Executive Director Quality, Cell & Gene Therapy

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Executive Director serves as a strategic leader responsible for defining and executing the Cell & Genetic Therapies (CGT) Quality vision, operating model, and organizational strategy. The role is accountable for ensuring quality readiness from early development through commercialization while building scalable, inspection-ready quality capabilities across internal manufacturing sites and external partner networks. The position drives enterprise CGT quality leadership, digital innovation, talent development, and risk-based decision making to support the successful delivery of life-changing therapies to patients.

The role includes partnering with internal stakeholders to build & coordinate a phase appropriate quality roadmap to commercialization. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership Expectations

• Define and execute the long-term CGT Quality strategy aligned with Vertex corporate objectives.
• Build scalable quality operating models to support portfolio growth and global commercialization.
• Serve as a member of the CGT governance operating model and contribute to business, network and program, decisions.
• Drive enterprise-wide quality transformation initiatives.
• Represent C&G Quality to lead/participate in complex projects and partner with key stakeholders for alignment in strategic and operational planning for the delivery of business & financial goals.

Manufacturing and Technical Development Quality 

• Lead and represent Quality in Cell & Genetic Programs and serve as a trusted partner to establish the roadmap for innovative therapeutic programs. Uses an understanding of early CGT drug development processes, relevant late-stage challenges, and global regulatory requirements to support advancement of CGT programs to meet quality compliance requirements.
• Partner with functional stakeholders to support strategy and health authority requests from investigational medicine to market authorization submissions in support of timely submissions and approvals
• Partner to execute quality oversight for process and analytical technical transfers as part of product life cycle development.
• Lead the development and execution of CGT \ quality & technical risk management including execution of associated mitigation plans to successfully bring CGT programs to commercialization. 
• Drive the development of an integrated digital quality, to build and establish capabilities supporting proactive quality management and operational decision-making.

Commercialization and Launch Quality Accountability

• Accountable for quality readiness of CGT assets through commercialization and lifecycle management.
• Establish quality strategies supporting launch readiness, product lifecycle management, and global market expansion.
• Lead quality governance for PPQ, process validation, comparability, and commercial readiness activities.
• In support of program advancement to commercialization, develops the quality road map to commercial operational readiness.

Quality Oversight Internal & External

• Establishment of quality oversight for internal quality and external CRO/CMO operations, from early development to commercial stage including manufacturing and distribution of product globally.
• Executive sponsor for health authority inspections and regulatory interactions.
• Lead the CGT quality team to continuously manage, assess and drive operational excellence & compliance drug product manufacture of internal manufacturing sites as well as oversight of external partners.
• Provides quality leadership to proactively establish best practices based on emerging trends, and projection of future regulatory requirements.

People Leadership

• Build and develop a high-performing global quality organization.
• Establish succession planning and talent development strategies.
• Foster an inclusive culture focused on accountability, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Lead and mentor other team members, support development of organizational capabilities and talent building.
• Accountable for annual operating budgets, resource planning, organizational design, and strategic investments supporting CGT Quality operations.

Required Education Level:

• Master's degree or PhD in Biotechnical/Lifescience discipline or relevant comparable background.

Required Experience:

15+ years of quality/technical experience in pharmaceutical development and commercial manufacture,

10+ years in a management/supervisory role.

Required Knowledge/Skills:

• In-depth global health regulatory agency knowledge and experience across GXP life cycle in Cell & Gene therapy and/or Biologics.
• Broad and deep technical and compliance expertise in Cell technology, aseptic manufacturing technology, analytical assays, cell & genetic therapies/Biologics processing, fill/finish and testing.
• Current knowledge of industry trends and best practices in Cell/Gene therapies.
• Proven expertise / experience with strategies for gene- and cell therapy products, regulatory documentation preparation and inspections.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and execution skills required for operational effectiveness and compliance.
•  Demonstrated leadership supporting late-stage development, commercialization, and marketed products.
• Significant experience leading quality organizations across global manufacturing networks and external partners.
• Excellent communication skills and a proven track record Influencing/building/promoting a culture of Quality and Excellence.
• Ability to apply risk management principles to decision making and operational priorities.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving skills.

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Pay Range:

$244,800 - $367,200

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:

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.

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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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com