Senior Manager, PBM Product Strategy & Ops

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Manager, PBM Product Strategy & Ops Company: CVS Health Location: Multiple Locations (Phoenix, AZ; Sacramento, CA; Hartford, CT; Tallahassee, FL; Springfield, IL; Boston, MA; St. Paul, MN; Trenton, NJ; Albany, NY; Columbus, OH; Harrisburg, PA; Providence, RI; Austin, TX) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Management / Operations Strategy Date Posted: 2025-09-10 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years professional experience) Remote Status: Fully Remote (US-based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic direction and innovation for CVS Health's Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) product portfolio, focusing on identifying and developing new product concepts.
• Lead the execution of pricing strategies, including TrueCost, to support current PBM products and enhance product uptake and operational alignment.
• Develop compelling business cases, including financial impact and go-to-market plans, to secure investment for new product initiatives and navigate complex, ambiguous opportunities.
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration across product, finance, operations, sales, and leadership teams to ensure strategic alignment and successful commercialization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of product strategy and operational execution within the complex PBM landscape. Success will require a blend of strategic foresight, analytical rigor, and the ability to translate concepts into tangible business outcomes. The emphasis on "navigating ambiguity" and "self-sufficient operator mindset" suggests a need for proactive problem-solving and end-to-end ownership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead new product ideation and development, transforming abstract concepts into actionable solutions and defining clear execution pathways.
• Conduct thorough market analysis, monitoring industry trends and competitive activities to identify whitespace opportunities and inform product strategy.
• Develop and present robust business cases, articulating strategic rationale, financial projections (e.g., ROIC modeling), and detailed go-to-market plans to senior leadership.
• Execute and manage pricing strategies, such as TrueCost, ensuring alignment with business objectives, client needs, and market competitiveness.
• Provide critical support to internal teams (finance, sales, marketing, operations) on pricing initiatives, product enablement, and client-facing collateral.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders to foster understanding and drive adoption of PBM product capabilities.
• Contribute to the refinement of operational strategies and process improvements that enable scalable and efficient product delivery.
• Act as a subject matter expert on PBM product strategy and pricing, influencing decisions and driving alignment across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on proactive product development and reactive strategic execution (pricing). The expectation to "defend business cases" and "make informed decisions" indicates a need for strong analytical and persuasive capabilities. The mention of "ROIC modeling" suggests a quantitative approach to evaluating opportunities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field such as Business, Healthcare Administration, Finance, or a related analytical discipline.
• MBA or advanced degree is preferred but not mandatory, demonstrating a strong business acumen.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, valuing practical application over formal degrees.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7+ years of total professional work experience, with a significant portion dedicated to strategic roles.
• 5+ years of experience within the healthcare or related industries, with a strong preference for PBM pricing, enterprise strategy, enterprise sales, or product marketing.
• A minimum of 2 years of direct client-facing experience, managing customer relationships and driving product adoption.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Innovation: Proven ability to identify market opportunities, conceptualize new products, and develop comprehensive product roadmaps.
• Pricing Strategy & Execution: Deep understanding of pricing models (e.g., TrueCost), financial analysis, and the ability to execute pricing strategies that align with business goals.
• Business Case Development: Expertise in building compelling business cases, including market analysis, competitive assessment, financial modeling (ROIC), and go-to-market planning.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated success in partnering with diverse teams (product, finance, sales, operations, legal) to achieve shared objectives.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Strong capabilities in data analysis, problem-solving, and developing strategic recommendations to address complex business challenges.
• Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with a proven track record of presenting to and influencing senior stakeholders (executive presence).
• Microsoft Office Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for financial modeling and PowerPoint for presentations.

Preferred Skills:

