Associate Director, Manufacturing Operations

Associate Director, Manufacturing Operations for Cell TherapyThe Associate Director, Manufacturing Operations for Cell Therapy leads a team responsible for the execution of multi-product manufacturing operations. This role is accountable for the compliant production of cell therapy products and for the oversight, development, and training of the manufacturing team to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of therapies to patients. The role also cultivates and leverages cross-functional partnerships to identify and implement creative solutions to organizational opportunities and challenges.The Associate Director, Manufacturing Operations reports directly to the Senior Director, Manufacturing Operations and is a key member of the operational and manufacturing execution leadership team. This position is based in Boston, MA and provides oversight of three shifts supporting seven-day-a-week production at the Boston manufacturing facility. This role will partner closely with colleagues across Vertex to ensure the seamless supply of commercial cell therapy products.Key Duties and Responsibilities:Deliver program goals by ensuring the efficient and compliant execution of all cell therapy manufacturing activities, including direct responsibility for the finished drug product (DP) manufacturing functionBuild and maintain inventory to support patient needsLead cross-functional stakeholders to translate strategic decisions into manufacturing executionFacilitate alignment and prioritization of manufacturing activities and objectivesEnsure products are manufactured and delivered in a safe, timely, and financially responsible manner in compliance with FDA, EMA, and other applicable global regulatory requirementsMonitor and manage resources, including FTE allocation, equipment utilization, and capacity planningAnalyze operating costs and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiencySupport the implementation and optimization of digital systems to enhance manufacturing operations and data integrityDrive digitization and automation as a functional owner by identifying opportunities for process optimization and implementationChampion the adoption of digital tools and technologies within the manufacturing organizationCoach and develop direct reports and emerging leaders to build a strong leadership pipelineLead talent management and development activities, including succession planning, performance management, and career developmentAttract, develop, and retain key talent across the manufacturing organizationFoster a culture of flexibility, agility, efficiency, compliance, and collaboration across teams and stakeholdersPromote a strong quality culture and ensure all activities align with GMP requirementsMaintain training excellence initiatives to ensure team competency and ongoing regulatory compliancePresent effectively to senior leadership and cross-functional teams across VertexKnowledge and Skills:Expert knowledge of GMP manufacturingDemonstrated ability to develop and track manufacturing metricsProficiency in budgeting, FTE forecasting, and production planningUnderstanding of manufacturing execution systems (MES) and digital data managementAbility to identify and champion digitization opportunitiesStrong coaching and mentoring capabilitiesProven ability to drive culture change and foster continuous improvementDemonstrated success in managing quality events and maintaining complianceExcellent presentation and communication skills, including the ability to engage senior leadership audiencesEducation and Experience:Bachelor's degree in a scientific, technical, or engineering disciplineTypically requires 12 years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experiencePrevious experience managing day-to-day drug product manufacturing site operationsExperience selecting, building, and training a manufacturing team to operate at a high level in a cGMP-compliant environmentExperience supporting successful regulatory inspections, including FDA, EMA, and other health authority inspectionsPay Range:$160,000 - $240,000Disclosure 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 EligibleFlex 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: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