Sr. Manager, Automation – GTx Lead

Novartis is hiring a Sr. Manager, Automation – GTx Lead in Durham, United States. It pays $114k-$212k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Novartis.

Level's read on this job

Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this role: aI is not part of the work.
The posting mentions Dcs, PLC and SCADA among its tools and skills.
Level classes it as a lead role.
Novartis has 840 other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

Leads a team responsible for manufacturing automation, IT/OT systems, and continuous improvement initiatives in a GMP environment.

DcsPLCSCADAMESHistorian

automationmanufacturing-operationsgmpleadershipcapa

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.

Job Description

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.

#LI-Onsite

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 us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 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

How we rate this

Sr. Manager, Automation – GTx Lead at Novartis rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Sr. Manager, Automation – GTx Lead is an open job at Novartis.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The listed salary is $114k-$212k a year.
The role is based in Durham.
The job was posted on September 9, 2026.
Seniority: lead.
Applications are handled by Novartis. Apply on Novartis

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

AutomationManufacturing OperationsGmpLeadershipCapaDcsPLCSCADA

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where automation was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where manufacturing operations was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where gmp was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where leadership was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where capa was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Automation, Manufacturing Operations, Gmp, Leadership, and Capa. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.

Get your CV reviewed before you apply

Send your CV and the role you want next. Your review arrives by email within 3 days.

Get a free CV review Check your resume with the ATS resume checker