Director, Enterprise Third-Party Risk Management Operations & Governance

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 176,000 - 264,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

Paid time off

Student loan assistance

Commuting subsidy

401(k) matching

Charitable donations matching

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Director to lead Enterprise Third-Party Risk Management Operations & Governance. You will bridge strategy and execution across TPRM, partnering with risk, sourcing, and business leaders to scale the program and drive governance excellence.

You will own governance routines, executive reporting, and MSP oversight, delivering measurable outcomes, improving risk controls, and ensuring seamless integration of expanding TPRM capabilities in a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; professional certifications (CRMA, CTPRP, CISM) preferred.
• Strong analytical and project management skills; leadership and stakeholder management.
• Experience with third-party risk assessment tools, dashboards, and governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Operational integration of TPRM processes to deliver end-to-end risk experience.
• Develop and execute TPRM governance routines and executive reporting.
• Provide MSP oversight and scale-readiness for increasing assessment volumes and geographic expansion.
• Engage stakeholders across sourcing, Legal, Compliance, Information Security, Finance and Enterprise Risk.
• Drive continuous improvement and automation to increase productivity and scalability.
• Lead and develop team members and foster cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field

Tools

TPRM tools

Governance dashboards

Job description

Job Description General Summary:

As a key leader within Strategic Sourcing and Enterprise Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), the Director, Enterprise Third-Party Risk Management Operations & Governance is responsible for ensuring seamless operational execution of the enterprise TPRM program while preparing the organization for future scale and maturity. This role serves as the bridge between strategic program development and operational delivery, partnering closely with TPRM leadership, business stakeholders, Risk SMEs, sourcing teams, and managed service providers (MSPs) to ensure efficient execution, consistent governance, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence across the third-party risk lifecycle. The Director will focus on integrating existing and emerging TPRM capabilities, strengthening stakeholder partnerships, enhancing governance and reporting, and building scalable operating models that support Vertex's evolving risk management objectives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Operational Integration & Program Delivery

Lead operational integration of existing and newly established TPRM processes to create a seamless end-to-end third-party risk experience. Partner with TPRM leadership to translate strategic priorities into operational execution plans and measurable outcomes. Ensure consistent execution and oversight of supplier criticality, risk assessment, issue management, ongoing monitoring, and remediation processes. Identify and remove operational bottlenecks while driving improved efficiency and stakeholder experience. Support implementation and stabilization of expanded TPRM capabilities and operating models.

Governance & Executive Reporting

Own development and execution of TPRM governance routines, including operational reviews, risk escalation forums, and executive reporting. Establish meaningful performance measurements and service-level metrics across the TPRM ecosystem. Develop clear and actionable reporting for senior leadership focused on program effectiveness, risk trends, capacity, and operational health. Ensure alignment between TPRM operational performance and enterprise risk management objectives.

Managed Service Provider (MSP) Oversight & Scale Readiness

Provide leadership oversight of external TPRM service providers and operational partners. Establish performance standards, service expectations, escalation pathways, and continuous improvement mechanisms. Drive operational readiness planning to support increasing assessment volumes, geographic expansion, and future program maturity. Evaluate resource models, workflows, and capabilities required for long-term program scalability.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership

Elevate partnerships across Strategic Sourcing, Legal, Compliance, Information Security, Quality, Finance, Enterprise Risk Management, and business functions. Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders on TPRM operational processes, governance expectations, and risk escalation practices. Drive alignment among risk owners, business stakeholders, and operational teams to ensure consistent decision-making and accountability. Facilitate communication across functions to improve transparency, responsiveness, and overall program effectiveness.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and optimize TPRM processes. Partner with process, technology, and analytics leaders to improve user experience and operational effectiveness. Support implementation of automation, reporting enhancements, and workflow improvements that increase productivity and scalability. Champion operational excellence principles and promote a culture of accountability, service, and continuous improvement.

Leadership

Lead and develop team members while fostering strong collaboration across the broader TPRM organization. Promote a customer-focused mindset that balances business objectives with effective risk management. Support organizational change efforts as program capabilities continue to evolve.

Knowledge and Skills:

Strong analytical and project management skills. Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Familiarity with third-party risk assessment tools, dashboards, and governance frameworks. Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational excellence. Track record of delivering measurable outcomes through process transformation, automation, and user experience redesign. Thoughtful and active listener; able to think quickly and effectively articulate points of view. Ability to work in collaborative, team environment; ability to cultivate and maintain effective business partner relationships through earned respect and trust Ability to manage multiple priorities while ensuring deliverables are fully met, including more complex and involved projects. Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry best practices in third-party risk.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field. Professional certifications (e.g., CRMA, CTPRP, CISM) preferred. Strong analytical and project management skills. Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Familiarity with third-party risk assessment tools, dashboards, and governance frameworks. Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational excellence. Track record of delivering measurable outcomes through process transformation, automation, and user experience redesign. Thoughtful and active listener; able to think quickly and effectively articulate points of view. Ability to work in collaborative, team environment; ability to cultivate and maintain effective business partner relationships through earned respect and trust Ability to manage multiple priorities while ensuring deliverables are fully met, including more complex and involved projects. Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry best practices in third-party risk.

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:

$176,000 - $264,000 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:

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 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.