Senior Manager, Internal Audit – R&D and Strategy & Growth

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Location: Hyderabad, India
Are you ready to shape how risk, assurance, and insight create value across one of the most innovation-driven areas of Novartis? As Senior Manager, Internal Audit – R&D and Strategy & Growth, you will lead complex, high-impact audit and advisory engagements that influence senior decision-making and strengthen how the organization delivers breakthrough science responsibly. Partnering closely with leaders across Research and Development and Strategy & Growth, you will bring a data-centric, forward-looking mindset to identifying risk, improving controls, and simplifying processes—challenging the status quo to drive meaningful improvement. This is a role for a trusted advisor who thrives in a global, matrix environment and wants to make a tangible impact at the intersection of innovation, governance, and enterprise value.

Job Description

Key responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end internal audit and advisory engagements across Research and Development and Strategy and Growth.

• Plan audit scope, approach, and resources in line with Novartis Internal Audit methodology and strategic priorities.

• Assess business and information technology risks and evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls.

• Lead audit teams to gather evidence, test controls, and deliver clear, actionable insights.

• Identify control gaps and simplification opportunities, partnering with management on root cause analysis and remediation.

• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders while maintaining independence, objectivity, and professional judgment.

• Use data, analytics, and technology to strengthen risk assessments and inform annual audit planning.

Essential requirements:

• Proven internal audit or advisory experience delivering complex assurance or consulting engagements in global environments.

• Experience auditing or advising healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device organizations.

• Professional certification such as Certified Internal Auditor or Certification in Risk Management Assurance is preferred.

• Strong understanding of Research and Development operating models and matrix-based organizations.

• Demonstrated ability to influence, challenge, and partner effectively with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities.

Willingness to travel for this role: 15%

Desirable requirements:

• Professional degree in Research and Development, such as Medicine, Pharmacy, or Life Sciences, or equivalent practical experience.

• Experience applying data analytics or digital tools to enhance audit insights or risk assessments.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

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

Accessibility and accommodation

Novartis is 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 recruitment process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to diversityandincl.india@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired

Compliance And Controls, Critical Thinking, E2E Process View, Employee Engagement, Financial Accounting, Financial Management Reporting, Giving And Receiving Feedback, Interpersonal Savvy, Process Optimization, Rapid Problem Solving