Associate Director, Rheumatology Access & Reimbursement – Atlanta, GA-Greater Metro at Novartis in Field Non-Sales

Job description

Job Description Summary This is a field-based and remote opportunity supporting key accounts in an assigned geography. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role. Please only apply if this location is accessible to you. Company will not sponsor visas for this position. The Associate Director, Access & Reimbursement (ADAR) serves as a strategic partner to healthcare accounts, helping providers navigate complex access and reimbursement challenges to support a seamless patient experience. This field-based role works closely with a diverse range of healthcare organizations, delivering education and guidance on reimbursement, payer coverage, billing and coding processes, claims management, and patient support resources. Success in this role requires strong relationship-building, problem-solving, and project management skills, along with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to drive effective access solutions. As a trusted resource, the Associate Director, Access & Reimbursement helps translate strategy into action while upholding Novartis Values and Behaviors in every interaction. Job Description Key Responsibilities: Partner with complex healthcare accounts to support patient access and reimbursement needs across the care continuum. Build trusted relationships with providers, administrators, revenue cycle leaders, billing and coding teams, pharmacy stakeholders, and health system decision-makers. Educate customers on access, reimbursement, payer coverage, claims management, and patient support resources using approved materials and strategies. Analyze reimbursement and access challenges, identify barriers to treatment, and help develop practical, compliant solutions to improve patient access. Serve as a subject matter expert on regional and local reimbursement dynamics, payer policies, and evolving healthcare market trends. Support implementation and pull-through of coverage decisions, proactively communicating changes that may impact patient access or account operations. Provide guidance on product acquisition and buy-and-bill processes, including inventory management, ordering, billing workflows, alternate distribution channels, and sites of care. Collaborate closely with Patient Support Services and cross-functional partners to facilitate issue resolution, case management support, and customer education. Share customer insights, reimbursement trends, and market dynamics with internal stakeholders to inform strategy and enhance customer support. Develop and execute territory-specific access and reimbursement plans that drive meaningful patient access while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and compliance. Essential Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required from 4-year college or university. 5+ years’ experience within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry supporting Patient Services, Market Access, Sales, Account Management, or related functions, including 2+ years in a patient support role for specialty products. Demonstrated experience partnering with complex healthcare practices, health systems, and provider networks to support patient access and acquisition pathways. Proven ability to manage strategic accounts, identify potential access barriers, and proactively develop solutions that support positive patient outcomes. Deep understanding of manufacturer-sponsored patient support programs and their integration into healthcare office workflows. Experience supporting specialty products distributed through Specialty Pharmacy networks and channels. Strong knowledge of reimbursement and product access pathways, including specialty pharmacy, buy-and-bill, and retail distribution models. Candidate must reside within territory, or within a reasonable daily commuting distance of 100 miles from the territory border. Ability to travel 60-80% over a broad geography is required, with the ability to drive and/or fly within the territory. Must have a valid driver’s license. Driving is an Essential Fun