Role Summary
The Executive Director of Performance Excellence & Business Transformation for Global Clinical Operations is a senior strategic leader responsible for driving operational excellence, innovation, and transformation across Vertex's global clinical trial portfolio with a strong focus on technology innovation. This role leads end-to-end clinical trials process optimization, oversees global transformation programs, advances digital capabilities including Clinical Technology Innovations and transformative AI/ML strategies, leads Business Intelligence and Analytics, develops and implements the strategy for workforce planning and resource utilization, and embeds a high-performance culture that accelerates study delivery while ensuring regulatory compliance and patient safety.
This role reports to the Head of Global Clinical Operations and is a member of the Leadership team.
Key Responsibilities
- •Lead the creation and execution of a multi-year transformation roadmap to modernize Global Clinical Operations and elevate operational effectiveness.
- •Identify enterprise-level opportunities to streamline clinical trial planning, site startup, enrollment, data collection, data cleaning, and closeout.
- •Drive harmonization and standardization of GCO processes across regions, therapeutic areas, and CRO partners.
- •Develop and oversee governance frameworks for clinical transformation initiatives, including prioritization, KPIs, and benefits realization.
- •Collaborate with DTE to accelerate adoption of modern clinical technologies.
- •Embed advanced analytics and predictive modeling to identify enrollment risks, monitor site performance, and optimize operational decision-making.
- •Oversee study and operational metrics and lead dashboard development.
- •Lead GCO Resource Strategy and allocation.
- •Drive the identification, implementation, and development of novel site and patient-facing technologies, including support for end-to-end technology deployment and GMDA robotic process automation.
- •Collaborate with external CROs, vendors, and strategic partners to ensure operational performance, consistency, and efficiency across outsourced studies.
- •Build and lead a high-performing Transformation/Operational Excellence team within GCO.
- •Oversee change management strategies to ensure global adoption, behavior change, and sustained results.
Education and Experience
- •Bachelor's degree required in Life Sciences, Engineering, Operations, or related field.
- •Advanced degree (MS, MPH, PharmD, MBA, PhD) preferred.
- •15+ years of increasing leadership responsibility in Global Clinical Operations, R&D Operations, Clinical Development, or related functions within pharma, biotech, or CRO.
- •Proven success driving enterprise transformation and performance excellence initiatives within highly regulated environments.
- •Strong track record improving clinical trial cycle times, quality, and operational predictability.
- •Experience implementing digital, data, or technology solutions for clinical operations.
Skills and Competencies
- •Deep understanding of end-to-end clinical development processes, regulatory pathways, and operational challenges.
- •Strong strategic thinking, portfolio management, and business acumen.
- •Exceptional leadership, influence, and stakeholder engagement across global, matrixed environments.
- •Data-driven mindset with proficiency in analytics and clinical operations performance management tools.
- •Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex concepts for senior executives.
- •High degree of resilience, adaptability, and operational rigor.
- •Curiosity and sound judgment in adopting AI, technology, and automation capabilities.
Compensation and Benefits
- •Pay range: $255,400 - $383,200 base salary.
- •Eligible for annual bonus and annual equity awards.
- •Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- •Generous paid time off including a week-long company shutdown in Summer and Winter.
- •Educational assistance programs including student loan repayment.
- •Generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, and 401(k).
Flex Designation
This role is Remote-Eligible. Candidates may choose to work fully remote, hybrid (up to two days remote per week), or fully on-site.
