Associate Director, QA Manufacturing Technical Services

Job Description The Associate Director, Quality Assurance Manufacturing Technical Services (Internal) is responsible for supporting the day-to-day Quality Operations for internal manufacturing of Cell & Gene Programs through the management of quality management system (QMS) events. The role provides Quality oversight for technical and operational manufacturing activities from facility start-up through product commercialization, post-approval process monitoring, and deviation management. The role is also responsible for building strong partnerships with internal cross-functional teams to drive compliance, monitor performance, support continuous improvement, and provide quality presence and real-time support on the manufacturing floor. The role will closely partner with Manufacturing, Quality Control, MSAT, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, and other operational stakeholders, and participate in associated governance for the successful planning and execution of the QMS. The successful candidate will be a key member of the Vertex Cell & Genetic Therapy Quality Team and a visible quality partner supporting internal manufacturing operations. Key Duties & Responsibilities Lead, execute, and oversee the deviation management process across all stages of manufacturing, from identification to closure. Ensure proper investigation, documentation, and resolution of all deviations in accordance with internal policies and regulatory requirements. Provide quality and technical expertise in the investigation of deviations including OOS/OOTs, conduct thorough root cause analysis to identify underlying issues, and oversee efficient and effective implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to prevent recurrence. Partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality Control, MSAT, Engineering, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, and other Quality functions to ensure timely and effective resolution of deviations and alignment with patient safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance. May require flexibility to work in shifts to support manufacturing and operations, and/or to engage with appropriate stakeholders. Ensure that all deviation investigations comply with relevant regulatory standards (such as FDA, EMA, cGMP) and company policies. Maintain awareness of and ensure compliance with industry best practices and regulatory guidelines. Establish and maintain deviation tracking systems, ensuring that all deviations are properly documented, categorized, and monitored for timely resolution. Prepare and present regular reports on deviation metrics to senior leadership. Lead and execute continuous improvement activities and drive quality remediation. Identify potential risks and trends related to deviations and work proactively to mitigate such risks with preventive measures. Support risk assessments to evaluate the impact of deviations on product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Ensure that all deviation records are maintained in a compliant and audit-ready manner. Lead or support internal and external audits related to deviation management, ensuring all required documentation is available and accurate. Participate in operational review and escalation meetings to ensure Quality issues are appropriately raised, assessed, and addressed in support of internal manufacturing operations. Provide routine on-the-floor Quality support for manufacturing operations, including real-time troubleshooting, batch execution support, escalation of quality issues, and guidance to operations personnel to ensure compliance with procedures and cGMP requirements. Serve as a visible Quality presence in manufacturing areas to facilitate compliant and rapid resolution of issues. Participate in Cell & Genetic Program and Quality projects. Knowledge and Skills: In-depth global regulatory agency knowledge and experience across GXP life cycle in Cell & Gene therapy and/or Biologics. Experience in product life cycle from discovery to commercials product development Broad understanding of regulatory environment, including quality systems, compliance, and strategy. Broad technical knowledge in cell technology, aseptic manufacturing operations, analytical assays, cell & genetic therapies/biologics processing, fill/finish, and testing, with the ability to apply that knowledge in support of internal manufacturing operations. In-depth knowledge of deviations, root cause analysis, CAPA, and change control processes Ability to lead improvement projects - experience with Root Cause Analysis, data analytics, and other Operational Excellence experience, such as LEAN, DMAIC, Six Sigma. Substantial experience with electronic document management systems (e.g., Trackwise, Veeva) Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex information and a proven track record of influencing, building, and promoting a culture of Quality and Excellence across manufacturing operations and on the production floor. Ability to apply risk management principles to decision-making and operational priorities. Substantial background in managing complex projects/teams within stated objectives and timelines and with a strong understanding of the underlying business drivers. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving skills Strong leadership and an innate ability to collaborate and build relationships. Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in a biotech/life sciences field. Master's degree or relevant comparable background. Typically requires 8+ years of relevant industry experience such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and/or quality control in biotechnology/regulated pharmaceutical environment. Pay Range: $156,600 - $234,800 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: On-Site Designated Flex Eligibility Status: In this On-Site designated role, you will 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-Onsite 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. 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 APOL1-mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency . Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is 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 14 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 or follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X , LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. The diversity and authenticity of our people is part of what makes Vertex unique, and we recognize that each employee brings diverse perspectives and strengths. By embracing those strengths and celebrating differences, we are fostering an inclusive culture where each of us can bring our authentic selves to work, inspire innovation together, and change people’s lives. Our vision is clear: to be the place where an authentic, diverse mix of talent want to come, to stay, and do their best work.