• PBM Industry Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the PBM landscape, its dynamics, and future trends, with strong convictions about market evolution.
• Client Relationship Management: Experience in managing and nurturing relationships with key clients and partners.
• Self-Sufficient Operator Mindset: Ability to independently develop strategies, identify gaps, and execute project plans with minimal oversight.
• Start-up Experience: Exposure to fast-paced, agile environments characteristic of start-ups, demonstrating adaptability and a proactive approach.
• Meme Usage: Comfort and ability to use appropriate memes during team calls, indicating cultural adaptability and a sense of humor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "meme usage" requirement is unique and suggests a company culture that values personality and informal communication alongside professional rigor. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they can balance these aspects. The emphasis on "self-sufficient operator mindset" and "navigating ambiguity" points towards a need for an entrepreneurial spirit within a large corporate structure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and launching new products, showcasing a clear progression from ideation to commercialization.
• Include examples of strategic initiatives where you identified market opportunities, defined product scope, and developed execution pathways.
• Present case studies illustrating your ability to build and defend complex business cases, including financial projections and go-to-market strategies.
• Highlight experience in executing pricing strategies and supporting internal/external stakeholders with product enablement and adoption initiatives.
• Showcase analytical projects that involved data analysis, problem-solving, and the development of actionable recommendations for process improvements or strategic shifts.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented product strategies, including market analysis, competitive landscapes, and strategic objectives.
• Showcase your approach to defining and documenting operational processes that support product delivery and pricing execution.
• Include examples of how you have measured the impact of product launches or pricing strategies, demonstrating an understanding of performance analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on strategy and innovation, a portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to product development and a data-driven decision-making process will be crucial. Successful candidates will be able to articulate the "why" and "how" behind their strategic recommendations and pricing decisions, backed by quantifiable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided pay range for this role is $67,900.00 - $199,144.00 annually.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This is a broad range, typical for a Senior Manager role that can accommodate varying levels of experience and geographic locations. The final offer will be determined by factors such as candidate experience, education, geographic location, and specific role responsibilities. The inclusion of bonus, commission, or short-term incentive programs, plus an equity award target, indicates a comprehensive total compensation package beyond base salary.

Benefits:

• Affordable Medical Plan Options: Comprehensive health coverage to support employee well-being.
• 401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan with matching company contributions, promoting long-term financial security.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to invest in CVS Health's growth and share in its success.
• No-Cost Programs:
  • Wellness Screenings
  • Tobacco Cessation Programs
  • Weight Management Programs
  • Confidential Counseling
  • Financial Coaching
• Additional Benefits:
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Family Leave
  • Dependent Care Resources
  • Colleague Assistance Programs
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Retiree Medical Access
• Comprehensive and competitive mix of pay and benefits: Focused on physical, emotional, and financial wellness.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility given the remote nature of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: CVS Health offers a robust benefits package that extends beyond traditional health insurance, emphasizing holistic employee well-being. The "no-cost programs" are significant perks that can provide substantial value to employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare / Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Company Size: Large (CVS Health is a major employer with over 300,000 colleagues globally). This scale implies extensive resources, complex organizational structures, and a broad market reach. Founded: CVS Health has a long history, evolving through acquisitions and organic growth, establishing itself as a leader in the healthcare solutions space. This longevity suggests stability and a deep understanding of the industry.

Team Structure:

• This role likely operates within a Product Management or Strategy division, potentially within the PBM segment of CVS Health.
• The team structure is expected to be matrixed, requiring close collaboration with various departments including Product Development, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Legal.
• Reporting lines will likely be to a Director or VP of Product Strategy or PBM Operations, with direct management responsibility potentially arising with growth.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Expect a strong emphasis on using data analytics to inform product strategy, pricing decisions, and operational improvements.
• Structured Problem Solving: The need to "navigate ambiguity" suggests a methodology that breaks down complex problems into manageable components and applies logical frameworks.
• Agile/Lean Principles (Likely): While not explicitly stated, large organizations often adopt agile or lean principles for product development and operational efficiency, encouraging iterative progress and continuous improvement.
• Customer-Centricity: As a health solutions company, there will be a focus on understanding and meeting the needs of customers, patients, members, and clients.

Company Website: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large, established company like CVS Health offers opportunities for significant impact and exposure to complex, large-scale operations. However, it also requires navigating established processes and potentially longer decision-making cycles. The "start-up experience preferred" note suggests that the company values agility and innovation, even within its large structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Manager within Product Strategy & Operations. This level typically signifies a role responsible for significant strategic initiatives, often with team leadership or direct project ownership. It bridges strategic planning with operational execution.

Reporting Structure: The role will report into a leadership position within the PBM product or strategy organization. Collaboration will be extensive across various functional departments, requiring strong stakeholder management skills.

