About this role

Job Description

Role Summary

The Executive Director of Performance Excellence & Business Transformation for Global Clinical Operations is a senior strategic leader responsible for driving operational excellence, innovation, and transformation across Vertex’s global clinical trial portfolio with a strong focus on technology innovation. This role leads end‑to‑end clinical trials process optimization, oversees global transformation programs, advances digital capabilities (i.e., Clinical Technology Innovations and transformative AI/ML strategies); leads Business Intelligence and Analytics, develops and implements the strategy for workforce planning and resource utilization and embeds a high‑performance culture that accelerates study delivery while ensuring regulatory compliance and patient safety.

This role reports to the Head of Global Clinical Operations and is a member of the Leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the creation and execution of a multi‑year transformation roadmap to modernize Global Clinical Operations and elevate operational effectiveness.
- Identify enterprise‑level opportunities to streamline clinical trial planning, site startup, enrollment, data collection, data cleaning, and closeout.
- Drive harmonization and standardization of GCO processes across regions, therapeutic areas, and CRO partners.
- Develop and oversee governance frameworks for clinical transformation initiatives, including prioritization, KPIs, and benefits realization.
- Collaborate with DTE to accelerate adoption of modern clinical technologies
- Embed advanced analytics and predictive modeling to identify enrollment risks, monitor site performance, and optimize operational decision‑making.
- Oversee study and operational metrics, lead dashboard development
- Lead GCO Resource Strategy and allocation
- Drive the identification, implementation, and development of novel site and patient‑facing technologies, including support for end‑to‑end technology deployment and GMDA robotic process automation
- Collaborate with external CROs, vendors, and strategic partners to ensure operational performance, consistency, and efficiency across outsourced studies.
- Build and lead a high-performing Transformation/Operational Excellence team within GCO.
- Oversee change management strategies to ensure global adoption, behavior change, and sustained results.

Education and Experience:

- Bachelor’s degree required (Life Sciences, Engineering, Operations, or related field).
- Advanced degree (MS, MPH, PharmD, MBA, PhD) preferred.
- 15+ years of increasing leadership responsibility in Global Clinical Operations, R&D Operations, Clinical Development, or related functions within pharma, biotech, or CRO.
- Proven success driving enterprise transformation and performance excellence initiatives within highly regulated environments.
- Strong track record improving clinical trial cycle times, quality, and operational predictability.
- Experience implementing digital, data, or technology solutions for clinical operations.

Skills & Competencies

- Deep understanding of end‑to‑end clinical development processes, regulatory pathways, and operational challenges.
- Strong strategic thinking, portfolio management, and business acumen.
- Exceptional leadership, influence, and stakeholder engagement across global, matrixed environments.
- Data-driven mindset with proficiency in analytics and clinical operations performance management tools.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex concepts for senior executives.
- High degree of resilience, adaptability, and operational rigor.

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:
$255,400 - $383,200

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:
Remote-Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Remote-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1.   Remote : work remotely five days per week and come into the office on occasion – you’re always welcome on-site; or select
2.   Hybrid : work remotely up to two days per week; or select
3.   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.

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