Project Manager Design & Construction Technology

Novartis; Barcelona; Hybrid; EUR 58,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition

Hybrid work

Parental leave

Job summary

Novartis seeks an Associate Director – Design & Construction Technology Project Manager in Barcelona to lead technology workstreams for REFS design, construction, renovation, and capital projects worldwide. You will coordinate with REFS, Design & Construction, Digital Workplace, Enterprise Architecture, and external partners to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery that meets Novartis standards.

The role requires 8-12+ years in IT project management across global programs, with strong experience in

Qualifications

• 8-12+ years of IT project management experience in global and multi-country environments.
• Proven experience supporting workplace, facilities, construction, infrastructure, or real estate programs.
• Proven experience delivering technology in construction or fit-out projects globally.
• Construction & Capital Project knowledge with ability to translate activities into tech delivery requirements.
• Experience working with external vendors and system integrators.
• Strong planning, execution, and risk management with a structured problem-solving approach.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management with solid decision making and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead technology workstreams for new buildings, fit-outs, labs, and renovations; own end-to-end IT delivery across project lifecycle.
• Gather and document business/site technology requirements; align with network, digital workplace, AV, security, and building systems.
• Develop integrated project plans; manage scope, schedule, budget, risks, issues, dependencies; prepare reports and governance materials.
• Coordinate technology vendors, system integrators, and construction partners; oversee procurement activities and change requests.
• Ensure technology components are tested and ready before occupancy; coordinate handover to operations and hypercare.
• Build partnerships with REFS Design & Construction leadership and stakeholders to align objectives and delivery plans.

Skills

IT project management

Facilities management

Construction knowledge

Vendor management

Stakeholder management

Communication & negotiation

Education

PMP

Prince2

Agile

Job description

Summary

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Internal job title: Associate Director – Design & Construction Technology Project Manager

This role is based in Barcelona. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

About the Role

The Associate Director – Design & Construction Technology Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering technology workstreams associated with REFS design, construction, renovation, fit-out, relocation, and capital projects globally.

The role acts as the primary interface between REFS Capital Projects, Design & Construction teams, Digital Workplace, Enterprise Architecture, Infrastructure, Security, Service Management, and external construction partners to ensure technology requirements are integrated from project inception through operational handover.

This position ensures that technology solutions are delivered on time, on budget, and in compliance with Novartis standards while enabling modern, safe, connected, and compliant workplaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Construction Technology Delivery: Lead technology workstreams for new buildings, office fit-outs, laboratory upgrades, manufacturing support facilities, and major renovation programs; Own end-to-end delivery of IT scope throughout the project lifecycle: Feasibility, Concept Design, Detailed Design, Construction, Commissioning, Go-Live, Hypercare; Coordinate technology requirements with architects, REFS project managers, engineers, and construction teams.
• Technology Planning & Design Integration: Gather and document business and site technology requirements; Coordinate design reviews across: Network & Connectivity, Wi‑Fi, Digital Workplace, Meeting Room Technology, AV Solutions, Physical Security Systems, Building Technology Interfaces, Smart Building Solutions; Ensure alignment with enterprise standards and architecture principles.
• Project Governance & Execution: Develop and maintain integrated project plans covering both REFS and IT activities; Manage scope, schedule, budget, risks, issues, and dependencies; Drive project governance in accordance with DDIT and REFS standards; Prepare status reports, steering committee materials, and decision papers.
• Vendor & Partner Management: Coordinate technology vendors, system integrators, construction partners, and service provider; Validate deliverables against approved scope and technical standards; Monitor vendor performance, milestones, and contractual commitments; Support procurement activities, quotations, SOW reviews, and change requests.
• Site Readiness & Operational Handover: Ensure all technology components are fully tested and operational before occupancy; Coordinate transition to support and operations teams; Drive commissioning, acceptance testing, documentation, and handover activities; Oversee hypercare support following occupancy or go‑live.
• Stakeholder Management: Serve as trusted technology advisor to REFS Design & Construction leadership, and build strong partnerships with REFS Capital Projects, Workplace Strategy, Facilities Management, HSE, Procurement, Security, DDIT Domain Teams, and align diverse stakeholder groups around project objectives and delivery plans.

Essential Requirements

• 8-12+ years of IT project management experience, in global and multi-country environments and in matrix organizations.
• Proven experience supporting workplace, facilities, construction, infrastructure, or real estate programs.
• Proven experience managing technology delivery in construction or fit-out projects globally.
• Construction & Capital Project knowledge, with strong understanding of building design and construction processes and ability to translate construction activities into technology delivery requirements.
• Experience working with external vendors and system integrators.
• Strong planning, execution, and risk management skills, paired with structured problem-solving approach and high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with solid decision making and negotiation skills.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in REFS, workplace transformation, or smart building initiatives.
• Knowledge of: Network infrastructure, AV and conferencing technologies, Physical security systems, Workplace technologies, Building systems integrations, PMP, Prince2, Agile, or equivalent project management certification.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: € 57,900 to € 107,500.

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

A note that benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment To Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Why Novartis

Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us!

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Accessibility And Accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Benefits and Rewards

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.