Product Strategy & Development Senior Advisor - Express Scripts Pharmacy - Remote

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy & Development Senior Advisor - Express Scripts Pharmacy

Company: Cigna Healthcare (Evernorth Health Services)

Location: Remote (Missouri Work at Home specified, but other locations considered)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Strategy & Development, Healthcare Operations

Date Posted: November 4, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years (implied by Senior Advisor title and 8+ years requirement)

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic product initiatives for Express Scripts Home Delivery Pharmacies, focusing on profitable volume growth and enhanced customer/client experience.

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and development of new pharmacy solutions, encompassing market assessment, pricing, and business case creation.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams across Evernorth and Cigna businesses to conceptualize and enable innovative product offerings.

• Translate complex data analysis, including claims utilization, formulary data, and financial models, into actionable product insights and strategic recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within the operational and strategic framework of a major Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). The "Product Strategy & Development" title, coupled with responsibilities like market assessment, business case development, and cross-functional collaboration, firmly places this position within the broader GTM and Operations umbrella, specifically focusing on product lifecycle management within a highly regulated healthcare sector. The "Senior Advisor" designation implies a significant level of autonomy and expertise, requiring candidates to demonstrate strategic thinking and execution capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive market research, including identifying emerging trends, understanding customer demands, defining unmet needs ("jobs-to-be-done"), and gathering/analyzing customer feedback to inform product strategy.

• Develop and articulate robust business cases for new product initiatives, including defining monetization levers, sizing market opportunities, assessing feasibility, and presenting financial projections.

• Partner with internal product teams across Evernorth and other Cigna Health Services divisions to foster coordinated solutions and enable new product concepts through cross-functional collaboration.

• Analyze complex datasets related to formularies, drug utilization, clinical data, and financial models using proprietary tools (e.g., Analyst tool) to extract actionable insights.

• Perform in-depth claims utilization and volume analysis, covering aspects such as margin analysis, trend identification, drug-level market share, channel management, patient behavior, benchmarking, and key performance indicator (KPI) tracking.

• Translate analytical findings into concrete product solutions, identifying critical need gaps, designing innovative product features, and developing compelling concepts and prototypes.

• Create clear and impactful data visualizations (graphs, charts, reports) to effectively communicate insights and strategic recommendations to diverse stakeholders.

• Manage product development initiatives as a project manager, ensuring adherence to timelines, milestones, and successful delivery of solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic market analysis, rigorous data-driven decision-making, and hands-on project management. The emphasis on "jobs-to-be-done" and translating data into "concepts & prototypes" indicates a product development lifecycle focus that requires both analytical depth and creative problem-solving. The inclusion of PBM-specific data analysis (formularies, claims utilization) is critical for operations candidates to understand.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.

• Advanced degree or MBA is desirable. Experience:

• 8+ years of experience within the healthcare or Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) industry.

• Demonstrated experience in supply chain, product management, strategic planning, program management, and navigating regulated markets (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid). Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Development: Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, and launch new products or solutions within a complex industry.

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Proficiency in analyzing large datasets, including claims utilization, financial models, and market data, to derive actionable insights and inform strategic decisions.

• Business Case Development: Expertise in scoping, sizing, and articulating the strategic and financial justification for new initiatives.

• Cross-functional Collaboration & Influence: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams and influence stakeholders without direct authority to drive alignment and project success.

• Market Research & Analysis: Skill in identifying market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes to inform product positioning and strategy.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery and milestone achievement.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to various audiences.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for breaking down complex problems, analyzing alternatives, and recommending structured, data-driven solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of PBM technology systems and their implications for product development.

• Experience with pricing strategy development within the healthcare or PBM sector.

• Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques for effective communication of insights.

• Experience in regulated markets such as Medicare and Medicaid, including understanding their unique requirements and operational nuances.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 8+ years, combined with the "Senior Advisor" title, suggests a role that demands significant industry expertise and a track record of strategic impact. The emphasis on influencing without authority and breaking down complex problems is crucial for operations roles that often require navigating matrixed organizations and ambiguous situations. Understanding PBM-specific technology is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Product Development: Demonstrable examples of successfully driving product initiatives from concept through to launch, highlighting strategic thinking, market analysis, and execution.

• Business Case Examples: Portfolios should include at least one comprehensive business case developed for a new product or significant enhancement, showcasing financial modeling, feasibility analysis, and strategic rationale.

• Data Analysis & Insight Generation: Evidence of transforming complex datasets (e.g., claims, utilization, market data) into clear insights, visualizations, and actionable recommendations.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Examples of how you have analyzed and improved existing operational processes or workflows related to product development, go-to-market strategies, or client experience.

