Job Description

Research Technology Portfolio Management Director

General Summary

Vertex’s Data, Technology and Engineering (DTE) team is seeking a Research Technology Portfolio Management Director to join our Strategic Planning and Operations group. Strategic Planning and Operations is charged with streamlining and simplifying the work of our data and technology teams and ensuring the successful deployment of new technologies across our global enterprise. The Research Technology Portfolio Management Director will report to our Head of Strategic Planning and Operations and partner directly with our VP of Research Technology to manage our global Lab of Our Future program designed to transform our research labs through advanced data capture and automation. This role would include oversight of the full Research Technology portfolio of new technology implementations that enable our scientists across small molecule and cell and gene therapy research – including portfolio planning, financial management, governance, and oversight of project and change management. This role requires a deep understanding of biotechnology research, a strong background in program and portfolio management, and expertise in the deployment of enterprise technologies for research.

Responsibilities include:

• Leadership of Vertex’s global Lab of Our Future initiative including:

  • Developing and maintaining a comprehensive program plan including goals, objectives, timelines, budget, and resourcing

  • Driving the program forward to deliver those goals with excellence, on time and within budget

  • Identifying risks and issues and developing mitigation plans to ensure the success of the program

  • Managing stakeholders across research and technology subgroups and among vendors to ensure strong collaboration, communication and alignment

  • Monitoring program progress, reporting on milestones and deliverables to key stakeholders

  • Collaborating with program executive sponsors across research to ensure strong communication and alignment with strategic vision

• Management of Research Technology new implementation portfolio

  • Maintaining technology roadmaps, ensuring alignment with research strategic priorities, and resource and capacity management

  • Developing and managing governance processes for technology implementations to ensure tight coupling to scientific requirements, executive sponsorship, and strategic priorities

  • Co-developing communication decks for regular portfolio reviews and presentations to executive leadership

  • Managing all project managers for Research Technology implementations to ensure excellence in project delivery

  • Communicating portfolio status to Head of Strategic Planning and Operations and DTE leadership to ensure cross-functional awareness and alignment

  • Managing the portfolio budget including accruals and forecasting

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in scientific discipline or degree in computer science with strong experience in biotechnology in an industry setting

• 10 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in program and portfolio management and exceptional organization and planning skills

• Experience in management of research technology deployment, particularly enterprise electronic lab notebook or laboratory information management systems

• Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, and delivering results within defined timelines and budgets

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific and technological concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders cross-functionally and at all levels of the organization

• Clear and succinct written and verbal communication is strongly preferred

Company Information