Senior Director, Quality AI, Data & Technology Engineering

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. As Vertex continues to grow, we are accelerating capabilities in technology and data to remain at the forefront of science, medicine, and technology.

The Data & Technology Engineering, Biopharmaceutical Science, Manufacturing, Supply & Quality organization is focused on improving patients’ lives through AI, data, and technology innovation.

The Senior Director, Quality AI, Data & Technology Engineering will define and execute the strategic vision for transforming Vertex’s global Quality operations through AI, data, and technology. This leader will champion AI-driven approaches that enhance the complete suite of quality activities including batch release, assurance, oversight, compliance, inspection readiness, deviation management, corrective and preventive actions.

Working across multiple Vertex business units, internal teams, external partners, and operating models, this role is accountable for advancing the end-to-end global Quality experience. The Senior Director will serve as a key member of the Data & Technology Engineering leadership community and the Data & Technology Engineering, Biopharmaceutical Science, Manufacturing, Supply & Quality Leadership Team, partnering with leaders in Quality, Manufacturing, R&D, Supply Chain, data science, infrastructure, data platforms, and security to deliver smart, scalable, and compliant solutions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Vision and Strategy
  • Develop, communicate, and execute a clear vision for AI-powered Quality technology solutions across Vertex’s global internal and external operations.
  • Shape a strategic roadmap that applies generative AI, agentic AI, machine learning, data products, and data-driven automation to transform Quality processes.
  • Partner closely with Quality leadership to ensure technology strategies accelerate portfolio and commercial priorities while enabling operational excellence.
  • Lead strategic thinking across Quality oversight, inspection readiness, batch release, compliance, and related global Quality activities.
  • Influence stakeholders across a broad internal and external ecosystem to identify and prioritize opportunities for innovation.

• Operational Execution

  • Identify, evaluate, and advance opportunities involving AI, data science, data products, internal and external integrations, software, protocols, and technology platforms.
  • Assess the applicability, value, risks, and compliance considerations of AI-enabled solutions within regulated Quality environments.
  • Deliver strategic, flexible, scalable, and reusable technology solutions aligned with Vertex architectural principles, standards, and governance.
  • Establish disciplined operating practices that maximize financial, resource, and operational effectiveness.
  • Lead a robust Quality technology operation that enables dependable support for drug research, manufacturing, and product supply while maximizing return on investment.
  • Partner with external suppliers to ensure high-quality delivery that meets Vertex expectations for compliance, security, and performance.
  • Drive coordinated digital transformation initiatives across CMC, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality.

• Leadership and Collaboration

  • Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing and diverse team of technology professionals.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, inclusion, diversity, and equity.
  • Align the Quality technology organization and data strategy with enterprise priorities, business outcomes, and regulatory requirements.
  • Represent the Quality technology organization in internal and external forums, advocating for innovation and the organization’s ability to achieve strategic objectives.
  • Build trusted partnerships with leaders and teams across Quality, Manufacturing, R&D, Supply Chain, data science, technology, infrastructure, data platforms, and security.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience creating and applying technologies to solve computationally intensive and data-intensive challenges within Quality or similarly regulated life sciences environments.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing technology strategies within complex organizations, preferably pharmaceutical Quality organizations.
• Proven experience delivering multiple complex technology development or transformation initiatives.
• Extensive knowledge of global Quality environments and the ability to translate user needs into effective technology solutions.
• Strong understanding of biotech regulatory requirements, compliance, and integrity in systems, processes, and actions.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate strategic ideas, technology solutions, and complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences at all organizational levels.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, organizational leadership, and team-building capabilities.

Technical Skills Required

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Generative AI and agentic AI
• Data-driven automation
• Data products and data science
• Quality technology platforms and transactional systems
• Quality assurance and Quality oversight technology
• Inspection readiness and inspection management
• Deviation management
• Corrective and preventive action processes
• Product batch release processes
• Internal and external technology integrations
• Software and technology solution evaluation
• Data platforms and infrastructure
• Cybersecurity and technology security considerations
• Distributed computing environments
• Cloud computing environments
• High-performance computing
• Technology architecture, standards, governance, and risk management

Preferred Skills

• Experience leading AI, data, or technology transformation in a global pharmaceutical Quality organization.
• Experience supporting clinical and commercial supply operations.
• Experience working across CMC, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and R&D functions.
• Experience partnering with external technology suppliers and service providers in highly regulated environments.
• Advanced certification in product management, Agile, software engineering, leadership, or a related discipline.
• Experience developing scalable solutions that balance innovation, operational needs, regulatory compliance, and security.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Computer Science, Engineering)
• 12+ years’ experience and 5+ years of management experience
• 2+ year’s experience setting agentic AI vision and governance framework development

#LI-KO1 #LI-Hybrid

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:

$256,000 - $384,000

Disclosure Statement:

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
 

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