Director of Product Strategy - Cigna - Hybrid

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director of Product Strategy

Company: Cigna Healthcare

Location: Bloomfield, CT; Bloomington, MN; St. Louis, MO; Morris Plains, NJ; Philadelphia, PA (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Strategy & Management (Healthcare/Pharmacy Operations)

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years (with people leadership experience)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic product initiatives to support customer growth, client retention, and enhanced client/customer experiences within the pharmacy product portfolio.

• Lead the full product lifecycle, from concept and development through launch and ongoing optimization, ensuring alignment with enterprise goals.

• Oversee the evaluation and decision-making process for pharmacy non-standard client exceptions and support product compliance activities.

• Act as a strategic problem solver and trusted subject matter expert, managing complexity and delivering results at scale within a dynamic healthcare environment.

• Foster strong cross-functional relationships and influence stakeholders across Cigna and Evernorth to achieve product objectives and drive adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Director of Product Strategy," the responsibilities heavily lean into product management and operational execution within the pharmacy benefits space. The role requires a deep understanding of product lifecycle management and a strong ability to influence cross-functional teams, making it highly relevant to operations professionals who interface with product development and strategic planning. The emphasis on client exceptions and compliance also points to a need for robust operational process definition and adherence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team responsible for the design, launch, and ongoing management of pharmacy products, fostering a high-performing and collaborative environment.

• Own the performance of the pharmacy product portfolio, ensuring it meets strategic objectives and contributes to broader enterprise growth and client retention goals.

• Monitor in-market product performance, developing and guiding the creation of insightful reports and analytics for sales teams, clients, and leadership.

• Define and refine product positioning, develop go-to-market strategies, and craft communication plans to drive product adoption and sustained growth.

• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new product development opportunities and enhancements to maintain a competitive and innovative product offering.

• Provide strategic input and direction for the future focus areas of the Pharmacy Product organization, aligning with market trends and business needs.

• Oversee the end-to-end evaluation and decision-making process for pharmacy non-standard client exceptions, ensuring fairness and adherence to policy.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to resolve complex product design, build, launch, and operational challenges, ensuring seamless execution.

• Partner closely with Sales and Account Management teams to develop training materials, collateral, and strategic initiatives that enhance client engagement and drive product adoption.

• Serve as a primary subject matter expert for pharmacy products, effectively communicating complex concepts to executive-level audiences.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of pharmacy product best practices, processes, and operational efficiencies.

• Share subject matter expertise to support the development of current and future leaders within the Pharmacy Product organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product vision and hands-on operational oversight. The emphasis on "ongoing management," "monitoring performance," "evaluation and decision-making for exceptions," and "resolving product design, build, launch, and operational challenges" signifies a strong operational component, requiring meticulous process management, data analysis, and cross-functional coordination – skills highly valued in Revenue Operations and Sales Operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in healthcare is required.

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in product development, product management, or business development, with a proven track record of success.

• Demonstrated experience in people leadership, including managing and developing teams.

• Working knowledge of pharmacy benefit management (PBM) and/or healthcare products is essential for understanding the market landscape and product intricacies.

• Strong financial, analytical, and quantitative skills are critical for evaluating product performance, market opportunities, and financial viability.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Lifecycle Management: Ability to define and execute product strategies, manage products through their entire lifecycle from ideation to sunsetting.

• Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) / Healthcare Products: Deep understanding of the healthcare and PBM landscape, including regulatory requirements and market dynamics.

• Portfolio Management: Skill in managing a diverse portfolio of products, ensuring strategic alignment, performance optimization, and resource allocation.

• Cross-functional Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to lead and collaborate effectively with diverse teams (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Operations, Legal, IT) to achieve common goals.

• Financial & Quantitative Analysis: Strong proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and quantitative assessment to drive informed decision-making.

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to translate complex technical and business concepts into clear, executive-ready materials.

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying challenges, analyzing root causes, and developing innovative solutions within a complex operational framework.

• People Management: Experience in leading, mentoring, and developing a team to achieve performance objectives and foster professional growth.

Preferred Skills:

• Product Development & Launch: Experience in bringing new products to market, including market research, business case development, and launch execution.

• Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with state and federal regulations impacting pharmacy products and experience supporting compliance activities.

• Advanced PowerPoint & Excel Proficiency: Expertise in creating compelling executive presentations and performing complex data analysis using pivot tables, lookups, and other advanced functions.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including clients and partners.

