Project Management & Strategic Operations Director

Job Description General Summary: The Project Management & Strategic Operations Director serves as the end-to-end program lead for large-scale strategic programs of high business value within Global Regulatory Affairs (GRA). Drives benefit achievement by leading program initiation, planning, solution design and build, and by measuring key performance indicators and solution adoption. Engages other colleagues/resources and assigns appropriate responsibilities to support achievement of program roadmap and project plan(s). Independently applies expert knowledge of advanced methodologies, selecting and applying high-level project management tools to conduct analyses, reporting and related activities for assigned projects. Contributes to the development of internal protocols and processes used to carry out program management work. Responsible for program management activities including contingency/dependency tracking, status reporting, issue/risk identification and tracking, scope management, estimation, and internal/external stakeholder management. Provides oversight to workstream/task leads within the program; resolves any escalated project risks, issues and dependencies. Manages the overall scope and timing of the program, ensuring on-time and within budget delivery.   Key Duties and Responsibilities: Oversees end-to-end program management activities for large-scale, strategic programs of high business value, with oversight for the full project lifecycle Manages the progress and contributions of workstream leads or subordinate project managers to ensure all activities deliver expected value within committed timeframes and budget Manages contingencies between multiples projects and monitors interdependencies and synergies where required Builds and synthesizes highly-detailed project plans, budgeting & forecasting models or resource plans, requiring significant stakeholder management skills and interpretation of diverse and varied information Develops statements of work, stakeholder management plans, guiding principles, project goals, risks, resource allocation, and roles and responsibilities for assigned projects Manage post-acquisition integration efforts for GRA including operational alignment, technology consolidation, data/document transfer, and talent integration Secures, leads, motivates and inspires the internal and external resources required to effectively deliver the program. Establishes the program’s governance (e.g., sponsors, approvers, stakeholders) Participates in the evaluation, selection and management of external resources or vendors Provides transparency in project progress and effectively anticipates and mitigates major risks across the project lifecycle Proactively crafts feasible solutions to combat risks and issues. Exercises sound judgement balancing risks and making prompt decisions in ambiguous or difficult situations Manages communication with management at a detailed functional level and discusses/resolves issues Works with all required functions and groups to effectively plan and execute the program/project(s). May coordinate resources across organizational boundaries Trains and coaches project teams in execution methodologies and promotes adoption of best practices Develops tools and training methods to enable successful project management throughout the enterprise. Ensures project delivery is in conformance with company methodologies and standards; recommends improvements and changes as necessary Evaluates program costs and benefits including actual results and forecasts with comparisons to original or baseline plan and updates plans with accurate, up-to-date information in a timely manner. Reports financial information and status to leadership. Ensures program solution(s) meets quality and reliability requirements and that the launch approach meets or exceeds adoption targets. Monitors program results/performance for significant deviations, evaluates options and makes recommendations for corrective actions, and then implements selected actions Knowledge and Skills: Proven experience in cross-functional execution including medium to large-scale projects Critical thought partner and proven ability to connect people and ideas to drive outcomes Demonstrated ability to connect with over divisions and functions throughout Vertex Demonstrates the ability to effectively adopt and leverage emerging technologies, including AI driven tools, and maintains a continuous learning mindset Ability to manage multiple priorities/projects at a given time, ensuring deadlines, budgets and status updates Highly developed communication skills and the ability to synthesize data and information into meaningful insights Very detail oriented and strong project/operation management skills Ability to handle ambiguity Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree Typically requires 10 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience *LI-EE1 Pay Range: $185,400 - $278,200 Disclosure Statement: The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law. At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations.  From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a gene