Senior Director, Portfolio & Program Management

Job Description

Job Description Summary

The Sr Director, Program and Portfolio Management functions as a leader in the Program and Portfolio Management department and across Vertex R&D. This role has oversight and supervisory responsibility for the global research program management team supporting our portfolio of research programs at all sites (San Diego, Seattle, Oxford and Boston (Fan Pier and LC1)). The role includes ownership of research annual planning, pre clinical research stage gates processes, reporting of progress on portfolio goals and resourcing, informing and implementing new research initiatives and ensuring integration with our cross functional partners through to the clinic.  This role also oversees the PMs supporting our early stage Disease Strategy Teams (Pre-VXc).  The successful candidate will also work closely alongside the clinical stage Disease Strategy PM’s to ensure strategic alignment across programs to deliver on critical research pipeline goals. Additionally, this role with interface with research site leadership and contribute to developing research and PPM department initiatives. The position will report to the VP, Program and Portfolio Management and be a standing member of the PPM Leadership Team.

Job Description

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to multiple cross-functional teams to progress the portfolio, including portfolio prioritization and cross-functional impacts as projects move from bench to clinic
• Drive development & monitor progress of research strategy, goals, & metrics ensuring integration of research with DST strategy
• Proactive, effective, and timely communication to ensure delivery of cross-site research goals and initiatives in partnership with site leadership and functional leadership
• Define critical path & at-risk activities and interdependencies, anticipate bottlenecks, clear barriers to progress. Lead portfolio/program level scenario planning & risk management
• Ensuring high performing project teams by monitoring and assessing team effectiveness at both team and individual levels
• Drive synergies and scalability across disease areas, optimizing resource allocation to deliver on Vertex portfolio priorities
• In partnership with Alliance Management Team - provide leadership and oversight to program interactions with external business partners and alliances
• Recruit, manage, motivate, and mentor staff members; Identify training needs and monitor staff goals & development plans
• Effective stakeholder management and change management for buy-in and integration of processes, deliverables, technologies and roles/responsibilities into existing teams and infrastructure
• Lead and mentor research PPM staff across disease areas
• Represent PPM on governance forums and with senior leaders, influencing strategic direction and portfolio growth
• Propose and implement innovative approaches and process improvements to maximize operational excellence

Education and Experience:

• Requires an advanced degree in Life Sciences or a relevant field, (PhD degree preferred)
• Typically requires 12-15 years of experience, including 5+ years of management experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex teams and programs at a global level.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep expertise in portfolio and program management, strategic planning, risk management and resource management across multiple disease areas
• Proven ability to lead and mentor senior program managers and high-level professionals
• Experience in business management and financial acumen to drive value creation
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Pharmaceutical drug discovery and development expertise across disciplines

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Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

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. 

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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 [email protected]