• Business Development: Experience in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities and market expansion strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize strategic thinking, leadership, and deep industry knowledge in healthcare and PBM. For operations professionals, highlighting transferable skills in process optimization, data analysis, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration will be key. The requirement for advanced Excel and PowerPoint proficiency is standard for roles involving data analysis and executive reporting, common in operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Product Strategy & Roadmap Examples: Showcase instances where you've defined a product vision, developed a strategic roadmap, and successfully executed against it, demonstrating foresight and strategic planning.

• Product Lifecycle Management Case Studies: Provide examples of products managed through their full lifecycle, detailing phases like concept, development, launch, growth, maturity, and decline/optimization, highlighting key decisions and outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Document instances where you led cross-functional teams to achieve significant product milestones, illustrating your ability to drive alignment and execution across diverse departments.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Detail projects where you identified inefficiencies in product development, launch, or ongoing management processes and implemented solutions that led to measurable improvements in speed, cost, or quality.

• Client Exception Management Framework: If possible, present a framework or process you've developed or significantly contributed to for evaluating and managing client exceptions, emphasizing consistency, fairness, and risk mitigation.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping and analyzing existing workflows related to product management, development, or compliance, and designing optimized or automated alternatives.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Provide examples of how you've overseen the implementation of new processes or systems, and where applicable, leveraged automation tools to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Showcase your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for products and processes, and how you've used data analysis to monitor performance, identify trends, and inform strategic adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for operations-minded candidates. Demonstrating a portfolio that showcases structured problem-solving, process mapping, data-driven decision-making, and quantifiable results from process improvements will be highly advantageous. The ability to articulate how you've managed complex operational processes, especially those involving exceptions or compliance, will be a significant differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental plans are offered starting on day one.

• Well-being & Behavioral Health: Robust programs designed to support overall employee wellness and mental health.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan to support long-term financial planning.

• Financial Security: Company-paid life insurance.

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement program to support continued learning and skill enhancement.

• Work-Life Balance: A minimum of 18 days of paid time off (PTO) per year, plus paid holidays, to ensure adequate rest and rejuvenation.

• Incentive Plans: Eligible to participate in an annual bonus and a long-term incentive plan, reflecting performance and contribution.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are anticipated, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature of the role suggests flexibility in daily scheduling, but core business hours will likely need to be covered for team collaboration and client interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Director-level role in the healthcare/pharmacy sector, especially in major metropolitan areas. The extensive benefits package underscores Cigna's commitment to employee well-being and long-term career development, which is attractive for operations professionals seeking stability and comprehensive support. The mention of "annual bonus and long term incentive plan" suggests performance-driven compensation, common in strategic leadership roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Health Insurance and Healthcare Services. Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, operates within a highly regulated and competitive sector focused on improving health outcomes and guiding customers through complex healthcare systems.

Company Size: Large enterprise, indicated by its status as a division of "The Cigna Group" and its extensive employee benefits program, suggesting a global or national presence with thousands of employees.

Founded: While the founding date of Cigna Healthcare specifically isn't detailed, The Cigna Group has a long history, with origins tracing back to the 18th century, indicating a stable and established organization with deep industry roots.

Team Structure:

• Pharmacy Product Organization: This role likely leads a dedicated team within the broader Pharmacy Product organization, which is part of Evernorth Health Services or Cigna Healthcare.

• Reporting Structure: The Director will report to a senior leader within the Pharmacy Product or broader Health Services division, with direct reports likely comprising product managers or strategists.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates extensive collaboration with Sales, Account Management, Actuarial, Legal, Compliance, IT, and other operational departments across Cigna and Evernorth.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Expect a strong emphasis on using data analytics and market insights to inform product strategy, portfolio management, and exception decisioning.

• Process Optimization: A continuous improvement mindset is likely ingrained, with a focus on refining workflows for product development, launch, and ongoing management to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Strategic Planning & Execution: The organization likely employs robust strategic planning processes to set direction and ensures rigorous execution to achieve defined objectives.

Company Website: https://www.cigna.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Cigna's established presence and focus on health advocacy suggest a culture that values expertise, patient-centricity, and long-term strategic thinking. For operations professionals, this implies a structured environment where process adherence, data integrity, and measurable impact are paramount. The scale of Cigna means that operational roles often involve navigating complex systems and collaborating across large, specialized teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Director-level position, signifying a senior leadership role responsible for a significant product portfolio and a team. It requires a blend of strategic vision, operational oversight, and people management. The scope of responsibility extends to influencing enterprise-level product direction and financial outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Director will likely report to a Vice President or Senior Director within the Pharmacy Product or a related strategic division. This position will have direct reports, likely Product Managers or Senior Product Strategists, who in turn manage specific product lines or initiatives.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on revenue generation and client retention through the strategic management and growth of pharmacy products. Effective product strategy, compliant exception handling, and optimized product performance directly contribute to Cigna's market competitiveness, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into VP-level roles within Product Management, Strategy, or broader Health Services operations, overseeing larger portfolios or entire business units.

