Pharmaceutical Sales - Neuroscience Hospital Specialist - Bakersfield, CA

Job Summary

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc. is a global healthcare company focused on developing and marketing innovative pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products to meet unmet medical needs worldwide.

Purpose

The Hospital Specialist enhances customer engagement, thought leadership, and business planning within Otsuka’s evolved customer engagement model. The role involves proactive outreach to healthcare professionals (HCPs), facilitating discussions, and providing insights to inform strategic decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive outreach to HCPs on topics such as product access, on‑label information, and established patient‑care guidance.
• Engage customers through virtual or digital tools and direct them to other colleagues (e.g., MSLs) as needed.
• Facilitate speaker programs and organize local provider groups for discussions on experiences and outcomes with local/regional leaders.
• Elevate opportunities and feedback to the Area Business Lead, including local‑market insights to inform strategy and business goals.

Key Sales Capabilities

• Territory Analysis / Business Planning
  • Uses competitive data and business reports to track progress and uncover opportunities.
  • Displays knowledge of territory and business conditions that impact sales results to set near‑term priorities.
  • Responds compliantly to competitive threats and opportunities.
  • Educates office staff on payer guidelines and reimbursement procedures to increase pull‑through.
  • Effectively utilizes promotional materials.
• Selling Skills, Engagement & Account Pull Through
  • Maintains ongoing awareness of internal support team resources and utilizes them appropriately.
  • Applies market and industry knowledge to overcome objections and influence prescribing habits during office calls.
  • Identifies territory professional groups to network and ensure access to key opinion leaders.
  • Builds strong relationships with all key office/practice personnel, focusing on patient health and providing accurate information.
  • Delivers effective and balanced office calls and sales presentations using approved marketing materials and technical references.

Qualifications

Required:

• 2+ years of pharmaceutical or medical device sales experience.
• 4+ years of experience working in a sales role with HCPs, ideally representing multiple products.
• Must reside within a commutable distance of 50 miles from the primary city in the sales territory.
• Field travel by car up to 70% of the time, depending on ecosystem size.

Preferred:

• Previous cross‑functional industry experience in commercial life sciences or related industry.
• CNS experience highly valued.
• Ability to work in an ambiguous environment undergoing transformation.
• Proven track record in coaching, training, and mentoring peers or others.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ethical business practices and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to assimilate and communicate complex clinical and product information.

Competencies

• Accountability for Results – Stay focused on key strategic objectives and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving – Make decisions considering long‑term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity – Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of customers and stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication – Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect, influencing at all levels.
• Respectful Collaboration – Seek and value others’ perspectives, fostering diverse partnerships.
• Empowered Development – Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Compensation & Benefits

Minimum $116,000 – Maximum $166,750, plus incentive opportunity. Salary within the range is typically positioned based on experience and internal comparison.

Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and other company‑provided benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting the appropriate accommodations channel if you are unable to apply through the standard job application process.