Associate Director, Supply Chain

Job Description General

Summary:

Vertex is seeking an Associate Director of Supply Chain to lead the development of upstream supply strategy for the Pain portfolio and support the Program Lead on end-to-end strategic initiatives. This role is ideal for a strategic, collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and brings strong expertise in scenario planning, cross-functional influence, ERP systems, and executive communication.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in aligning supply chain strategy with broader program objectives, enabling informed decision-making, and ensuring continuity of supply across a complex and highly regulated environment.

This is a Hybrid position that requires 3 days in Boston per week.

Key

Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop and lead the upstream supply chain strategy and integrate it with overall program strategy in partnership with cross-functional leaders

Partner closely with the Program Lead to prepare critical analyses, recommendations, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders

Support the U.S. S&OP planning process by leading the working team and serving as a liaison across Commercial, Finance, and Operations Communicate supply plans and key updates to Commercial Manufacturing and Supply Chain leadership

Collaborate across Commercial, Quality, Technical Operations, Regulatory, and Manufacturing Operations to advance program objectives while representing Supply Chain priorities

Drive data-informed decision-making through scenario planning, balancing likely demand scenarios with supply constraints while maintaining flexibility and optionality

Work with internal and external partners to resolve issues that could delay material flow or execution of key initiatives

Support supply planning for product launches and phase-out activities

Partner with Finance on the development of annual budgets

Serve as the primary owner of group business processes, including the design, drafting, review, and approval of SOPs and work instructions

Manage the order lifecycle, including purchase order execution, release monitoring, and coordination with logistics and 3PL providers on shipments and deliveries

Oversee inventory management strategies, including monthly and quarterly reconciliations and support annual physical counts as needed

Support supply chain risk management by partnering with the risk champion to develop and monitor mitigation plans

Participate in strategic sourcing initiatives, including vendor selection and supplier agreement development or renewal

Contribute to the creation of department goals

Take on additional responsibilities as needed

Knowledge and

Skills:

Strong experience in supply chain processes, including S&OP, supply planning, and product launch support

Strategic mindset with the ability to think and operate at an enterprise level

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Demonstrated success leading cross-functional projects and collaborating in global, virtual, and matrixed organizations

Proven ability to manage stakeholder expectations, navigate complex or sensitive situations, and influence decisions effectively

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities

Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to optimize processes and drive operational excellence

Knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain regulations, including cGMP, GCP, GDP, and import/export requirements

Experience with ERP/MRP systems and planning/content management platforms such as Oracle OPM, Maestro Kinaxis, Veeva, or similar tools

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Power Point Education  and

Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, supply chain, manufacturing…