Associate Director, Manufacturing Systems & Automation; CGT

Job Description

Associate Director, Manufacturing Systems and Automation – CGT

Lead the manufacturing systems and automation team within the Biopharmaceutical Sciences – Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) Manufacturing and Process Engineering organization. This leadership position focuses on strategy, implementation, integration, validation, and continuous improvement of GMP manufacturing systems supporting cell and gene therapy operations across multiple Boston-area sites.

• Lead the design, implementation, integration, and lifecycle management of GMP manufacturing systems and automation platforms supporting cell and gene therapy manufacturing operations
• Develop and execute digital manufacturing strategies enabling real‑time manufacturing execution, electronic workflow orchestration, automated data collection, equipment integration, process monitoring, manufacturing analytics, and reporting
• Drive deployment and optimization of SCADA, MES, LIMS, OSI Pi, e , batch review by exception, release by exception, chain of custody/chain of identity, and other digital and smart manufacturing initiatives
• Lead cross‑functional initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency, system reliability, and data integrity
• Partner with enterprise IT and Quality Assurance to define exception management strategies, review workflows, and electronic approval requirements
• Drive reduction in batch review timelines and support accelerated batch disposition through exception‑based review processes
• Lead implementation and governance of digital traceability systems supporting patient‑specific autologous therapy manufacturing
• Ensure manufacturing systems and electronic release processes align with FDA GMP regulations, 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, GAMP 5, and ALCOA+ data integrity requirements
• Maintain inspection readiness and compliance with global regulatory expectations for manufacturing systems
• Develop SOPs, governance standards, and lifecycle management procedures for manufacturing systems and automation platforms
• Track and manage key metrics and KPIs to drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement

• Ability to simplify high‑level concepts into actionable insights and advise on digital maturity, digital transformation, and system integrations to site leadership
• Proven leadership in regulated environments with a focus on team development and operational excellence
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including direct interaction with regulatory authorities related to aseptic controls and strategies
• Analytical problem‑solving and strategic planning abilities
• Adaptability and sound decision‑making in dynamic environments

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, biotechnology, automation, computer science, life sciences, or related discipline
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in GMP manufacturing or automation leadership, with at least 5 years of commercial digital/automation leadership in CGT, biologics, or sterile filling operations
• Strong implementation and commercialization experience integrating first‑of‑kind equipment with manufacturing systems and automating batch review by exception, release by exception, and chain‑of‑custody/identification of autologous & allogeneic CGT products
• Experience managing GMP training programs, driving continuous improvement, and implementing digital transformations
• Proficiency in manufacturing systems (e.g., e , DCS/SCADA, Pi, ERP, QMS) and paperless execution strategies
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, including investigations, CAPA, change control, and risk mitigation

$160,000 – $240,000

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.