Senior Cardio Access & Reimbursement Lead

Novartis; Knoxville (TN); Remote; USD 160,000 - 298,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis is seeking a field-based Associate Director, Access & Reimbursement to partner with healthcare accounts, educate on reimbursement, and drive patient access across a broad geography. The role involves substantial travel (60-80%), remote work flexibility, and close collaboration with Patient Support Services and cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of reimbursement pathways, dedicated experience with specialty products, and a proven track record of driving

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required from a 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 and be willing to travel 60-80% over a broad geography; valid driver's license required.

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 integrity and compliance.

Skills

Relationship-building

Problem-solving

Project management

Healthcare partner engagement

Understanding of reimbursement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Novartis is seeking a field-based Associate Director, Access & Reimbursement to partner with healthcare accounts, educate on reimbursement, and drive patient access across a broad geography. The role involves substantial travel (60-80%), remote work flexibility, and close collaboration with Patient Support Services and cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of reimbursement pathways, dedicated experience with specialty products, and a proven track record of driving