Senior Manager, Internal Audit – Tech Ops

About the role

Novartis is looking for a Senior Manager, Internal Audit – Tech Ops in Barcelona, Spain, to strengthen trust, resilience and performance across its manufacturing and supply operations. The role leads audit and advisory engagements across pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain and technical operations, working closely with senior Operations stakeholders. It is a hybrid position with a global travel requirement of 30-40%.

Key responsibilities

• Lead audit and advisory engagements end-to-end across manufacturing, supply chain and technical operations.
• Assess root causes and recommend practical, value-adding improvements based on risk-based insights.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality execution aligned with Internal Audit standards and quality assurance programs.
• Prepare clear, impactful audit and advisory reports for senior operations stakeholders.
• Act as a trusted advisor, providing independent challenge and practical insight.
• Contribute to audit methodology improvement and to operations audit planning by identifying emerging risks.
• Coach and develop auditors through onboarding, peer coaching and knowledge sharing.
• Champion data-driven and digitally enabled audit practices with Audit Intelligence Enablement teams.

Required profile

• University degree in a technical or scientific discipline related to manufacturing or supply chain management.
• Extensive experience in Internal Audit or assurance roles within manufacturing, supply or regulated operations.
• Proven ability to lead complex audit or advisory engagements and influence senior operations stakeholders.
• Fluent English, able to communicate credibly at senior leadership level; additional European languages are an advantage.
• Desirable: preferred background in Pharmaceuticals, Life Sciences, Biotechnology or Big Four audit/consulting with a healthcare or regulated operations focus.

Required skills

• Solid knowledge of pharmaceutical regulatory frameworks, including GMP, GDP, FDA and EMA.
• Hands-on experience using data analytics, digital tools and AI to improve audit outcomes.
• Desirable: professional certifications such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) and/or CRMA (Certification in Risk Management Assurance).