Senior Director, Portfolio & Program Management

Boston While Black; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 242,000 - 363,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals seeks a Senior Director of Portfolio & Program Management in Boston to lead cross-functional drug development programs across Research, Pre-clinical, Clinical, and Commercialization stages. The role drives governance, strategy, and execution for portfolio operations with senior leadership alignment.

The candidate will mentor managers, manage resources and budgets, and champion process improvements to optimize outcomes while advancing multiple programs globally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a relevant field.
• Typically requires 12 years of experience and 5 years of management experience.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and strategic program management.
• Pharmaceutical drug development experience.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational project leadership to cross-functional teams.
• Direct activities across the project lifecycle from initiation to closeout.
• Lead integrated program planning with timelines, status, risks, and issues.
• Mentor subordinate managers and high-level professionals.
• Oversee completion of project team deliverables and establish operating norms.
• Align strategy and milestones with corporate objectives and governance forums.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic planning

Finance & resource management

Communication skills

Pharmaceutical development

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences

Job description

# Senior Director, Portfolio & Program ManagementVertex PharmaceuticalsBoston, MAFull-TimeNov 05, 2026Pharmaceutical## Job Description**Job Description****General Summary:**The Senior Director, Portfolio & Program Management is a global role within the Program and Portfolio Management (PPM) organization. The incumbent is responsible for championing cross-functional project management excellence to programs across the drug development lifecycle (Research, Pre-clinical and Clinical Development, Registration and Commercialization). The incumbent is expected to lead the application of project management to identify opportunities, shape objectives and drive execution of global strategy for cross-functional drug development teams and portfolio operations initiatives. This role is a key leadership position within PPM, with accountability for the performance and end results of a department/area.**Key Duties and Responsibilities:**- Provide strategic and operational project leadership to one or more cross-functional teams, directing activities at all stages of the project lifecycle (initiation through closeout)- Drive communication cross-functionally and with senior leaders on integrated program planning topics including timelines, status, risks and issues- Proactively identify roadblocks and/or constraints impacting strategic imperatives or project execution and lead the team through scenario planning activities- Partner with governance forums, senior leaders and/or team lead(s) to align strategy, goals and milestones with corporate objectives- Propose innovative approaches, define process improvements and advise leaders on opportunities to optimize project results- Determine approach and stakeholders for cross-functional decision-making and issue resolution- Oversee completion of project team deliverables and contribute to content development, when appropriate- Establish project team operating norms and measure performance- Apply subject matter expertise to mentor subordinate managers and high level professionals- As a people manager within the organization, may have financial accountabilities and human resource responsibilities for assigned high level professionals and subordinate managers**Knowledge and Skills:**- Broad and comprehensive understanding of project and portfolio management principles, options analysis, strategic planning, business case generation, finance and resource management- Leadership experience managing cross-functional teams with an ability to influence teams to prioritize activities and allocate resources to contribute to the development of operational strategy- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including well-developed presentation skills- Pharmaceutical drug discovery and development expertise across multiple disciplines- Organizational skills, an ability to manage multiple priorities- Strong collaboration skills to effectively interact with internal or external stakeholders at all levels in the organization- Advanced business management knowledge to assess the impact of project decisions on financial and corporate objectives**Education and Experience:**- Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a relevant field- Typically requires 12 years of experience and 5 years of management experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience 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:**$242,200 - $363,200**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:**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]### About Vertex PharmaceuticalsAt Vertex, the world’s most talented and passionate people come together to advance science and transform lives, and in return, we invest in them so they can grow and advance their own careers.If you’re ready to join us, browse open positions below.