Operations Impact: This role has the potential to significantly influence the success and profitability of CVS Health's PBM product portfolio. By driving product innovation and optimizing pricing strategies, the Senior Manager can directly impact revenue, market share, and customer satisfaction. Strategic decisions made in this role can shape the company's competitive positioning and future growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to Director or VP roles within Product Management, Strategy, or Operations, potentially leading larger teams or more complex product portfolios.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in PBM product strategy, pricing analytics, or market development within the healthcare sector.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related areas such as general management, business development, or corporate strategy, leveraging the foundational skills gained in this role.
• Industry Recognition: Potential to contribute to thought leadership within the PBM and healthcare industries through successful product launches and strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Manager" title at a company of CVS Health’s size suggests a significant level of responsibility and visibility. The career path likely offers opportunities for both vertical advancement and horizontal movement into other strategic areas within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote role, allowing candidates to work from anywhere within the United States.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, CVS Health has numerous physical locations across the US, including those listed in the job posting (Phoenix, Sacramento, Hartford, Tallahassee, Springfield, Boston, St. Paul, Trenton, Albany, Columbus, Harrisburg, Providence, Austin). This indicates a national presence and understanding of diverse regional markets.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: Expect to utilize various digital collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, shared document platforms) for communication and project management.
• Independent Work: The role demands a high degree of self-discipline, time management, and autonomy to succeed in a remote setting.
• Virtual Team Engagement: Building and maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues across different locations and time zones will be key. The "meme usage" note suggests an environment that encourages personality and informal interaction even in a virtual setting.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours are expected, but the remote nature may offer some flexibility. The role requires dedication to meet deadlines and project milestones, potentially involving occasional work outside of standard hours for critical initiatives or cross-time zone collaboration. Up to 15% travel is mentioned, suggesting occasional in-person meetings or events may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: A fully remote role requires strong self-management skills. Candidates should be comfortable with virtual communication and collaboration, and possess the discipline to maintain productivity and engagement without direct in-person supervision.

