Project Management & Strategic Operations Manager

Vertex Pharmaceuticals•Boston, MA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Strategic Operations Manager, Preclinical Sciences will play a critical role in driving operational excellence across the Preclinical Sciences organization. This position will partner closely with Procurement, Legal, Outsourced Contracting, Lab Operations, and Records Management to support business operations, improve processes, and enable efficient execution of departmental priorities. The ideal candidate is a highly organized and agile operations professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and is experienced in supporting change management initiatives and driving efficiencies across cross-functional teams.

Requirements

Cross-functional operational coordination
Process improvement and workflow optimization
Change management leadership
Vendor and contract process management
Documentation and records management practices
Meeting facilitation and stakeholder communication
Project tracking and reporting
Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, and Word
Experience using digital tools, dashboards, or AI-assisted technologies to improve planning, documentation, communication, and operational efficiency.
Data tracking, dashboards, and operational reporting tools
Standard operating procedures and business process documentation
Experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other regulated environments
Familiarity with procurement and legal review workflows
Knowledge of outsourced contracting processes and vendor management
Experience supporting laboratory or scientific operational functions
Understanding of records retention, compliance, and documentation standards
Experience with continuous improvement methodologies
Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt quickly to evolving business needs
Strong facilitation and stakeholder management skills
Bachelor’s degree in business, Life Sciences, Operations, or a related field
5+ years of experience in strategic operations, business operations, project management, or a related function
Experience working cross-functionally with teams such as Research Scientists, Preclinical Project Managers, Procurement, Legal, Contracting, Lab Operations, or Records Management
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Experience with Coupa, Icertis, Science Exchange
Strong organizational and project coordination skills with high attention to detail
Experience supporting operational process improvement and change management initiatives
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

Partner with Research & Preclinical Sciences leadership to support strategic and operational initiatives across this multi-disciplinary department
Serve as a key liaison with Procurement, Legal, Outsourced Contracting, Business Continuity (Risk Management) Lab Operations, and Records Management to ensure smooth coordination of operational activities
Drive end-to-end operational processes related to vendor engagement, contracting workflows via our outsourced environment documentation, and departmental support
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance cross-functional collaboration
Support/lead change management activities associated with new processes, systems, tools, or organizational priorities
Track and help manage operational deliverables, timelines, dependencies, and action items across multiple stakeholders
Assist with vendor and contract-related processes in partnership with Procurement, Legal, and outsourced contracting teams
Collaborate with Lab Operations to support business continuity, operational planning, and process consistency
Partner with our CROs and our “Offsite Storage Management” to ensure appropriate handling, organization, and compliance of departmental documentation and records
Develop and maintain operational procedures, guidance documents, trackers, dashboards, and other tools to improve visibility and accountability
Facilitate meetings, prepare status updates, and communicate operational progress, risks, and recommendations to leadership
Proactively identify operational gaps and implement practical solutions to improve execution and scalability
Support departmental planning efforts and help align operational priorities with broader organizational goals