Care Solutions Product Strategy Sr. Advisor - Evernorth - Hybrid

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Care Solutions Product Strategy Sr. Advisor - Evernorth - Hybrid
Company: Cigna Healthcare
Location: Bloomfield, CT, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Strategy / Health Services Operations
Date Posted: September 29, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the development and management of new product strategies and strategic relationships within Evernorth's Care Solutions team, focusing on enhancing care delivery solutions to meet growth objectives.
• Act as a key product subject matter expert, managing roadmaps, delivery updates, and cross-functional projects to elevate client needs and ensure solution alignment.
• Cultivate and nurture strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including vendor partners, client and account teams, and development teams, to evolve care solutions offerings.
• Develop and operationalize go-to-market strategies with strategic partners, ensuring seamless execution and scale for new product initiatives.
• Lead innovative test-and-learn initiatives and collaborate with agile-based teams to foster continuous product improvement and market competitiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Health Services and Product Strategy domain, with a strong emphasis on operationalizing product roadmaps and managing strategic partnerships. The "Sr. Advisor" title suggests a senior individual contributor role with significant influence and strategic input, requiring a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary product subject matter expert, effectively communicating product roadmaps, delivery statuses, and project updates to a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with client, vendor, and technology teams to advance the overall strategy and product solutions for Evernorth's Care Solutions portfolio.
• Develop and implement go-to-market rules of engagement with strategic partners, ensuring operational readiness and scalability for new offerings.
• Work cross-functionally to proactively identify strategic value propositions, develop essential communications, training materials, and reporting mechanisms for implemented solutions.
• Nurture and manage strategic partnerships, fostering shared roadmaps and collaborative efforts to continuously evolve the care solutions landscape.
• Drive prompt resolution of client and customer product-related issues, escalating complex challenges to appropriate teams when necessary.
• Manage vendor relationships, ensuring timely delivery of goods and services, conducting regular reviews of contracts, and identifying opportunities for optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical need for cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management within a matrixed environment. The emphasis on "go-to-market rules of the road" and "operationalize for scale" points to a strong operational component, requiring the candidate to translate strategy into executable plans.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience (10+ years) in a relevant field.

Experience:

