Overview

As the Associate Director of Strategic Sourcing for Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) and Biologics, you will be part of a fast-growing and innovative organization at the company's world headquarters in Boston, MA.

The department values a trusting, collaborative culture with a focus on growth and development. This role requires an entrepreneurial, hands-on, team-oriented approach to deliver results for Vertex and for patients. The role is responsible for raw materials and CDMO sourcing categories essential to producing cell and gene therapy products and biologic therapies. A solid understanding of raw material technology, functionality, specifications, supplier and CDMO landscapes, and industry regulations is required to ensure robust partnerships, uninterrupted supply of high-quality materials, timely service support, and competitive pricing.

You will collaborate with the business to define and drive category strategies, extract value, and manage key strategic suppliers to drive continuous improvement, resolve complex supply issues, and identify opportunities that deliver value to Vertex and patients. This role has high visibility across the organization and requires effective communication with Senior Executive leaders.

Execution responsibilities include market analysis and due-diligence, RFx development, negotiation, competitive price and cost analysis, financial analysis and long-term planning, contract development, and ongoing supplier management and risk management. Additional focus on optimizing internal sourcing processes and interfaces to reduce delivery time and costs in support of corporate objectives and industry best practices.

This role requires a hybrid work schedule: 3 days in office, 2 days remote weekly. Some travel (up to 10%) to other facilities may be required to establish and maintain key business stakeholder and supplier relationships and to support strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Partnering - develop strong, trusting 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 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 materials and services; collaborate with suppliers on risk mitigation, cost savings, process improvements, standards, and innovation; partner with external manufacturing, supply chain, and process development teams to maintain governance with suppliers.
• Risk Mitigation - assess and mitigate supply chain risks for CGT products; proactively identify disruptions and develop contingency 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 specifications, and regulatory requirements.

• Market Analysis - monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and technologies related to raw materials for CGT manufacturing; conduct supplier assessments to identify opportunities and risks.
• Continuous Improvement - implement initiatives to streamline sourcing processes, increase efficiency, and drive operational excellence; use data analytics to monitor supplier performance and identify improvements.
• Financials - support annual budget process; provide cost guidance for Long Range Planning (LRP); evaluate BOMs and understand total COGs to identify opportunities and risks.

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 areas of expertise; manage and drive 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.
• Expertise in sourcing, contracting and managing CDMOs within a virtual plant team governance concept.
• Strong analytical capabilities and experience with data tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to generate reports and support activities.

• Continuous Improvement tools (e.g., Pareto charts, flow diagrams) to drive process improvements.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; capable of leading teams collaboratively across Legal, Compliance, Finance and other functions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting to Sr. Management.
• Knowledge of contract law and ability to assess risks across agreements (e.g., CDAs, MSAs).
• Collaborative mindset with earned trust and respect in partner relationships.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP/e-sourcing tools with strong BI/reporting capabilities.

Qualifications

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

Pay Range: $143,200 - $214,800

Disclosure Statement

The range provided is an estimated base salary for this job posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and equity awards. Overtime may be applicable where required by law. Actual base pay is based on skills, experience, and other factors permitted by law.

Vertex offers total rewards including medical, dental, vision, PTO, educational assistance, commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k), and more.

Flex Designation

Hybrid-Eligible or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as Hybrid (remote up to two days per week) or On-Site (five days per week with ad hoc flexibility).

Note: The flex status is subject to Vertex policy and may change.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is an equal opportunity employer. We provide accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities as required by law. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com.