Associate Director, Manufacturing Systems & Automation (CGT)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Generous paid time off

Educational assistance programs

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston is looking for an Associate Director of Manufacturing Systems & Automation. The role focuses on leading the manufacturing systems and automation team for CGT, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in GMP manufacturing, digital transformations, and experience managing teams. A competitive salary from $160,000 - $240,000 and generous benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressive experience in GMP manufacturing or automation.
• At least 5 years in digital/automation leadership in CGT or Biologics.
• Experience managing GMP training programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of GMP manufacturing systems.
• Drive deployment and optimization of digital manufacturing strategies.
• Ensure compliance with FDA GMP regulations.

Skills

Leadership in regulated environments

Analytical problem-solving

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, Biotechnology, or related discipline

Tools

eBR

DCS/SCADA

ERP

Job description

Associate Director, Manufacturing Systems & Automation (CGT)Skip to main content#Associate Director, Manufacturing Systems & Automation (CGT) page is loaded## Associate Director, Manufacturing Systems & Automation (CGT)Applylocations: Boston, MAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: REQ-29170**Job Description****General Summary**We are seeking an experienced **Associate Director, Manufacturing Systems and Automation – CGT** to lead the manufacturing systems and automation team within the Biopharmaceutical Sciences – Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) Manufacturing and Process Engineering organization. This role is critical in developing the current team to support scalable clinical and commercial manufacturing across multiple Boston-area sites. The Associate Director is responsible for leading the strategy, implementation, integration, validation, and continuous improvement of GMP manufacturing systems supporting cell and gene therapy operations. This role provides technical and operational leadership for digital manufacturing initiatives focused on manufacturing execution, automation integration, electronic batch records, and end-to-end product traceability. This position reports to the Director, CGT Engineering Operations and is designated as on-site, based at LC1, Boston.**Key Duties and Responsibilities:*** Lead the design, implementation, integration, and lifecycle management of GMP manufacturing systems and automation platforms supporting cell and gene therapy manufacturing operations* Develop and execute digital manufacturing strategies enabling real-time manufacturing execution, electronic workflow orchestration, automated data collection, equipment integration, process monitoring, manufacturing analytics and reporting* Drive deployment and optimization of SCADA, MES, LIMS, OSI Pi, eBR, batch review by exception , release by exception, chain of custody/chain of identity, digital and smart manufacturing initiatives* Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency, system reliability, and data integrity* Partner with enterprise IT and Quality Assurance to define exception management strategies, review workflows, and electronic approval requirements* Drive reduction in batch review timelines and support accelerated batch disposition through exception-based review processes* Lead implementation and governance of digital traceability systems supporting patient-specific autologous therapy manufacturing* Ensure manufacturing systems and electronic release processes aligned with FDA GMP regulations, 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, GAMP 5, ALCOA+ data integrity requirements* Ensure manufacturing systems maintain inspection readiness and compliance with global regulatory expectations* Develop SOPs, governance standards, and lifecycle management procedures for manufacturing systems and automation platforms* Track and manage key metrics and KPIs to drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement**Knowledge and Skills:*** Strong ability to simplify high-level concepts into actionable insights and advise on digital maturity, digital transformation and system integrations to the site leadership team* Proven leadership in regulated environments with a focus on team development and operational excellence* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including direct interaction with regulatory authorities related to aseptic controls and strategies* Analytical problem-solving and strategic planning abilities* Adaptability and sound decision-making in dynamic environments**Education and Experience:*** Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, Biotechnology, Automation, Computer Science, Life Sciences, or related discipline* 7-10 years of progressive experience in GMP manufacturing or automation leadership, with at least 5 years of commercial digital/automation leadership in CGT, Biologics, or Sterile filling operations* Strong implementation and commercialization experience in integrating first-of-kind equipment with manufacturing systems, automated batch review by exception, release by exception, chain-of-custody and chain-of-identification of autologous & allogeneic CGT products* Experience managing GMP training programs, driving continuous improvement, and implementing digital transformations* Proficiency in manufacturing systems (e.g., eBR, DCS/SCADA, Pi, ERP, QMS) and paperless execution strategies* Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, including investigations, CAPA, change control, and risk mitigation**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.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:**On-Site Designated**Flex Eligibility Status:**In this **On-Site** designated role, you will work **five days per week on-site** with ad hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.#LI-Onsite