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

Novartis•Thousand Oaks, CA

2d•$77,000 - $143,000•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 improve patient outcomes. The role balances demand generation with strategic account engagement, access navigation, collaborative problem-solving, team coordination, and omni-channel customer engagement. The position requires residence within the territory or within a reasonable daily commuting distance of 50 miles from its border, and travel of 60–80% across a broad geography. Driving and/or flying within the territory is required, and driving is an essential function. Novartis does not offer relocation support or visa sponsorship for this role. The role includes initial training, including home study limited to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. The associate-level salary range is $77,000–$143,000 per year. Compensation also includes a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on role level, possible consideration for annual equity awards. Eligible U.S.-based employees receive health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and paid time off and leave benefits.

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; applicants from other complex sales environments may also qualify.
Proven record of consistent high performance and ability to navigate and sell to large accounts and key customers.
Self-starter with analytical ability to find, prioritize, and apply relevant information to solve key-customer problems.
Demonstrated ethical leadership and ability to foster ethical behavior and compliance with company policies and laws.
Reside within the territory or within a reasonable daily commuting distance of 50 miles from the territory border.
Ability to travel 60–80% over a broad geography and drive and/or fly within the territory.
Valid, fully unrestricted driver’s license; driving is an essential function of the role.
For associate-level candidates, limited prior sales experience is acceptable; the leveling guidelines also identify recently separated U.S. military applicants with at least four years of leadership service as qualifying candidates.
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.
Broad understanding of patient services, market access, buy-and-bill, specialty pharmacy, reimbursement, and/or medical calling on HCPs for sophisticated products or reimbursement pathways.
Experience in the two-year Novartis Sales Internship Program.
Demonstrated leadership in student sports, fraternities, clubs, activities, or other extracurricular activities.

Responsibilities

Navigate and resolve account challenges with effective, tailored solutions.
Build a strategic territory plan that aligns shared priorities and uses insights and tactics to 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.
Apply knowledge of the market, competitive landscape, and cross-functional dynamics to anticipate opportunities and respond to challenges.
Use 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 collaborate across functions to meet customer needs with urgency.
Provide real-time access support and work with Patient Specialty Services (PSS) to ensure a seamless customer experience.
Use digital tools and omni-channel strategies to personalize outreach and engage customers virtually and face to face.