Executive Director, Performance Excellence & Business Transformation

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 255,000 - 383,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Equity awards

Flexible PTO and holidays

Commuting subsidy

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is seeking an Executive Director to lead Performance Excellence & Business Transformation for Global Clinical Operations. The role drives end-to-end process optimization, digital capabilities, and governance across a global portfolio, reporting to the Head of Global Clinical Operations as a member of the Leadership team.

You will guide multi-year transformation, streamline planning, enrollment, and data workflows, and embed advanced analytics to monitor

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Life Sciences, Engineering, Operations or related field.
• Advanced degree (MS, MPH, PharmD, MBA, PhD) preferred.
• 15+ years of leadership in Global Clinical Operations, R&D Operations, Clinical Development or related functions.
• Proven success driving enterprise transformation and performance excellence in regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-year transformation roadmap to modernize Global Clinical Operations and elevate operational effectiveness.
• Identify enterprise-level opportunities to streamline clinical trial planning, site startup, enrollment, data collection, and closeout.
• Drive harmonization and standardization of GCO processes across regions, therapeutic areas, and CRO partners.
• Develop and oversee governance frameworks for clinical transformation initiatives, including KPIs and benefits realization.
• Collaborate with DTE to accelerate adoption of modern clinical technologies.
• Embed analytics and predictive modeling to identify enrollment risks and optimize decision-making.
• Oversee study and operational metrics, lead dashboard development.
• Lead GCO Resource Strategy and allocation.
• Drive the identification and implementation of novel site and patient-facing technologies, including GMDA RPA.
• Collaborate with CROs, vendors, and partners to ensure performance and efficiency across studies.
• Build and lead a high-performing Transformation/Operational Excellence team.
• Oversee change management strategies for global adoption and sustained results.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operations optimization

Data analytics

Digital transformation

Stakeholder management

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree (MS/MPH/PharmD/MBA/PhD) preferred

Job description

The Executive Director of Performance Excellence & Business Transformation for Global Clinical Operations is a senior strategic leader responsible for driving operational excellence, innovation, and transformation across Vertex’s global clinical trial portfolio with a strong focus on technology innovation. This role leads end‑to‑end clinical trials process optimization, oversees global transformation programs, advances digital capabilities (i.e., Clinical Technology Innovations and transformative AI/ML strategies); leads Business Intelligence and Analytics, develops and implements the strategy for workforce planning and resource utilization and embeds a high‑performance culture that accelerates study delivery while ensuring regulatory compliance and patient safety. This role reports to the Head of Global Clinical Operations and is a member of the Leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and execution of a multi‑year transformation roadmap to modernize Global Clinical Operations and elevate operational effectiveness.
• Identify enterprise‑level opportunities to streamline clinical trial planning, site startup, enrollment, data collection, data cleaning, and closeout.
• Drive harmonization and standardization of GCO processes across regions, therapeutic areas, and CRO partners.
• Develop and oversee governance frameworks for clinical transformation initiatives, including prioritization, KPIs, and benefits realization.
• Collaborate with DTE to accelerate adoption of modern clinical technologies.
• Embed advanced analytics and predictive modeling to identify enrollment risks, monitor site performance, and optimize operational decision‑making.
• Oversee study and operational metrics, lead dashboard development.
• Lead GCO Resource Strategy and allocation.
• Drive the identification, implementation, and development of novel site and patient‑facing technologies, including support for end‑to‑end technology deployment and GMDA robotic process automation.
• Collaborate with external CROs, vendors, and strategic partners to ensure operational performance, consistency, and efficiency across outsourced studies.
• Build and lead a high‑performing Transformation/Operational Excellence team within GCO.
• Oversee change management strategies to ensure global adoption, behavior change, and sustained results.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required (Life Sciences, Engineering, Operations, or related field).
• Advanced degree (MS, MPH, PharmD, MBA, PhD) preferred.
• 15+ years of increasing leadership responsibility in Global Clinical Operations, R&D Operations, Clinical Development, or related functions within pharma, biotech, or CRO.
• Proven success driving enterprise transformation and performance excellence initiatives within highly regulated environments.
• Strong track record improving clinical trial cycle times, quality, and operational predictability.
• Experience implementing digital, data, or technology solutions for clinical operations.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of end‑to‑end clinical development processes, regulatory pathways, and operational challenges.
• Strong strategic thinking, portfolio management, and business acumen.
• Exceptional leadership, influence, and stakeholder engagement across global, matrixed environments.
• Data‑driven mindset with proficiency in analytics and clinical operations performance management tools.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex concepts for senior executives.
• High degree of resilience, adaptability, and operational rigor.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $255,400 - $383,200 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: Remote-Eligible Flex Eligibility Status: In this Remote-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:

• Remote: work remotely five days per week and come into the office on occasion – you’re always welcome on‑site;
• Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week;
• On‑Site: work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility.

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].

Company Mission & Culture

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.