• Cross-functional Project Leadership: Documentation or descriptions of projects where you led or significantly contributed to cross-functional teams, emphasizing collaboration, stakeholder management, and outcome achievement.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their approach to product lifecycle management, from initial market assessment and ideation through to business case development, requirement definition, and launch readiness.

• Demonstrate a structured methodology for analyzing complex PBM data (e.g., utilization trends, formulary impact, financial performance) and translating these into product strategy.

• Provide examples of how you have managed ambiguity and structured problem-solving to navigate new or complex product development scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on product strategy and development in a regulated industry, a portfolio showcasing strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and execution is paramount. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable achievements and the ability to articulate complex processes and outcomes clearly. The ability to demonstrate understanding of the PBM product lifecycle and regulatory considerations will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the Senior Advisor title, 8+ years of experience requirement, and the specialized healthcare/PBM industry, a competitive salary range is expected. For a remote role based in the US, a typical range for a Senior Product Strategy role with this level of responsibility could be between $120,000 - $170,000 annually, depending on specific experience, location, and negotiation. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with company match.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives tied to product success.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Remote work stipend for home office setup and internet connectivity. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered, but core hours for collaboration with cross-functional teams, particularly those in different time zones, are expected.

• Occasional requirement to attend meetings outside of standard business hours to accommodate global or diverse team schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on industry benchmarks for senior-level product strategy roles within the US healthcare/PBM sector, considering the remote work arrangement and the specified experience level. Benefits are typical for large, established healthcare organizations like Cigna/Evernorth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare, Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM), Health Services. Evernorth Health Services is a division of The Cigna Group, a major player in health services, insurance, and pharmacy solutions.

Company Size: Cigna Healthcare (The Cigna Group) is a large, established enterprise, typically employing tens of thousands of individuals globally. This implies a structured environment with established processes and ample resources.

Founded: The Cigna Group has a long history, tracing its roots back to the 18th century, with significant evolution through mergers and acquisitions. Evernorth was formally launched as a distinct entity more recently to consolidate health services offerings.

Team Structure:

• The Product Strategy & Development team operates within the Express Scripts Home Delivery Pharmacies segment, which is part of Evernorth Health Services.

• This team likely comprises product managers, strategists, analysts, and potentially business development professionals focused on innovating and enhancing pharmacy services.

• The reporting structure is expected to be within a broader Product or Strategy department, with potential dotted-line reporting or close collaboration with operational leaders, IT, marketing, and sales functions.

• Collaboration is a key theme, indicating strong integration with various business units across The Cigna Group and Evernorth to ensure cohesive strategy and execution. Methodology:

• The team employs a data-driven approach to product development, leveraging market research, customer feedback, and detailed analytics (claims, financial, clinical data).

• A structured process for evaluating new concepts, building business cases, and defining requirements is central to their operations.

• Agile methodologies or iterative development processes may be utilized for rapid concept testing and solution design, especially in a fast-paced environment.

• Emphasis on cross-functional collaboration ensures alignment and buy-in across departments, facilitating smoother product launches.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large, established healthcare organization like Cigna/Evernorth offers stability and access to significant resources. However, it also means navigating a complex organizational structure and potentially longer decision-making cycles. The emphasis on collaboration and structured processes is typical for such enterprises, and candidates should be prepared for a professional, data-centric environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Advisor position, indicating a mid-to-senior career level. It requires substantial experience (8+ years) and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy. The role focuses on strategic product initiatives, impacting revenue and customer experience, which is a critical function within operations.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director or VP of Product Strategy/Development within the Express Scripts or Evernorth organization. Close collaboration with peers in Product Management, Operations, IT, Marketing, and Sales is expected.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the profitable growth of Express Scripts Home Delivery Pharmacies and the enhancement of customer and client experiences. Successful product initiatives directly influence market share, revenue generation, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise within specific product lines (e.g., specialty pharmacy, chronic condition management) or functional areas (e.g., pricing strategy, market analytics).

• Leadership Progression: Advance into roles such as Director of Product Management, Head of Product Strategy, or similar leadership positions within Evernorth or The Cigna Group.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into related operational leadership roles, strategic planning, or business development within other Cigna/Evernorth divisions.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to gain advanced knowledge in PBM operations, healthcare regulations, new technology adoption, and complex financial modeling through company-provided training and on-the-job experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: A Senior Advisor role in a large organization like Cigna offers clear pathways for career advancement. The focus on product strategy within a core operational area (pharmacy) provides a strong foundation for future leadership roles in healthcare operations, product management, or strategic planning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position ("Remote Solely"). Candidates are expected to work from home.

