Director, Internal Audit, TechOps

About the role

Novartis is looking for a Director, Internal Audit, TechOps based in Barcelona, Spain, working in a hybrid setting. You will safeguard and strengthen Technical Operations by providing independent, strategic assurance across manufacturing and supply, leading complex, high-impact audit and advisory engagements that shape how risks are identified, mitigated and managed. The role partners closely with senior and executive stakeholders and involves about 25% global travel.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee and direct complex, risk-based audit and advisory engagements across manufacturing and supply operations
• Ensure audit scopes cover end-to-end Technical Operations risks, including quality, compliance, technology and third-party models
• Support audit planning and programme development by identifying key Manufacturing and Supply risks and acting as a technical reference
• Review audit findings and reports for technical accuracy, clarity and evidence-based conclusions
• Drive pragmatic, value-adding recommendations that strengthen controls and enable measurable improvement
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, maintaining independence while building constructive partnerships
• Manage Senior Managers directly, overseeing their performance and development
• Coach and develop auditors through hands-on guidance, feedback and knowledge sharing
• Advance digital, data-driven and AI-enabled audit practices with enablement teams

Required profile

• Degree in a technical or scientific discipline related to manufacturing, supply chain, logistics or production planning
• Substantial internal audit experience in highly regulated industries, preferably pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or medical devices
• Proven experience leading audit and advisory engagements and managing senior stakeholders
• Strong people management experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Fluency in English (written and verbal); additional languages are an advantage

Required skills

• Practical knowledge of manufacturing operations, supply chain management, quality systems and external manufacturing models
• Solid understanding of GMP, GDP and global health authority requirements such as FDA and EMA
• Ability to influence senior leaders and communicate audit conclusions tactfully
• Desirable: internal audit or supply chain certification (e.g. CIA, CSP), and experience using data analytics or AI tools in audit