Senior Robotics Specialist (DDIT OPS)

About the role

Novartis is looking for a Senior Robotics Specialist (DDIT OPS) based in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The role defines and drives the site robotics strategy, portfolio and roadmap, and leads the evaluation, deployment and scaling of robotics solutions across manufacturing, laboratories, warehouses and support operations. It works without direct reports, coordinating internal experts and external partners to deliver standardized, compliant and scalable solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Own the site robotics strategy and roadmap, aligned with business needs, enterprise standards and technology maturity
• Identify, assess and prioritize robotics use cases and drive initiatives from concept and feasibility study through validated deployment and handover
• Coordinate Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Operational Excellence, Procurement, Digital, vendors and system integrators
• Define user requirement specifications, reference architectures, technical standards and the robotics catalog
• Evaluate technologies and vendors (AMR/AGV, cobots, machine vision, automated inspection, physical AI) on fit, compliance, scalability, cost and value
• Advise IT/OT teams and site leadership on architecture, integration, risks and investment priorities
• Ensure compliance with GxP, validation, data integrity, quality, safety and OT cybersecurity
• Build business cases, manage the project portfolio and budget, and report on value delivered

Required profile

• University degree in IT, technical sciences (robotics, mechatronics, automation, engineering) or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience in industrial robotics, automation, manufacturing engineering or IT/OT environments
• Proven delivery of robotics or advanced automation solutions from concept through production deployment
• Experience in regulated manufacturing, including GxP, validation, data integrity, quality, safety and OT cybersecurity
• Experience scaling standardized solutions across multiple sites and fluent business English
• Permanent employment with a 6-month probation period; CV submitted in Slovenian and English

Required skills

• Hands-on experience with AMRs, AGVs, cobots, machine vision, automated inspection, laboratory automation or AI-enabled robotics
• Knowledge of robotics hardware, industrial controls, system integration and automation architectures
• Desirable: pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing experience and familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts

What we offer

• Expected annual base salary in Slovenia of EUR 32,060 to 59,540
• Annual bonus of 12% of base salary, holiday allowance and performance bonus
• Voluntary supplementary pension insurance, group health insurance and Care Connect mental health support
• Transportation, meal allowance and other statutory benefits