• Specialization in Healthcare Strategy: Deepen expertise in specific areas of pharmacy benefits, healthcare product innovation, or market expansion within the Evernorth ecosystem.

• Cross-Divisional Mobility: Opportunities to transition into related strategic or operational leadership roles within Cigna Healthcare or other divisions of The Cigna Group, leveraging transferable skills.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Opportunity to mentor and develop a team of product professionals, building leadership skills and contributing to the talent pipeline within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role offers a significant step up in strategic responsibility and leadership. The growth trajectory suggests opportunities to move from managing specific operational processes to shaping the strategy that guides those processes, a common and desirable progression in the operations field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a combination of remote work and in-office presence. The specific ratio of remote to in-office days will likely be defined by team or departmental policy, but the presence of physical office locations suggests opportunities for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The role is open to multiple locations: Bloomfield, CT (main specified location); Bloomington, MN; Philadelphia, PA; Morris Plains, NJ; and St. Louis, MO. This provides geographic flexibility for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest a dynamic workspace that balances individual focus time with team interaction, both virtually and in-person.

• Technology & Tools: Employees will have access to Cigna's standard technology infrastructure, including robust communication platforms, project management tools, and potentially specialized healthcare and product management software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and strategic discussions will occur both virtually through collaboration tools and in designated office spaces.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in structuring the work week, balancing remote productivity with in-office collaboration and meetings. Specific core hours may be required for effective team synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and multiple office locations offer flexibility, which is a significant draw for operations professionals who often value work-life integration. The expectation of collaboration, both remote and in-person, highlights the need for strong communication and remote work etiquette skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and understanding of the healthcare/PBM industry.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential peers, direct reports, and key cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Operations leaders) to evaluate collaboration skills, subject matter expertise, and ability to influence.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study on a relevant product strategy, portfolio management challenge, or process improvement initiative. This assesses analytical skills, strategic thinking, and presentation abilities.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior leader (e.g., VP, Senior Director) to assess strategic alignment, executive presence, and overall fit for the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or initiative in your portfolio, clearly state the measurable impact. Use metrics like revenue growth, cost savings, efficiency gains, client retention improvements, or adoption rates.

• Showcase Process Thinking: Highlight examples where you've optimized workflows, implemented new processes, or managed complex operational challenges. Use diagrams or flowcharts if appropriate to illustrate process improvements.

• Demonstrate Strategic Alignment: Ensure your portfolio examples clearly link your work to business objectives, such as customer growth, client retention, or market differentiation.

• Tailor to the Role: Focus on examples that directly relate to product strategy, lifecycle management, PBM/healthcare products, and cross-functional leadership, as outlined in the job description.

• Present a Clear Narrative: Structure your portfolio items with a clear problem statement, your approach/solution, and the resulting outcomes. Tell a compelling story about your contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Strategy Case Study: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a product strategy for a new or existing pharmacy product, considering market trends, competitive landscape, and stakeholder needs.

• Portfolio Management Scenario: Anticipate questions about how you would prioritize initiatives within a product portfolio, manage competing demands, and optimize performance of existing products.

• Client Exception Decisioning: Practice articulating your thought process for evaluating and deciding on non-standard client exceptions, considering factors like fairness, cost, risk, and client relationships.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with sales, operations, or technical teams to overcome challenges and achieve product goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the strategic nature of the role and the emphasis on product lifecycle management, a strong portfolio demonstrating tangible results from strategy development and operational execution will be critical. Operations candidates should frame their experience in terms of process efficiency, data utilization, and impact on revenue or client success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Experience with enterprise CRM platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar, for managing client interactions, sales pipelines, and customer data.

• Product Management Platforms: Familiarity with tools such as Jira, Confluence, Aha!, Productboard, or similar for roadmap planning, backlog management, and product documentation.

• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools: Proficiency in tools like Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or advanced Excel for data analysis, reporting, and creating insightful dashboards.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint for executive presentations and Excel for financial modeling, data manipulation (pivot tables, lookups), and analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with BI platforms to track product performance, market trends, and operational KPIs.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret performance dashboards that communicate key metrics to various stakeholders.

• Data Warehousing Concepts: Understanding of how data is stored and accessed within large organizations to facilitate robust reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce/Similar CRM: Essential for understanding customer journeys, sales processes, and client data management, which directly influence product strategy and adoption.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools or concepts for automating routine tasks within product management or operational processes to improve efficiency.

