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Associate Director, GMP Operational Quality - Cell & Genetic Therapies

Vertex Pharmaceuticals · Boston, MA

Apply on Vertex ↗
Level
Director+
Team
Quality
Base pay
$157k–$235k
Degree
Required
Experience asked
8+ years
Industry
Pharma & life sciences
Posted
Recently

The role in 30 seconds

A director-level quality role at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (pharma & life sciences) in Boston, MA. In-depth and specialized knowledge of both the conceptual and practical application of cGMPs in a pharmaceutical setting; in-depth knowledge of global GMP requirements and managing quality in support GMP manufacturing.

They ask for
8+ years · degree required
Tools it names
Lean, Root cause, CAPA, FDA / GMP, Internal audits, Automation
Base pay
$157k–$235k

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Quality Engineer roles in Massachusetts: typical posted base $107k–$149k. This one lists $157k–$235k.

Median of the low and high ends of 50 live postings that list pay, out of 70 quality engineer openings in Massachusetts, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Massachusetts plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 69 other live quality postings in Massachusetts.

Base pay
About 64% above similar roles

Typical $100k–$138k, from 39 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (8+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Root cause 69%
  • ✓ FDA / GMP 60%
  • Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 51%
  • ✓ CAPA 50%
  • ISO 13485 46%
  • FMEA 37%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Casting, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 8+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Promotion path mentioned

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Quality team at Vertex Pharmaceuticals

    We found 3 people at this company and state: 1 in this kind of role, 2 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

    Write to Alexander → (free)
  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • Which standards drive the work here: ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100?
    • How much of the job is customer complaints versus prevention?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston

16 other open roles at this site · 3 people we found in quality roles at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

All 17 roles at Vertex Pharmaceuticals →
Full description from Vertex PharmaceuticalsAs posted on their careers site.Show

responsibilities

to ensure timely delivery to support business, but mentors team members to provide individual development in addition to efficient and valuable service to project teams.

Responsibilities

  • ◆Lead a Quality team: primarily responsible for providing quality oversight and support to business activities within purview at Vertex
  • ◆Collaborate with internal and external business partners to resolve complex quality issues to ensure compliant solutions
  • ◆Oversee CMO/Vendor performance, establishment of Quality Agreements and adherence of Quality Agreement terms
  • ◆Enable team to achieve team goals/objectives and enable their individual career development
  • ◆Develop and maintain compliant quality processes to support GMP activities
  • ◆Oversee the QA support of Change Controls, GMP investigations and associated CAPAs.
  • ◆Track performance metrics and report to Sr Management; develops tactics to improve performance outcomes
  • ◆Participate in inspection readiness activities and lead Quality development discussions as necessary during regulatory site inspections.
  • ◆Support review of regulatory submissions, as applicable
  • ◆Lead continuous improvements of department processes, realizing efficiency gains, and ensuring team continues to meet expanding business needs with lean resources.
  • ◆Lead and follow up on any QLT action items assigned.
  • ◆Identify and communicate risks and assist with risk mitigation plans as necessary
  • ◆Supports internal audit or external audit programs; assists in preparation of audit responses
  • ◆Provide comprehensive knowledge support for partner and regulatory agency audits
  • ◆Assist management team in budgeting and scheduling
  • ◆Responsible for the following activities related to people management

responsibilities

  • ◆Talent Acquisition/ Recruiting/Interviewing/ Selection/Onboarding
  • ◆Performance Management (goals, monitoring, reviews);
  • ◆Monitoring /Supporting Employee Engagement and Retention;
  • ◆Succession Planning;
  • ◆Accomplishing staff results by communicating job expectations, planning, coaching, training and developing personal growth opportunities through IDPs.
  • ◆Accountable to provide oversight of day to day team operations
  • ◆Assists with workforce planning/resource modeling and to update through forecasting activities

requirements

and managing quality in support GMP manufacturing

  • ✓Demonstrated success in building high-performing teams and skilled at managing team and individual development
  • ✓Strong management skills with the ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high degree of quality, accuracy and timeliness
  • ✓Substantial background in managing complex projects/teams within stated objectives and timelines and with a strong understanding of the underlying business drivers; skilled at applying project management processes / tools to lead meetings, assist with project planning, and facilitate attainment of project objectives
  • ✓Ability to independently lead cross-functional teams and represent the interests, strategies and objectives of Quality unit
  • ✓Strong skills in mentoring staff and transferring technical knowledge to enable their capabilities and development
  • ✓Ability to communicate cross-functionally to a wide variety of audiences; exchanges complex concepts with the ability to influence leaders, customers, or vendors to adopt of a new point of view and/or to take action
  • ✓Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex quality matters and make decisions utilizing risk-based approach; identifies and leverages the appropriate expertise to implement solutions
  • ✓Substantial experience successfully leading event investigations, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and CAPA
  • ✓Extensive exposure with multiple regulatory agencies across applicable GxPs during inspections
  • ✓Substantial experience with electronic document management systems (e.g., QDocs, Trackwise, Veeva)

Education and Experience

  • ✓Bachelor's degree in a scientific or allied health field (or equivalent degree)
  • ✓Typically requires 8+ years of work experience and 2 years of management experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience

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.

Show full description ↓

Job Description

General Summary

The Associate Director, GMP Operational Quality is responsible for oversight of team activities, development of personnel and ensuring quality of deliverables within department purview. The incumbent has comprehensive knowledge of principles and application of quality assurance and compliance. The incumbent is responsible for development of group goals and projects ensuring alignment with corporate goals and compliance with all regulatory requirements, refining goals and projects when necessary. The incumbent not only coordinates group

Knowledge and Skills

  • •In-depth and specialized knowledge of both the conceptual and practical application of cGMPs in a pharmaceutical setting; in-depth knowledge of global GMP

Pay Range

$156,600 - $234,800

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 the

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