📄 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 more in-depth discussion focusing on your experience with product strategy, PBM, pricing, and business case development. Expect behavioral questions to assess your approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and managing ambiguity.
• Panel Interviews: You may interview with key stakeholders from Product, Finance, Sales, or Operations. These interviews will assess your ability to collaborate and your understanding of their respective functions.
• Case Study/Presentation: A common element for strategy roles. You may be asked to prepare a presentation on a hypothetical product strategy, pricing scenario, or a deep dive into a past project from your portfolio that demonstrates your capabilities.
• Final Round: Potentially with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, executive presence, and overall fit for the role and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the strategies implemented, and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, market share increase, efficiency gains).
• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Highlight projects where you developed and executed a strategic vision, identified market gaps, or influenced business direction.
• Demonstrate Process Ownership: Include examples of how you managed projects from ideation through to execution and measurement, showcasing your ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects related to product strategy, innovation, pricing, and healthcare/PBM if possible. Clearly articulate your understanding of the PBM landscape and your ability to develop compelling business cases.
• Presentation Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to understand. Be prepared to walk through your most impactful projects concisely and persuasively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Business Case Acumen: Practice building a concise business case structure (problem, solution, market opportunity, financial projections, go-to-market plan). Be ready to articulate the ROI and strategic rationale for your recommendations.
• Pricing Strategy Discussion: Familiarize yourself with common pricing models in the PBM or healthcare industry, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach pricing strategy development and execution.
• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you have successfully collaborated with, influenced, and managed expectations of diverse stakeholders across different departments and levels.
• Ambiguity Navigation: Think about how you approach situations with incomplete information or unclear objectives. Focus on your structured thinking process and how you drive clarity and action.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your strategic thinking, analytical capabilities, and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. A strong portfolio that showcases quantifiable achievements and a clear thought process will be your most significant asset. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the PBM industry and how you would approach the specific responsibilities outlined for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel (for financial modeling, ROIC calculations, data analysis), PowerPoint (for presentations, business cases), and Word.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for team communication and virtual meetings.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools such as Asana, Jira, Trello, or Microsoft Project for managing project timelines, tasks, and deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While specific tools aren't mentioned, expect to use or interact with data analysis platforms. Proficiency in Excel's advanced analytical functions is a baseline. Experience with BI tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even SQL for data extraction and analysis would be beneficial.
• Financial Modeling Software: Experience in building financial models in Excel is crucial, potentially including specialized financial planning and analysis (FP&A) software.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar, especially in how they are used to manage client relationships, track sales pipelines, and support product adoption.
• PBM-Specific Systems: While not detailed, an understanding of or ability to quickly learn the specific systems and workflows within CVS Health's PBM operations will be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires strong analytical and presentation skills, primarily leveraging common business productivity tools. While specific advanced analytics or PBM systems aren't detailed, a candidate who can demonstrate proficiency with data manipulation and presentation tools will be well-positioned. The mention of "using the appropriate meme" suggests a culture that values personality and effective communication alongside technical skills.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and serving the needs of patients, members, and clients within the healthcare ecosystem.
• Innovation & Agility: Encouraging new ideas, embracing change, and adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape, even within a large organization.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on insights from data to guide strategy, operations, and problem-solving.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where colleagues work together across functions to achieve common goals.
• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for initiatives, driving them to completion, and owning the outcomes.
• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings, particularly important in the healthcare industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working seamlessly with diverse teams, bridging gaps between strategy, product, finance, sales, and operations.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and direct communication, with a willingness to share information and perspectives.
• Constructive Feedback: A culture that values providing and receiving feedback to drive continuous improvement and learning.
• Strategic Alignment: Ensuring that all collaborative efforts are aligned with overarching company and product strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: CVS Health, as a large healthcare provider, likely emphasizes a culture of integrity, collaboration, and customer-centricity. The "self-sufficient operator" and "meme" aspects suggest a dynamic environment that values both professional maturity and a personable approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: The role explicitly mentions navigating complex and ambiguous product opportunities, requiring strong problem-solving skills and the ability to create structure where none exists.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Achieving consensus and driving action across multiple departments with potentially competing priorities can be challenging in a large organization.
• Market Volatility: The PBM and healthcare industries are constantly evolving, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to new regulations, technologies, and competitive pressures.
• Balancing Innovation with Execution: The need to drive new product innovation while also executing on existing pricing strategies requires effective prioritization and resource management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep PBM Expertise: Gain unparalleled insights into the intricacies of Pharmacy Benefit Management, including pricing, product development, and market dynamics.
• Strategic Leadership Development: Hone skills in strategic planning, business case development, and executive communication through high-impact projects.
• Industry Exposure: Work with a leading healthcare solutions company, providing exposure to best practices and trends across the broader industry.
• Professional Certifications/Training: Opportunities for further training in product management, strategy, or relevant analytical tools.
• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced leaders within CVS Health, gaining valuable career guidance and industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a dynamic industry. The ability to demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to learning will be key to overcoming challenges and capitalizing on growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a market opportunity and developed a new product concept. What was the process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your structured thinking, market analysis, and execution).
• "How do you approach developing a business case for a new product or strategic initiative, particularly when facing ambiguity?" (Highlight your analytical framework, financial modeling, and risk assessment).
• "Walk me through your experience with pricing strategies in a complex industry like healthcare or PBM. How do you ensure pricing aligns with business goals and client needs?" (Be prepared to discuss specific models and your approach to execution).
• "How do you build consensus and drive alignment among diverse stakeholders with competing priorities?" (Use the STAR method to provide concrete examples of your collaboration and influencing skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about CVS Health and the PBM industry? Where do you see the market heading in the next 3-5 years?" (Research CVS Health's mission, values, and recent news; understand key PBM trends).
• "How do you contribute to a positive team culture, especially in a remote environment?" (Relate your experiences to the company's values and the emphasis on collaboration and personality).
• "Describe your approach to managing your workload and priorities in a self-sufficient manner." (Showcase your organizational skills, proactivity, and ability to take ownership).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each key project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the strategic approach, key actions taken, challenges overcome, and the measurable results.
• Quantify Everything Possible: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For pricing, discuss revenue impact, client retention, or competitive positioning. For strategy, discuss market share, growth, or ROI.
• Highlight Your "Why": Explain the strategic thinking and rationale behind your decisions, demonstrating your ability to connect actions to business objectives.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific details of your projects – the data sources, assumptions made, methodologies used, and stakeholder feedback.
• Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it is concise, engaging, and within any time limits. Be ready to confidently answer questions and discuss your contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Your interview performance will hinge on your ability to articulate your strategic thinking, demonstrate a deep understanding of product development and pricing, and showcase your collaborative approach. A well-prepared portfolio presentation that highlights quantifiable results and a clear thought process will be essential for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the CVS Health careers portal via the provided URL.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience directly relevant to product strategy, PBM operations, pricing, business case development, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to develop product strategies, build business cases, execute pricing initiatives, and manage complex projects. Focus on quantifiable results.
• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse how you will discuss your experience and present your portfolio projects. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to problem-solving, collaboration, and handling ambiguity.
• Research CVS Health and PBM: Familiarize yourself with CVS Health's business, its position in the healthcare market, and current trends or challenges within the PBM industry. Understand their values and culture.

⚠️ 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.