• Integration Platforms: Understanding how different systems (e.g., CRM, product management tools, financial systems) integrate to ensure seamless data flow and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Product Strategy," its operational execution requires proficiency in tools that manage customer relationships, product roadmaps, and data analysis. Operations professionals will find their existing skills in CRM, data analytics, and process automation highly relevant. Highlighting experience with tools used for strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration will also be beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of both clients and end-customers, ensuring products and processes serve them effectively.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data and analytics to inform strategic choices, measure performance, and drive continuous improvement.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional teamwork are encouraged to achieve shared goals.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for product performance, process adherence, and delivering on commitments, with a focus on driving measurable results.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, seeking efficiencies, and proactively adapting to market changes and evolving customer needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The culture likely promotes close collaboration between product teams and critical operational functions such as Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, and IT to ensure seamless product delivery and support.

• Feedback-Oriented: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine strategies, processes, and product offerings.

• Strategic Partnership: Building strong working relationships with stakeholders across the organization to ensure product strategies are aligned with broader business objectives and operational capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cigna's focus on health and well-being, combined with its large corporate structure, suggests a culture that values integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to making a positive impact. For operations professionals, this means aligning with a culture that emphasizes process discipline, ethical considerations, and a results-oriented approach to improving healthcare access and outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Healthcare Regulations: The pharmacy and healthcare industries are heavily regulated, requiring constant vigilance and adaptation to ensure product compliance.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Juggling the diverse and sometimes competing priorities of clients, internal sales teams, Cigna leadership, and regulatory bodies.

• Driving Innovation in a Mature Market: Identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for product differentiation and innovation within a competitive and established pharmacy benefit landscape.

• Managing a Large Product Portfolio: Effectively overseeing multiple products, each with its own lifecycle, market dynamics, and operational requirements, requires strong prioritization and resource management.

• Leading Hybrid/Remote Teams: Ensuring effective team cohesion, productivity, and engagement across a geographically dispersed and hybrid workforce.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into PBM Operations: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the intricate operational processes and financial models within pharmacy benefit management.

• Healthcare Product Innovation: Exposure to cutting-edge product development strategies and technologies within the health services sector.

• Executive Leadership Skills: Developing advanced strategic planning, financial acumen, and people leadership capabilities through hands-on experience and mentorship.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue relevant certifications in product management, project management, or healthcare administration.

• Cross-Divisional Exposure: Understanding the broader ecosystem of The Cigna Group and potential career paths across different business units.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in the healthcare industry, emphasizing the need for adaptability, strong analytical skills, and effective stakeholder management. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement within a leading healthcare organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a 3-5 year product strategy for Cigna's pharmacy benefits, considering current market trends and competitive pressures?" (Focus on market analysis, strategic frameworks, and long-term vision.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage a complex product portfolio with competing priorities. How did you prioritize initiatives and allocate resources effectively?" (Highlight your portfolio management methodology, decision-making criteria, and results.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth, and why are you interested in this specific Director of Product Strategy role?" (Showcase your research on the company, industry, and alignment with their mission.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and ensure alignment among geographically dispersed or hybrid teams?" (Provide examples of communication strategies, team-building activities, and performance management in a hybrid setting.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly define the business problem, your strategic approach, the operational execution, the measurable results, and key learnings.

• Highlight Operational Impact: Emphasize how your strategic decisions translated into efficient operational processes, improved workflows, or enhanced client experiences. Quantify your impact with metrics.

• Showcase Analytical Rigor: Be prepared to discuss the data and analysis that informed your strategic recommendations and decisions. Demonstrate your ability to translate data into actionable insights.

• Address Compliance & Risk: If applicable, discuss how you've managed regulatory compliance or mitigated risks within your product strategies and operational execution.

• Engage Your Audience: Practice presenting your work concisely and engagingly. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your contributions and thought process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates should leverage their experience in process optimization, data analysis, and cross-functional execution to answer strategy questions. Framing portfolio examples around tangible operational improvements and their impact on business goals will be key. Demonstrating an understanding of the healthcare/PBM domain is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday application link: https://cigna.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/cignacareers/job/Bloomfield-CT/Director-of-Product-Strategy---Cigna---Hybrid_26004007

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in product strategy, lifecycle management, PBM/healthcare, cross-functional leadership, and people management. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your accomplishments are quantified with relevant metrics.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects or achievements that best demonstrate your strategic thinking, operational execution, and impact on business outcomes. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews, focusing on process improvements and quantifiable results.

• Research Cigna and the PBM Landscape: Familiarize yourself with Cigna Healthcare's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understand the current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the Pharmacy Benefit Management industry.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common interview questions, especially those related to strategy development, portfolio management, stakeholder influence, and handling client exceptions. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.