Office Location(s): While a "Missouri Work at Home" address is specified, the job posting also lists other potential regions like Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, indicating that candidates residing in these states may also be considered. The company maintains a tobacco-free policy in certain states.

Workspace Context:

• Candidates will need a reliable high-speed internet connection (cable broadband or fiber optic, minimum 10Mbps download/5Mbps upload) to perform their duties effectively.

• The environment requires self-discipline, strong time management, and the ability to collaborate virtually using various communication and collaboration tools.

• Access to company-provided software, systems, and potentially virtual collaboration platforms is expected. Work Schedule:

• Primarily a standard 40-hour work week.

• Flexibility is inherent in remote work, but adherence to core business hours and meeting availability for team collaboration is essential.

• The role may require occasional work outside standard hours to accommodate project deadlines or interactions with teams in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role emphasizes the need for self-sufficiency and strong virtual communication skills. Compliance with technical requirements (internet speed) and company policies (tobacco-free) is mandatory.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager to discuss specific experience, responsibilities, and alignment with the role's strategic objectives.

• Panel/Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from other departments (e.g., Product, Operations, IT, Marketing) to evaluate collaboration skills, ability to influence, and understanding of the broader business context.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study related to product strategy, business case development, or data analysis within the PBM/healthcare space. This is where portfolio review is critical.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (Director/VP) for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or initiative in your portfolio, clearly state the quantifiable results (e.g., "Increased profitable volume by X%", "Reduced time-to-market by Y%", "Achieved Z% cost savings").

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Highlight how you identified market opportunities, defined customer needs, and developed strategic rationale for your product recommendations.

• Demonstrate Analytical Rigor: Include examples of complex data analysis, how you translated data into insights, and the tools/methods used. Visualizations (charts, graphs) are highly effective.

• Illustrate Collaboration: Use examples that showcase your ability to work with diverse teams, manage stakeholders, and influence outcomes in a cross-functional environment.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects and experiences most relevant to healthcare, PBM, product strategy, and business case development.

Challenge Preparation:

• Business Case Simulation: Be prepared to outline the key components of a business case for a new pharmacy service or product feature. Consider market sizing, competitive analysis, financial projections (ROI, NPV), and risk assessment.

• Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting sample PBM data (e.g., utilization trends, formulary impact, cost drivers) and articulating strategic implications and product recommendations.

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a complex, ambiguous problem within the Express Scripts pharmacy context (e.g., declining mail-order volume, increasing competition from specialty pharmacies).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize strategic thinking, data analysis capabilities, and the ability to translate complex information into actionable business strategies. A well-curated portfolio is essential for demonstrating practical application of these skills, particularly in the context of healthcare operations and product development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM: While not explicitly stated, a CRM system (e.g., Salesforce) may be used for managing client interactions and understanding customer needs, though this role is more strategic than sales-facing.

• Data Analysis & Reporting Tools:

  • Analyst Tool: Specifically mentioned as a tool for extracting and analyzing formulary, drug list, and financial data. This is likely a proprietary PBM system.
  • Advanced Analytics Platforms: Proficiency in tools like SQL for data querying, potentially Python or R for statistical analysis, and advanced Excel for financial modeling.
  • Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or Qlik for creating visualizations and dashboards to present insights.

• Project Management Software: Tools such as Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar for tracking initiatives, managing timelines, and facilitating team coordination.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for virtual communication, meetings, and team collaboration.

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for developing and delivering presentations and business cases.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Expertise in extracting, manipulating, and analyzing large datasets related to healthcare claims, utilization, drug costs, and market dynamics.

• Ability to design and interpret key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to pharmacy operations and product performance.

• Skills in building compelling reports and dashboards that clearly communicate insights to both technical and non-technical audiences. CRM & Automation:

• While direct CRM management might not be a core function, understanding how CRM data informs product strategy and customer segmentation is valuable.

• Familiarity with workflow automation principles could be beneficial for identifying opportunities to streamline product development or operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with data analysis tools, particularly those used for PBM-specific data (claims, formularies), is critical. The "Analyst tool" mentioned is a key indicator of the type of system candidates should be familiar with or able to quickly learn. Strong BI and presentation skills are also essential for communicating findings.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting the needs of clients and patients to enhance their experience with Express Scripts Pharmacies.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Commitment to using data, analytics, and evidence to inform strategic choices, measure performance, and drive improvements.

