Early Pipeline Forecasting & Process Associate Director

Role Summary

The Associate Director of Early Pipeline Forecasting & Process will lead commercial forecasting across pre-clinical and early clinical programs, shaping Vertex’s view of potential opportunities before pivotal data. They will build structured, assumption-driven models, stress-test inputs, and translate findings into actionable insights for asset teams and governance bodies. The role coordinates portfolio-wide analytics during the long-range planning cycle and establishes forecasting standards and best practices across the global forecasting team, partnering with Finance and Early Pipeline Strategy to support scenario planning and investment decisions. Strong analytical ability, clear communication, and influence in fast-moving early-development environments are essential.

Responsibilities

• Early Asset Forecasting & Strategic Analytics: Lead early-stage commercial forecasting efforts for pre-clinical and early clinical programs across multiple therapeutic areas; Develop structured, assumption-based demand models aligned with evolving scientific, clinical, and competitive information; Partner with GCS, R&D, and Finance to frame uncertainty, pressure-test assumptions, and ensure forecasts are aligned with corporate strategy; Translate early-stage insights into clear, concise presentations for asset teams, senior leadership, and governance forums.
• Primary & Secondary Research Integration: Collaborate closely with internal Marketing Science colleagues, primary market research vendors, and cross-functional partners to ensure research findings are interpreted, stress-tested, and incorporated into forecasts; Serve as the forecasting point-of-contact for interpreting quantitative and qualitative research—without needing to independently design or execute PMR studies.
• Portfolio-Level Insight Leadership: Act as a key voice across the Vertex portfolio, helping connect insights, trends, benchmarks, and strategic implications across assets; Coordinate and disseminate portfolio-wide analytics during the LRP cycle, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment across all programs; Partner with colleagues across Forecasting to maintain common standards, methods, and frameworks for assets at all lifecycle stages.
• Forecasting Standards & Process Ownership: Own the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of forecasting standards, tools, and processes for the global forecasting team; Ensure forecasting methodologies are consistent, efficient, and aligned across all therapeutic areas and lifecycle stages; Provide training, guidance, and resources to cross-functional teams to ensure the effective adoption of forecasting best practices; Help to audit and evolve our forecasting model across a product lifecycle to ensure forecasting is impactful and efficient.

Qualifications

• Required: 8+ years of experience in biopharma forecasting, commercial assessment, portfolio strategy, marketing science, or related analytics.
• Required: Experience supporting early-stage or in-line forecasting, with an understanding of how insights evolve along the development pathway.
• Preferred: Prior experience collaborating with R&D, clinical, and commercial teams to align on strategic assumptions.
• Preferred: Exposure to portfolio planning, scenario modeling, or business case development.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, quantitative, or business-related field required.
• Advanced degree preferred (MBA, MS, MPH, PharmD, PhD).

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to build structured, assumption-driven models with limited or evolving data.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to connect early scientific and clinical signals to commercial opportunity.
• Experience interpreting primary and secondary market research and collaborating with Marketing Science and external vendors.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to influence without authority.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous early-development settings.
• Comfortable coordinating portfolio-wide analytics and ensuring alignment across cross-functional teams.