• 5+ years of combined experience in Product Management and/or Account Management, with a focus on wellness, digital health platforms, and client-facing sales processes.
• 3+ years of proven success in vendor management, including contract negotiation and performance oversight.
• Prior experience working directly with sales teams, consultants, and clients, demonstrating an understanding of their needs and perspectives.
• Demonstrated success in managing various stages of the product development lifecycle within a highly matrixed organization, influencing stakeholders to drive outcomes.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Development: Ability to conceptualize, develop, and manage product roadmaps and strategic initiatives for health services.
• Vendor Management: Expertise in managing vendor relationships, contract reviews, service level agreements (SLAs), and performance monitoring.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to lead and influence diverse, cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment to achieve shared objectives.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Strong experience in building and maintaining relationships with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders, with a focus on understanding and addressing client needs.
• Presentation & Communication: Excellent presentation skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to various audiences, including executive leadership, clients, and external partners.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to identify strategic opportunities, analyze complex issues, and develop innovative solutions.
• Organizational Agility: Strong understanding of business processes and operational workflows, enabling effective execution of initiatives in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with wellness and health platforms, performance metrics, and reporting mechanisms.
• Experience with agile methodologies and a proven ability to adapt to evolving project requirements.
• Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and decision-making.
• Proficiency in developing go-to-market strategies and operationalizing them for scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of strategic product acumen, strong vendor and relationship management skills, and robust communication and influencing capabilities, all within the specific context of health services and care solutions. The "10+ years relevant work experience" alongside a Bachelor's degree indicates a preference for seasoned professionals who can demonstrate a track record of success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of strategic product initiatives managed, detailing the problem statement, proposed solution, execution plan, and achieved outcomes.
• Present case studies demonstrating successful vendor management, highlighting negotiation strategies, performance improvements, and contract optimization.
• Include documentation or descriptions of product roadmaps developed, illustrating strategic prioritization and alignment with business growth goals.
• Provide evidence of cross-functional team leadership, illustrating how complex projects were navigated and brought to successful completion.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate familiarity with product development lifecycle documentation, including requirements gathering, solution design, and go-to-market planning.
• Illustrate experience in documenting and operationalizing go-to-market strategies, including communication plans, training materials, and reporting frameworks.
• Showcase examples of process improvement initiatives undertaken, detailing the methodology used for analysis, implementation, and measurement of impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on product strategy and strategic relationships, a portfolio should emphasize strategic thinking, project leadership, and the ability to translate strategy into actionable operational plans. Demonstrating experience in managing complex stakeholder landscapes and vendor partnerships will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated salary range for this position in Bloomfield, CT, based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Advisor role with 10+ years of experience in Product Strategy and Health Services, is approximately $130,000 - $170,000 annually. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with company match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Life and Disability Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and wellness support.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Employee discounts and wellness programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week.
• The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, with specific in-office days to be determined based on team needs and collaboration requirements.
• Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or address critical business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range estimation is based on publicly available data for similar Senior Product Strategy Advisor roles in the greater Hartford, CT area, considering the extensive experience required and Cigna Healthcare's position as a major employer. Benefits are typical for large corporations in the health insurance sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Services, Health Insurance, Pharmacy Benefits Management. Evernorth Health Services operates within a highly regulated and competitive sector, focused on innovation to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Company Size: Cigna Healthcare is a large, global health services organization, employing tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. This scale offers significant resources, opportunities for advancement, and exposure to diverse business functions. Founded: Cigna has a long history, with its origins tracing back to the 18th century. Evernorth Health Services is a more recent consolidation of various Cigna capabilities, focused on delivering integrated health solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Product team within Evernorth Care Solutions likely comprises individuals with diverse expertise in product management, strategy, analytics, and operations.
• This role is expected to report into a Product Leadership position, with direct collaboration across various internal departments such as Sales, Client Management, Analytics, Legal, Finance, and external vendor partners.
• The matrixed environment necessitates strong collaboration skills to navigate complex reporting lines and influence without direct authority.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, utilizing performance metrics and client feedback to inform product strategy and development.
• Adoption of innovative approaches, including test-and-learn initiatives to explore new care delivery models and solutions.
• Focus on agile principles for product development and delivery, enabling flexibility and rapid iteration.
