Project Controller

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Location: Selangor, Malaysia
Relocation Support: This role is based in Selangor, Malaysia. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping how capital projects come to life, ensuring investments are planned, governed, and delivered with precision and impact. As a Project Controller, you will be at the center of complex capital expenditure projects, partnering closely with Engineering, Finance, Procurement, and Project Managers to drive transparency, strong financial control, and informed decision-making. From cost forecasting and risk management to governance reporting and project close-out, your work will directly influence how projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in line with Novartis standards - supporting long-term value for the business and the patients we serve.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare monthly engineering and investment council reports with clear insights on capital expenditure, costs, and progress.

• Develop cost estimates and lead value improvement reviews to support sound investment decisions.

• Monitor project costs, schedules, and risks, providing reliable forecasts and timely escalation.

• Manage project change control, ensuring scope changes are assessed, approved, and documented.

• Coordinate project governance activities, including stage gates and project definition readiness.

• Partner with Finance and Procurement on cash flow phasing, approvals, and timely purchase orders.

• Lead project reviews and benchmarking to strengthen quality, safety, and delivery performance.

• Drive project close-out, including handover documentation, lessons learned, and continuous improvement.

Essential Requirements:

• Experience in project controlling or project management, ideally supporting capital expenditure projects.

• Strong expertise in cost management, forecasting and financial reporting within an engineering or manufacturing environment.

• Proven ability to work with enterprise systems, including strong, hands-on experience with SAP.

• Solid understanding of quality, safety, and compliance requirements in regulated operations or production environments.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills, with confidence working with different departments and stakeholders.

Desirable Requirements:

• Previous experience in a pharmaceutical environment.

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.

 

Skills Desired

Action-Oriented, Business Continuity, capex, Capital Expenditure Projects, Capital Expenditures, Collaboration, Cost Management, Data Analytics and Digital, Decision Making, Operational Excellence, Problem Solving, Project Management, Stakeholder Alignment, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Partnerships