency in budgeting, FTE forecasting, and production planning
• Understanding of manufacturing execution systems (MES) and digital data management
• Ability to identify and champion digitization opportunities
• Strong coaching and mentoring capabilities
• Proven ability to drive culture change and foster continuous improvement
• Demonstrated success in managing quality events and maintaining compliance
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, including the ability to engage senior leadership audiences

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, technical, or engineering discipline
• Typically requires 12 years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Previous experience managing day-to-day drug product manufacturing site operations
• Experience selecting, building, and training a manufacturing team to operate at a high level in a cGMP-compliant environment
• Experience supporting successful regulatory inspections, including FDA, EMA, and other health authority inspections

Pay Range:

$160,000 - $240,000 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.

Flex Designation:

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:

1. 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 to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions.

The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain and acromegaly, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas.

Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 16 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.

For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X

We believe our culture is one of Vertex’s greatest strengths and a key enabler of our ability to deliver transformative medicines for patients who need them. Rooted in innovation, purpose and collaboration, our culture empowers people to take smart risks, challenge conventional thinking and do their best work. The diversity of our people is central to that culture. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we foster an environment where new ideas thrive, better decisions are made and breakthrough innovation is possible. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included and connected to our shared mission, because we know that our unique culture and the collective strength of our people are what set Vertex apart.

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that 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 will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.