Director, Enterprise Third-Party Risk Management Operations & Governance

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

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals seeks a strategic leader to own Enterprise Third-Party Risk Management Operations Governance. You will bridge strategy and execution, working with TPRM leadership, Risk SMEs, sourcing teams, and MSPs to ensure scalable, governed risk processes across the lifecycle.

The role emphasizes governance, reporting, and continuous improvement, with a focus on integrating capabilities, stakeholder partnerships, and scalable operating models to support Vertex's risk objectives and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, risk management, or related field.
• Certifications (e.g., CRMA, CTPRP, CISM) preferred.
• Strong analytical and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational integration of TPRM processes to create seamless end-to-end risk experiences.
• Own governance routines, executive reporting, and KPI development.
• Oversee MSPs and external partners with escalation paths and continuous improvement.
• Elevate cross-functional partnerships across Strategic Sourcing, Legal, Compliance, InfoSec, and Finance.
• Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and optimize TPRM processes.
• Lead and develop team members while promoting collaboration and accountability.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Third-party risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/finance

Tools

TPRM tools

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.

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

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

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.

Company Information

#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 ApplicationAssistance vrtx.com