Overview

Strategic Sourcing, Associate Director (Cell & Gene Therapy and Biologics) at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The role is based at the company\'s world headquarters in Boston, MA. This position focuses on raw materials and CDMO sourcing for cell and gene therapy products and biologics, requiring knowledge of raw material technology, specifications, supplier/CDMO landscapes, and industry regulations to ensure robust partnerships and uninterrupted supply of high-quality materials and services at competitive prices.

The department values a trusting, collaborative culture with emphasis on growth and development. If you seek an entrepreneurial, hands-on, team-oriented environment where you can have a big impact, this is the right role for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Partnering – develop strong relationships with stakeholders, understand business objectives, bring supplier and marketplace expertise, collaborate on multi-year strategic and operational plans, and drive business outcomes.
• Global Category Management – develop and manage category and sourcing strategies, manage strategic supplier relationships and performance, and conduct tactical RFx activities.
• Sourcing Strategy Development – co-develop and implement sourcing strategies with the business unit to enable development and commercialization of CGT/biologics products; identify and select raw material and CDMO suppliers, negotiate contracts, influence network strategy, and manage supplier relationships.
• Supplier Relationship Management – cultivate relationships with key CDMOs/suppliers; negotiate contracts to ensure timely delivery of favorable terms while ensuring quality and compliance; collaborate to identify opportunities for risk mitigation, cost savings, process improvements, standards, and innovation; partner with external manufacturing, supply chain, and process development teams for governance with suppliers.
• Risk Mitigation – assess and mitigate supply chain risks for CGT products; develop contingency/resiliency plans to ensure continuity of supply.
• Cross-functional Collaboration – work with R&D, external manufacturing, quality control, vendor quality, and regulatory affairs to align sourcing with production schedules, product specs, and regulatory requirements.
• Market Analysis – monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and emerging materials technologies; conduct supplier assessments to identify opportunities and risks.
• Continuous Improvement – drive process improvements using data analytics and performance metrics to monitor supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Financials – support annual budget processes; provide cost guidance for Long-Range Planning; evaluate BOMs and understand total COGs to identify opportunities and risks.
• Internal Sourcing Process Optimization – streamline workflows and interfaces to reduce delivery times and costs in alignment with corporate objectives and best practices.

Knowledge And Skills

• Ability to influence senior leadership to drive sourcing value and gain a seat at the table with stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of Category Management within CGT/biologics; manage all aspects of strategic sourcing including strategy development, RFx execution, negotiation, contract execution, supplier performance management, and stakeholder management.
• Expertise in complex supplier negotiations and supplier management activities; experience with CDMOs within a virtual plant team governance concept.
• Strong analytical capabilities; proficient with data tools such as Power BI and Tableau; able to generate data and reports to support activities.
• Experience with Continuous Improvement tools (e.g., Pareto charts, flow diagrams) to drive process improvements.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to lead cross-functional teams including Legal, Compliance, and Finance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting to Sr. Management.
• Knowledge of contract law and terms for various agreements (e.g., CDAs, MSAs); trusted partner to Legal for risk insights.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach; ability to cultivate and maintain effective business relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/e-Sourcing tools, including BI/reporting platforms.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management with a focus on CDMOs for CGT or biologics in pharma/biotechnology.
• Bachelor\'s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related field preferred.
• Proven track record of negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost savings.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to assess risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of biologics and/or CGT products, technologies, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate across functions and levels.
• Understanding of raw material specifications, quality requirements, and regulatory standards relevant to GMP.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements, quality standards, and GMP/ISO practices in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with suppliers and visit facilities.

Pay Range

$143,200 - $214,800

Disclosure Statement

The range provided is a reasonable base salary estimate at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Overtime may be applicable where required by law. Base salary will be based on skills, competencies, experience, and other factors permitted by law.

Vertex offers comprehensive Total Rewards including medical, dental, vision, generous PTO, educational assistance, commuter benefits, 401(k), and more.

Flex Designation

Hybrid-Eligible or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you may be designated as Hybrid (remote up to two days per week) or On-Site (five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility). Note: Flex status subject to Vertex policy and may change.

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 race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any protected characteristic. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified individuals with known disabilities per applicable law. For accommodation requests, contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com