Associate (Entry-Level), Rheumatology Territory Account Specialist – Tarzana / San Luis Obispo

Novartis•Santa Barbara, CA

1d•Remote

About The Position

Novartis is hiring an Associate Territory Account Specialist for a field-based and remote opportunity supporting key accounts in an assigned geography. The role is focused on rheumatology and covers the Tarzana / San Luis Obispo territory. The specialist serves as the primary point of contact for accounts and health care providers, building relationships, identifying shared priorities, and connecting customers with Novartis resources to support patient outcomes. The role balances demand generation with strategic account engagement, clinical and account-based selling, access navigation, collaborative problem-solving, team coordination, and omni-channel outreach. The position requires travel across a broad territory, including driving and/or flying, and candidates must live within the territory or within reasonable daily commuting distance of 50 miles from its border. Novartis does not offer relocation support or visa sponsorship for this position. The role includes initial training, with home study limited to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. The expected annual salary range for the Associate level is $77,000 to $143,000. Final compensation depends on factors including relevant skills and experience. Compensation also includes a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on role level, possible eligibility for annual equity awards. Eligible US employees receive health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and paid time off including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare, or similarly structured industries with large, geographically dispersed sales teams within the last five years; candidates from other complex sales environments are also welcomed.
For the Associate level, limited prior sales experience is acceptable.
Track record of consistent high performance and ability to navigate and successfully sell to large accounts and key customers.
Self-starter with analytical ability to find, prioritize, and apply relevant information to solve customer problems.
Demonstrated ethical leadership and ability to promote ethical conduct and compliance with company policies and laws.
Residence within the territory or within a reasonable daily commuting distance of 50 miles from the territory border.
Ability to travel 60–80% across a broad geography and to drive and/or fly within the territory.
Fully valid and unrestricted driver’s license; driving is an essential function of the role.
Ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a matrix environment and communicate product information effectively.

Nice To Haves

Experience across therapeutic groups, disease states, account management strategy, and new product launches.
Understanding of patient services, market access, buy-and-bill, specialty pharmacy, reimbursement, and/or medical calling on health care providers for sophisticated products or reimbursement pathways.
For the Associate level, recent separation from the US military with at least four years of military service in a leadership capacity, or limited prior sales experience.
Preferred experience in the Novartis Sales Internship Program.
Demonstrated leadership in student sports, fraternities, clubs, activities, or other extracurricular activities.

Responsibilities

Navigate and resolve account challenges with tailored solutions that meet customer needs.
Build a strategic territory plan based on shared priorities, insights, and tactics that drive product demand and support patient outcomes.
Partner with territory teammates, field teams, and home-office colleagues to address customer needs and provide access support.
Use knowledge of the market, competitive landscape, and cross-functional dynamics to anticipate opportunities and respond to challenges.
Analyze territory data and market trends to identify local insights, support pull-through efforts, and lead customer engagements virtually or in person.
Facilitate planning sessions with key stakeholders to address complex challenges and coordinate across functions to meet customer needs urgently.
Provide real-time access support and work with Patient Specialty Services (PSS) to support a seamless customer experience.
Use digital tools and omni-channel strategies to personalize outreach and engage customers in virtual and face-to-face settings.
Complete required initial training, including home study within the stated daily and weekly hour limits.