About this role

Job Description

General/Position Summary

The Director, Manufacturing Process & Technical Quality provides Quality leadership and end-to-end technical Quality oversight for assigned Cell & Genetic Therapies programs from development through commercialization and post-approval lifecycle management. The role is accountable for translating Quality strategy into compliant execution, establishing phase-appropriate product and process standards, identifying and mitigating Quality risks, and enabling operational and site readiness. Working across Development, Technical Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and external partners, the Director ensures alignment with the Vertex Quality Management System, global regulatory expectations, and business priorities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Quality Execution

• Translate program and CGT Quality strategy into compliant execution plans, priorities, and deliverables.

• Drive accountability for Quality decisions, issue resolution, escalation, and delivery of commitments.

• Ensure compliance with the Vertex Quality Management System, global GxP requirements, procedures, and regulatory commitments.

• Influence stakeholders and foster a culture of Quality, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.

Product Lifecycle Quality Leadership

• Provide end-to-end Quality oversight from development through commercialization and post-approval lifecycle management.

• Define phase-appropriate product, process, analytical, and control strategy expectations.

• Serve as the Quality lead for technical transfer, comparability, PPQ, validation, regulatory submissions, launch, and lifecycle activities.

• Integrate Quality requirements into program plans, governance, stage-gate deliverables, and product-impact decisions.

Operational Readiness & Manufacturing Support

• Lead Quality readiness for process scale-up, technology and analytical transfer, PPQ, launch, and commercial operations.

• Assess site capabilities, Quality systems, operational controls, training, documentation, and inspection readiness.

• Establish readiness plans, milestones, governance, and escalation processes to identify and close gaps.

• Drive sustainable remediation, process robustness, right-first-time execution, and reliable supply across internal and external sites.

Quality Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Leadership

• Identify, assess, communicate, and mitigate product, process, compliance, and supply risks.

• Represent Quality in program, technical, site, and change-control governance, providing independent, risk-based recommendations.

• Ensure appropriate oversight and escalation of significant deviations, OOS results, CAPAs, changes, and emerging trends.

• Support health authority inspections, regulatory interactions, commitments, and implementation of evolving regulatory expectations.

People & Organizational Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop team members, with clear priorities, performance expectations, and accountability for results.

• Build the technical and Quality capabilities required to support portfolio progression and commercialization.

• Prioritize and deploy resources across business objectives, delivery commitments, compliance requirements, and risks.

• Manage assigned budgets, external support, and resource plans in alignment with approved business priorities.

Required Education Level

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, biotechnology, engineering, or a related discipline.

• Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience preferred.

Required Experience

• Typically requires 10+ years of progressive experience in Quality, manufacturing, technical operations, development, or Quality Control within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.

• At least 3 years of leadership experience, including direct people leadership or accountability for cross-functional teams and resource deployment.

• Prior experience supporting a site, program, CMC, or R&D leadership team strongly preferred.

Required Knowledge/Skills

· In-depth global regulatory agency knowledge and experience across GXP life cycle in Cell & Gene therapy and/or Biologics (ICH/EU/FDA/etc.).

· In depth experience in all stages of clinical product development to commercialization product life cycle management.

· Direct experience with regulators (e.g., NDA, BLA, MAA submissions and/or inspections).

· Broad technical knowledge in AAV/Cell technology, aseptic processing, process development, manufacturing science & technology, etc.

· Ability to lead improvement projects - experience with Root Cause Analysis, data analytics, and other Operational Excellence experience, such as LEAN, DMAIC, Six Sigma.

· Excellent communication skills and a proven track record Influencing/building/promoting a culture of Quality and Excellence.

· Ability to apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to decision making and operational priorities.

· Strong leadership and an innate ability to mentor, collaborate and build relationships

· Demonstrated influential leadership experienced operating in a matrix organization through presenting, influencing, negotiation and partnering is required. Capable of building alignment across diverse perspectives and functional areas.

Other Requirements

· Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%, as required

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:
$184,600 - $277,000

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