CARLA D. JAMES
Houston,TX
Summary
High-performing Pharmaceutical Sales Leader with a distinguished record of driving market share in biotechnology and complex disease states. Recognized as a 6-time President’s Club winner and 4-time MVP, with a reputation for a consultative, solutions-oriented approach. Expert in navigating C-suite relationships, IDN/Health Systems, and large group practices to build long-term partnerships with top-tier specialists in Oncology, Neurology, Cardiology, and Rheumatology.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Territory Business Manager
SCILEX HOLDING COMPANY
Houston, TX
10.2025 - Current
- Accelerate market penetration and utilization for ZTlido and Elyxyb across the Houston territory.
- Engineer strategic business plans targeting Pain Management and Neurology specialists to secure high-value accounts.
- Strengthen relationships with clinical stakeholders and administrators to streamline product access and pull-through.
Senior Neurological Sales Specialist
EISAI INC.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
07.2019 - 05.2023
- Performance Excellence: Consistently exceeded targets with 102.7% attainment (FY21) and 103% (FY20).
- LTI Award Recipient: Ranked in the Top 20 of the national sales organization.
- Market Access Leadership: Served on the Payer Market Liaison Taskforce to influence regional market dynamics.
- Operational Impact: Appointed District Technology Champion (2021-2022); led pilot programs and trained district teams on CRM and system optimizations.
Key Account Territory Business Manager / KAM
PURDUE PHARMA L.P.
Houston, TX
01.2008 - 12.2018
- Top-Tier Growth: Delivered 135% to goal (2017) and 122% to goal (2016) through aggressive territory management.
- Launch Success: Spearheaded the launch of Symproic (Top 13% Nationally) and Hysingla ER, achieving rapid formulary inclusion at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
- Network Optimization: Utilized influence and referral mapping to expand partnerships with ACOs, IDNs, and academic medical centers.
- Leadership: Mentored 12 district representatives on local market access and the Challenger Sales Model.
- Promoted 12/2014
Professional Sales Representative II
RELIANT PHARMACEUTICALS / GSK
Houston, TX
01.2001 - 01.2008
- Managed the cardiovascular portfolio for specialists and hospitals in North/West Houston.
- Elite Recognition: Earned 2x President’s Club, Eagle Club (2006), and 3x MVP honors.
- Market Share: Ranked #2 in the District and Top 20% Nationally as a single-representative territory.
- Training Innovation: Developed "Science Sells," a district-wide continuing education program to enhance clinical study application.
Education
Master of Science (MS) - Biological Sciences
Prairie View A&M University
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Biology
Grambling State University
Skills
- Achieved successful management of key accounts by fostering strong partnerships with health systems Enhanced payer market access through strategic initiatives Streamlined buy and bill processes to maximize operational effectiveness
- Achieved improved patient outcomes through effective management of rare disease cases Enhanced diagnostic accuracy in neurology through collaborative efforts Delivered comprehensive pain management solutions that increased patient satisfaction Advanced cardiovascular health initiatives that positively impacted patient care Optimized the use of biotech devices to streamline clinical processes
- Achieved successful strategic partnerships by fostering relationships with key opinion leaders Drove impactful engagement with C-suite executives to align business objectives Delivered enhanced project results through effective cross-functional collaboration
Certification
- Certified Medical Representative (CMR) – 2018
- Challenger Sales Training – Train the Trainer Certified
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
President’s Club: 6-Time Honoree (including back-to-back Top 15% rankings)., MVP Awards: 2002, 2004, 2006, 2017., National Recognition: Named National Product Sales Leader of the Year (2012)., Leadership Roles: Interim Manager (2015), District Trainer (2013–2015), Sales/Marketing Advisory Council (SMAC).
Section name
linkedin.com/in/carladjames2089
Affiliations
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Timeline
Territory Business Manager
SCILEX HOLDING COMPANY
10.2025 - Current
Senior Neurological Sales Specialist
EISAI INC.
07.2019 - 05.2023
Key Account Territory Business Manager / KAM
PURDUE PHARMA L.P.
01.2008 - 12.2018
Professional Sales Representative II
RELIANT PHARMACEUTICALS / GSK
01.2001 - 01.2008
Master of Science (MS) - Biological Sciences
Prairie View A&M University
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Biology
Grambling State University