• Strategic relationship management is a core methodology, fostering long-term partnerships for mutual growth and client benefit.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights a large, established player in the healthcare industry with a focus on innovation and integrated solutions. The role's success will depend on navigating this complex organizational structure and leveraging its resources effectively.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior Advisor, indicating a senior individual contributor position. It requires a high degree of autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence decision-making across various departments. The focus is on strategic product development and relationship management rather than direct people management. Reporting Structure: The Sr. Advisor will likely report to a Director or VP of Product Strategy within Evernorth's Care Solutions division. They will work closely with peers across product, sales, account management, and operations, requiring strong collaborative skills to drive initiatives. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on Evernorth's strategic growth objectives by shaping product offerings, enhancing client value propositions, and optimizing vendor partnerships. Successful product strategy execution leads to increased market share, improved client retention, and profitable revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Product Strategy: Potential to move into senior leadership roles within Product Management, overseeing larger portfolios or specialized product lines.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of health services, such as digital health, wellness platforms, or chronic care management.
• Strategic Relationship Management: Develop advanced skills in managing complex, high-stakes partnerships with key vendors and clients, potentially leading to roles focused on strategic alliances.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Experience gained in this role can open doors to opportunities in corporate strategy, business development, or senior account management within the broader Cigna Healthcare organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr. Advisor" title implies a significant level of responsibility and expertise. Growth opportunities will likely stem from deepening strategic impact, expanding influence within the organization, and potentially moving into leadership roles that manage teams or larger strategic initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a Hybrid role, meaning employees are expected to work from the Cigna Healthcare office located in Bloomfield, CT, for a portion of the week, with the remainder of the work conducted remotely. This arrangement aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. Office Location(s): The primary office location is 900 Cottage Grove Rd, Wilde Bldg, Bloomfield, CT. This location serves as a hub for many Cigna Healthcare operations and teams.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and opportunities for spontaneous interaction with colleagues.
• Access to Cigna Healthcare's technology infrastructure, including robust IT support, internal communication platforms, and relevant software, will be provided.
• The hybrid model encourages participation in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and strategic planning activities conducted in person, while remote work allows for focused individual tasks and analysis.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• Flexibility exists within the hybrid model, allowing for some control over work location. However, adherence to team schedules and meeting commitments, both in-office and virtual, is expected.
• Employees are expected to maintain consistent internet connectivity (cable broadband or fiber optic with minimum 10Mbps download/5Mbps upload) if working remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern work environment that values both collaboration and flexibility. Candidates should be comfortable balancing in-office presence with remote work and ensuring seamless communication and productivity regardless of location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will conduct a preliminary review of your application and resume to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your experience, strategic thinking, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities. Be prepared to discuss specific product strategy examples.
• Panel Interview: You may be asked to meet with a panel of cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., from Sales, Operations, Technology) to assess your ability to collaborate and influence across teams.
• Case Study/Presentation: A common element for senior strategy roles. You may be given a business challenge or product scenario to analyze and present your strategic recommendations, demonstrating your problem-solving and communication skills.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (Director/VP) to confirm suitability and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Focus: Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your strategic thinking, market analysis capabilities, and ability to develop actionable product roadmaps.
• Impact-Oriented: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use metrics to demonstrate the success of product initiatives, vendor management improvements, and strategic partnerships.
• Process Clarity: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your approach, the steps taken, and the results achieved. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful to illustrate complex processes.
• Stakeholder Management: Highlight instances where you successfully navigated complex stakeholder landscapes, managed competing priorities, and influenced outcomes in a matrixed environment.
• Vendor Management Expertise: Include specific examples of vendor selection, contract negotiation, performance management, and successful partnership development.
• Tailor to Healthcare: Where possible, draw parallels between your past experiences and the healthcare industry context of Evernorth.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Analysis: Practice analyzing market trends, identifying competitive advantages, and developing strategic recommendations for product growth.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to product challenges, vendor issues, or client needs. Focus on structured problem-solving approaches.
• Presentation Skills: Rehearse your presentation delivery, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Be ready to answer questions about your strategic rationale and proposed solutions.
• Understanding Evernorth: Research Evernorth's current product offerings, strategic priorities, and recent news to demonstrate your understanding of their business and industry landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, assessing strategic depth, cross-functional collaboration, and communication prowess. A well-curated portfolio demonstrating quantifiable impact and strategic problem-solving is essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools (Expected Proficiency):