• Innovation & Agility: Encouraging new ideas, exploring novel solutions, and adapting quickly to market changes and evolving customer demands.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and building strong relationships across different functions and business units to achieve shared goals.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for initiatives, driving them to completion, and delivering measurable results.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding high ethical standards and ensuring adherence to regulations within the highly regulated healthcare industry.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates in a highly collaborative, cross-functional manner, working closely with product teams, IT, operations, clinical, marketing, and sales departments.

• Emphasis on open communication, sharing insights, and collective problem-solving to develop integrated solutions.

• Influence without direct authority is a key aspect, requiring strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to align diverse stakeholders.

• A proactive approach to seeking feedback and incorporating diverse perspectives into product development and strategy is likely encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and collaborative execution, which are hallmarks of successful operations teams in the healthcare sector. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their work aligns with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: The role involves working in potentially ambiguous or new situations, requiring the ability to structure problems, analyze alternatives, and develop clear solutions.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Gaining consensus and driving initiatives across multiple departments with potentially competing priorities requires strong influencing and negotiation skills.

• Pace of Change: The healthcare and PBM industries are rapidly evolving, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to new regulations, technologies, and market dynamics.

• Data Complexity: Extracting meaningful insights from vast and complex datasets requires advanced analytical skills and the ability to manage intricate data structures.

• Regulatory Environment: Operating within regulated markets (Medicare, Medicaid) necessitates a deep understanding of compliance requirements and their impact on product design and strategy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge of Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) operations, drug trends, clinical programs, and healthcare policy.

• Product Management Skills: Enhance skills in product lifecycle management, go-to-market strategy, and user experience design within the healthcare context.

• Analytical Tools & Techniques: Gain advanced proficiency in data analysis, modeling, and visualization tools relevant to healthcare data.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop leadership capabilities through exposure to senior management, strategic planning processes, and potential mentorship programs.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Broaden understanding of various business functions within a large healthcare enterprise through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges within a dynamic industry. Candidates who thrive in environments that require strategic problem-solving, data mastery, and collaborative leadership will find this role rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a significant unmet need in a market and developed a product strategy to address it. What was the process, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on market research, ideation, and strategic planning).

• "Walk me through the development of a complex business case you created. What were the key components, assumptions, and financial analyses involved?" (Highlight business acumen, financial modeling, and feasibility assessment).

• "How do you approach collaborating with technical teams (e.g., IT, engineering) when defining product requirements for a new solution?" (Assess ability to translate business needs into technical specifications and manage cross-functional dependencies).

• "Imagine Express Scripts Home Delivery Pharmacy is seeing a decline in new member acquisition. How would you, as a Product Strategy Advisor, approach diagnosing the problem and proposing solutions?" (Evaluate problem-solving methodology, data analysis approach, and strategic thinking). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about working for Evernorth Health Services and Express Scripts Pharmacy?" (Demonstrate research into the company's mission, values, and market position).

• "How do you stay current with trends in the healthcare, PBM, and product development industries?" (Showcase continuous learning and industry awareness).

• "Describe your experience working in a regulated environment like Medicare or Medicaid. What are the key considerations for product development in these markets?" (Assess understanding of compliance and regulatory frameworks). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key achievements and skill areas (e.g., Product Strategy, Data Analysis, Business Case Development, Cross-functional Leadership).

• Tell a Story: For each case study, outline the challenge, your approach/actions, and the measurable results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as a framework.

• Visualize Data: If presenting data analysis, use clear charts and graphs. Explain what the data means and what actions were taken based on those insights.

• Highlight Collaboration: Detail how you worked with different teams, managed stakeholders, and overcame challenges through collaboration.

• Focus on ROI: For business cases and product initiatives, emphasize the return on investment, cost savings, revenue generation, or customer experience improvements achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strategic mindset, strong analytical capabilities, and a proven ability to drive product initiatives within the complex healthcare/PBM landscape. Be ready to articulate your process, quantify your achievements, and showcase your understanding of the business context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy & Development Senior Advisor position:

• Submit your application through the Cigna Healthcare careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 8+ years of experience in the healthcare/PBM industry, specifically focusing on product strategy, development, market assessment, business case creation, and data analysis. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a portfolio that includes detailed examples of your work in product strategy, business case development, data analysis, and cross-functional project leadership. Quantify your achievements and tailor examples to healthcare/PBM contexts.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Evernorth Health Services, Express Scripts Pharmacy, and The Cigna Group. Understand their mission, strategic priorities, recent news, and competitive landscape.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method, focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and collaboration. Practice presenting your portfolio and be ready to articulate your approach to complex challenges in the PBM space.

⚠️ 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.