Associate Director, Supply Chain

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 232,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Boston seeks an Associate Director of Supply Chain to lead upstream supply strategy for the Pain portfolio and support the Program Lead on end-to-end strategic initiatives in a fast-paced, regulated environment. This is a Hybrid role requiring three days in Boston weekly.

The role emphasizes scenario planning, ERP/MRP systems, cross-functional influence, and executive communication to align supply strategy with program objectives and ensure continuity of supply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, supply chain, manufacturing operations, business, or related field.
• 8+ years of industry experience with progressively increasing scope and responsibility.
• Strong experience in S&OP, supply planning, and product launch support.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the upstream supply chain strategy aligned with program goals.
• Prepare analyses and presentations for stakeholders with cross-functional partners.
• Lead U.S. S&OP planning and liaise across Commercial, Finance, and Operations.
• Oversee inventory management, order lifecycle, and supplier coordination.

Skills

ERP/MRP systems

Scenario planning

Cross-functional leadership

Executive communication

Data-driven decision making

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Oracle OPM

Maestro Kinaxis

Veeva

Job description

Job Description General Summary

Vertex is seeking an Associate Director of Supply Chain to lead the development of upstream supply strategy for the Pain portfolio and support the Program Lead on end-to-end strategic initiatives. This role is ideal for a strategic, collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and brings strong expertise in scenario planning, cross-functional influence, ERP systems, and executive communication. The successful candidate will play a critical role in aligning supply chain strategy with broader program objectives, enabling informed decision-making, and ensuring continuity of supply across a complex and highly regulated environment. This is a Hybrid position that requires 3 days in Boston per week.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the upstream supply chain strategy and integrate it with overall program strategy in partnership with cross-functional leaders
• Partner closely with the Program Lead to prepare critical analyses, recommendations, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
• Support the U.S. S&OP planning process by leading the working team and serving as a liaison across Commercial, Finance, and Operations
• Communicate supply plans and key updates to Commercial Manufacturing and Supply Chain leadership
• Collaborate across Commercial, Quality, Technical Operations, Regulatory, and Manufacturing Operations to advance program objectives while representing Supply Chain priorities
• Drive data-informed decision-making through scenario planning, balancing likely demand scenarios with supply constraints while maintaining flexibility and optionality
• Work with internal and external partners to resolve issues that could delay material flow or execution of key initiatives
• Support supply planning for product launches and phase-out activities
• Partner with Finance on the development of annual budgets
• Serve as the primary owner of group business processes, including the design, drafting, review, and approval of SOPs and work instructions
• Manage the order lifecycle, including purchase order execution, release monitoring, and coordination with logistics and 3PL providers on shipments and deliveries
• Oversee inventory management strategies, including monthly and quarterly reconciliations and support annual physical counts as needed
• Support supply chain risk management by partnering with the risk champion to develop and monitor mitigation plans
• Participate in strategic sourcing initiatives, including vendor selection and supplier agreement development or renewal
• Contribute to the creation of department goals
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong experience in supply chain processes, including S&OP, supply planning, and product launch support
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think and operate at an enterprise level
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional projects and collaborating in global, virtual, and matrixed organizations
• Proven ability to manage stakeholder expectations, navigate complex or sensitive situations, and influence decisions effectively
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to optimize processes and drive operational excellence
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain regulations, including cGMP, GCP, GDP, and import/export requirements
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and planning/content management platforms such as Oracle OPM, Maestro Kinaxis, Veeva, or similar tools
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, supply chain, manufacturing operations, business, or a related field
• 8+ years of industry experience with progressively increasing scope and responsibility

Pay Range

$154,500 - $231,700

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. 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. 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-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]

Help Us Achieve Our Mission

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. 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 APOL1-mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is 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 14 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 Facebook, Twitter/X , LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

The diversity and authenticity of our people is part of what makes Vertex unique, and we recognize that each employee brings diverse perspectives and strengths. By embracing those strengths and celebrating differences, we are fostering an inclusive culture where each of us can bring our authentic selves to work, inspire innovation together, and change people's lives.

Our vision is clear: to be the place where an authentic, diverse mix of talent want to come, to stay, and do their best work.