• CRM Systems: Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365 (for client and vendor data management, sales pipeline insights).
• Product Management Tools: Jira, Confluence (for roadmap planning, backlog management, documentation).
• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace (for communication, document sharing, presentations).
• Project Management Software: Asana, Trello, Monday.com (for tracking project progress and task management).

Analytics & Reporting:

• BI & Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, QlikView (for analyzing performance metrics, creating dashboards, and reporting on product KPIs).
• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel skills (for data analysis, modeling, and reporting).

CRM & Automation:

• Data Analysis Tools: SQL (for querying databases and extracting data), potentially Python or R for more advanced analytics.
• Presentation Software: PowerPoint (for developing and delivering strategic presentations to stakeholders).

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the nature of the role implies a need for proficiency in standard enterprise software for CRM, project management, collaboration, and data analysis. Familiarity with BI tools and potentially SQL for data extraction will be highly beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting the needs of clients, brokers, and end-users, ensuring that product strategies translate into tangible value.
• Innovation & Agility: Encouraging creative thinking, embracing new ideas, and adapting quickly to market changes and evolving client demands. Willingness to experiment with new approaches.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing teamwork and fostering strong relationships with internal departments and external partners to achieve shared goals. Openness to diverse perspectives.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on analytics, performance metrics, and insights to guide strategic choices and measure the success of initiatives.
• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for outcomes, driving initiatives to completion, and demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• Matrixed Influence: Success hinges on the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across different business units and functional teams, often without direct reporting authority.
• Open Communication: Fostering transparency and clear communication channels to ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned on product strategy and execution.
• Solution-Oriented: A collective drive to identify and implement solutions that address complex challenges within the healthcare services domain.
• Continuous Improvement: A culture that embraces feedback, learns from both successes and failures, and actively seeks ways to optimize processes and product offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on innovation, customer focus, and collaboration is crucial for success in this role. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in a dynamic, matrixed environment where influence and partnership are key drivers of progress.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Matrixed Organization: Effectively influencing and aligning diverse stakeholders across multiple departments and business units to achieve strategic objectives.
• Balancing Innovation with Execution: Identifying and championing new product ideas while ensuring they are operationally feasible, scalable, and align with regulatory requirements.
• Managing Evolving Market Demands: Staying ahead of trends in the healthcare and wellness space, adapting strategies to meet changing client needs and competitive pressures.
• Vendor Partnership Optimization: Ensuring strategic vendor relationships deliver maximum value, are cost-effective, and align with Evernorth's long-term goals.
• Data Interpretation and Action: Translating complex data and performance metrics into clear, actionable insights that drive product strategy and business decisions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Healthcare Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of specific care solutions, wellness platforms, and the broader healthcare ecosystem.
• Advanced Strategy Development: Honing skills in market analysis, competitive intelligence, and long-term strategic planning within the health services industry.
• Leadership and Influence: Developing advanced techniques for stakeholder management, negotiation, and influencing in a senior advisory capacity.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events (e.g., health tech, product management) and pursue certifications to enhance professional development.
• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders and experienced professionals who can provide guidance and career advice.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to shape the future of care solutions within a major healthcare organization. The challenges are inherent to a senior strategy role in a complex industry, offering substantial learning and growth potential for ambitious professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed and launched a new product strategy. What was your process, what were the key challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your strategic thinking, execution, and ability to quantify results.)
• "How would you assess the competitive landscape for Evernorth's Care Solutions and identify opportunities for differentiation?" (Demonstrate market analysis skills and strategic foresight.)
• "Walk me through your process for managing a strategic vendor relationship from selection to ongoing performance management." (Highlight your vendor management expertise and ability to drive value.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Evernorth Health Services and Cigna Healthcare? How do you see this role contributing to their mission?" (Showcase your research and understanding of their business.)
• "Describe your experience working in a matrixed organization. How do you build consensus and influence stakeholders across different departments?" (Assess your collaboration and influencing skills.)
• "How do you approach prioritizing competing product initiatives when resources are limited?" (Evaluate your strategic prioritization and decision-making abilities.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear structure: Problem -> Your Role -> Solution/Strategy -> Execution -> Results (quantified).
• Highlight Strategic Impact: Emphasize the strategic thinking behind your decisions and how your work contributed to broader business objectives (e.g., growth, client retention, market share).
• Showcase Collaboration: Detail how you worked with cross-functional teams and managed stakeholder expectations.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Clearly articulate the challenges you faced and the innovative solutions you implemented.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, data analysis, and decision-making process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss complex strategic scenarios, demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and articulate your experience in managing relationships and driving results in a large, matrixed organization. Your portfolio should be a central piece of your preparation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Cigna Healthcare careers portal via the provided URL.
• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in product strategy, health services, account management, vendor management, and cross-functional leadership. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your strategic product initiatives, vendor management successes, and cross-functional collaboration examples. Be ready to discuss specific case studies during interviews.
• Research Cigna & Evernorth: Gain a deep understanding of Cigna Healthcare's mission, Evernorth's product offerings, and their strategic priorities in the health services market. Familiarize yourself with their values and culture.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and focusing on quantifiable achievements. Rehearse presentations for potential case study exercises.

⚠️ 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.