Chief of Staff to the CDIO (Chief Digital & Information Officer)

Role Summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking an experienced and driven Technology focused Chief of Staff to support our Chief Digital and Information Officer in leading Vertex’s digital transformation and IT strategy. This high-impact role functions as a trusted advisor and operational leader for the Office of the CDIO, ensuring that Digital, Data, and Technology initiatives are executed with excellence and aligned with our mission to improve patients’ lives. You will drive strategic planning, oversee key initiatives, enhance operational processes, and facilitate cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a strong background in digital and technology leadership and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the CDIO to develop and monitor strategic plans, OKRs, and roadmaps.
• Organize annual and quarterly planning processes for the CDIO organization, ensuring initiatives align with Vertex’s corporate strategy and budget.
• Lead and/or monitor execution of strategic projects and prepare progress reports and readouts for the CDIO and executive team.
• Support the CDIO in preparing for key meetings and decisions.
• Help manage the CDIO’s priorities by filtering incoming requests and focusing their attention on the most critical issues.
• Conduct research and data analysis on technology trends, operational performance, and new opportunities to inform the CDIO’s strategy.
• Develop high-quality presentations, briefing documents, and updates for Executive Committee review, Board discussions, town halls, and other meetings.
• Support operationalization of the CDIO organization’s strategic plans, including proactive design and development of processes to enable the CDIO’s leadership team to achieve their objectives.
• This may include managing leadership team meetings, agendas, goal setting and reviews, metrics, and team activities.
• Identify and implement process improvements to optimize the efficiency of the CDIO’s organization.
• Facilitate effective communication between the CDIO and other Vertex leaders, as well as within the CDIO’s global team.
• This includes drafting organizational messages and developing a communications strategy to effectively share updates across the function.
• Drive ad-hoc strategic projects as identified by the CDIO.

Skills

• Expertise in program/project management and operational process improvement
• Strong understanding of current AI tools and trends around technology platforms in the Pharma industry
• Strong understanding of IT and digital technology concepts; comfortable discussing software development, data analytics, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity
• Sharp analytical skills, business analysis experience, strategic mindset, and problem-solving ability
• Exceptional communication, presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal skills
• Leadership qualities with autonomy, integrity, discretion, resilience, and adaptability

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration or related field or relevant experience
• MBA or relevant master’s degree a plus
• 10 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years experience in IT/digital strategy, technology project management, or related leadership roles
• Experience in biotech/pharma regulatory environment including GxP, HIPAA, data privacy, and cybersecurity standards
• Proven experience in a Chief of Staff, Strategy, or Management Consulting role