Senior Director, Head of Technical Services, T1D CT Mfg Ops

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 217,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Senior Director, Head of Technical Services for T1D Cell Therapy External Manufacturing Operations in Boston and Portsmouth. The role leads real-time GMP manufacturing support, troubleshooting, investigations, and readiness for process changes to enable compliant, efficient cell therapy production.

The ideal candidate will have extensive cell therapy manufacturing experience, strong people leadership, and a track record of partnering across Manufacturing,

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant industry experience in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, cell therapy, or related manufacturing environments.
• 8+ years of progressive people leadership experience.
• Experience leading manufacturing-facing technical support in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Strong experience with deviations, investigations, troubleshooting, batch support, change implementation.
• Proven ability to influence across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and process science organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Technical Services function supporting GMP manufacturing of cell-derived therapies for Type 1 Diabetes.
• Provide technical leadership for cell therapy manufacturing operations.
• Serve as the senior technical escalation point for manufacturing issues affecting batch execution, product quality, cycle time, or supply reliability.
• Lead technical troubleshooting and support timely resolution of deviations, investigations, atypical events, and process excursions.
• Drive operational process monitoring and trend review to identify emerging risks, improve execution consistency, and enhance manufacturing performance.
• Own Technical Services readiness for process changes, campaign startup, new product introduction, and transferred processes entering GMP manufacturing.
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Engineering, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and CMC teams to support robust execution and inspection readiness.
• Build, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of technical subject matter experts supporting manufacturing operations.
• Foster a culture of quality, accountability, technical rigor, collaboration, inclusion, and patient focus.

Skills

Cell therapy manufacturing

People leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical troubleshooting

Process change implementation

Education

Advanced degree in Bioengineering or related field

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Director, Head of Technical Services, T1D Cell Therapy Manufacturing Operations

Department: Manufacturing Operations

Reports To: Vice President, Type 1 Diabetes Manufacturing Operations

Location: Boston, MA and Portsmouth, NH

Work Model: Full time on site or hybrid eligible

Vertex is seeking a Senior Director, Head of Technical Services to lead manufacturing-facing technical support for our Type 1 Diabetes Stem Cell Therapy Manufacturing Operations organization. This leader will oversee real-time GMP manufacturing support, troubleshooting, investigation support, operational process monitoring, manufacturing readiness, and implementation of approved process changes. The role requires deep experience in cell therapy manufacturing, strong people leadership, and the ability to partner effectively across Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain.

Job Summary

At Vertex, we invest in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as Senior Director, Head of Technical Services for T1D Cell Therapy External Manufacturing Operations organization.

This role leads the manufacturing-facing technical function responsible for enabling reliable, compliant, and efficient execution of complex cell therapy manufacturing processes across clinical and commercial operations. The Head of Technical Services provides leadership for real-time manufacturing support, technical troubleshooting, investigation support, operational process monitoring, manufacturing readiness, and implementation of approved process changes in GMP operations.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring expertise in cell therapy manufacturing, strong cross-functional influence, and a passion for translating process complexity into operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Technical Services function supporting GMP manufacturing of cell-derived therapies for Type 1 Diabetes.
• Provide technical leadership for cell therapy manufacturing operations
• Serve as the senior technical escalation point for manufacturing issues affecting batch execution, product quality, cycle time, or supply reliability.
• Lead technical troubleshooting and support timely resolution of deviations, investigations, atypical events, and process excursions.
• Drive operational process monitoring and trend review to identify emerging risks, improve execution consistency, and enhance manufacturing performance.
• Own Technical Services readiness for process changes, campaign startup, new product introduction, and transferred processes entering GMP manufacturing.
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Engineering, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and CMC teams to support robust execution and inspection readiness.
• Build, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of technical subject matter experts supporting manufacturing operations.
• Foster a culture of quality, accountability, technical rigor, collaboration, inclusion, and patient focus.

Success in this role requires building a strong and effective partnership with Manufacturing, MSAT, and Quality while maintaining clear accountability across functions. This role is expected to be primarily onsite given the importance of close partnership with GMP manufacturing operations and cross-functional teams supporting manufacturing execution.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• 15+ years of relevant industry experience in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, cell therapy, or other advanced therapy manufacturing environments.
• 8+ years of progressive people leadership experience, including experience leading managers and cross-functional technical teams.
• Demonstrated success leading manufacturing-facing technical support in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Strong experience with deviations, investigations, troubleshooting, batch support, change implementation, and operational problem-solving.
• Proven ability to influence across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and process science organizations.

Leadership Profile

The Ideal Candidate Will Bring

• strong technical depth in advanced therapy manufacturing
• a practical, solutions-oriented approach to troubleshooting and execution support
• strong judgment in high-stakes manufacturing environments
• the ability to create clarity at functional interfaces, especially between Technical Services, Manufacturing, and MSAT
• a track record of building teams and developing leaders
• a strong commitment to quality, compliance, and patient impact

About Vertex

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. Guided by our commitment to patients, we pursue advances in science, technology, and medicine to tackle diseases where we can make a meaningful difference.

Our teams bring together deep scientific expertise, operational excellence, and a bold sense of purpose. We are committed to fostering an environment where people can do their best work, grow their careers, and help deliver therapies that have the potential to transform lives.

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

$216,900 - $325,300

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:

• Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
• 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

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]