Sr. Manager, Automation - GTx Lead

Novartis Group Companies; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 114,000 - 212,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Group of Companies in Durham, NC is seeking a Sr. Manager, Automation - GTx Lead to guide a high‑performing team responsible for IT/OT and automation systems that enable compliant, efficient manufacturing.

You will shape automation strategy and drive continuous improvement across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Technical Operations in a GMP setting. You will lead critical automation initiatives, own change controls, mentor engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field with 9+ years IT/OT and automation experience.
• Experience designing, operating, modifying, maintaining, and retiring computerized systems in regulated manufacturing.
• Strong collaboration across Quality Engineering, Quality Assurance, Validation, Engineering, and Manufacturing.
• Knowledge of FDA regulations, cGMP, and health, safety, environmental standards.
• Proven leadership of technical teams in 24/7 manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, maintenance, and support of manufacturing automation systems.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance automation performance and reliability.
• Execute site automation strategies aligned with Novartis standards.
• Own computerized systems supporting critical manufacturing processes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop automation engineers for 24/7 operations.
• Establish and improve KPIs for reliability and operational excellence.
• Own change controls and CAPAs to drive compliance and improvement.
• Lead automation-related deviation investigations and perform root-cause analysis.
• Serve as automation SME during regulatory inspections and audits.
• Partner across functions to support new product introductions and site initiatives.

Skills

Problem solving

Planning

Decision making

Communication

Microsoft Office

CMMS

Building Management Systems

Digital tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

DCS

PLC

SCADA

MES

Historian systems

Process equipment

Job description

Job Description Summary

Join Novartis and play a pivotal role in advancing next-generation gene therapies through innovative automation leadership. As Sr. Manager, Automation - GTx Lead, you will lead a high-performing team responsible for critical IT/OT and automation systems that enable reliable, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations. This is an opportunity to shape automation strategy, drive continuous improvement, and influence the future of advanced therapies while collaborating across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Technical Operations in a fast-paced GMP environment.

Location

• This position will be located in Durham, NC and will be an onsite role.
• Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, maintenance, and support of manufacturing automation systems and process equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance automation performance, reliability, and innovation.
• Execute site automation strategies aligned with global Novartis standards and best practices.
• Own and oversee computerized systems supporting critical manufacturing processes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of automation engineers supporting 24/7 operations.
• Establish and improve KPIs to maximize system reliability, availability, and operational excellence.
• Own change controls and CAPAs to drive compliance and continuous improvement.
• Lead automation-related deviation investigations and provide SME expertise for root cause analysis.
• Serve as the automation SME during regulatory inspections and internal or external audits.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Technical Operations to support new product introductions and site initiatives.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field with 9+ years of experience across IT/OT and automation platforms.
• Strong expertise with DCS, PLC, SCADA, MES, Historian systems, and process equipment supporting drug substance and drug product manufacturing.
• Proven experience designing, operating, modifying, maintaining, and retiring computerized systems in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success leading technical teams and supporting complex 24/7 manufacturing operations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across Quality Engineering, Quality Assurance, Validation, Engineering, and Manufacturing functions.
• Strong problem-solving, planning, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of FDA regulations, cGMP requirements, and health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CMMS, Building Management Systems, and related digital tools.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary

The salary for this position is expected to range between $114,100 and $211,900 annually

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

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EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range

$114,100.00 - $211,900.00

Skills Desired

Business Continuity, Cost Management, Decision Making, Operational Excellence, Problem Solving, Project Management, Quality Compliance, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Vendor Management