Product Strategy Senior Director - Evernorth - Hybrid

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy Senior Director - Evernorth - Hybrid

Company: Cigna Healthcare

Location: Bloomfield, CT, United States; St. Louis, MO, United States; Philadelphia, PA, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Strategy / Healthcare Operations

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of key Home Delivery Pharmacy initiatives, with a specialized focus on GLP-1 product strategy, growth, and care model innovation.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration across PBM, Retail Network, and enterprise teams to align strategies and deliver measurable outcomes.

• Translate executive vision into actionable, tactical execution plans, managing multiple workstreams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Provide critical thought leadership to senior executives on strategic direction, roadmap development, and prioritization of product initiatives.

• Own and drive product strategy and leadership for Home Delivery Pharmacy offerings, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Strategy Senior Director," the core responsibilities heavily lean into operational execution, process definition, and cross-functional alignment, aligning it closely with a strategic operations leadership role within the healthcare/pharmacy sector. The focus on GLP-1 product strategy and care model innovation suggests a deep dive into operationalizing new service offerings and optimizing existing ones for specific patient populations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and design for Home Delivery GLP-1 growth initiatives, including comprehensive support for product launches from concept to execution.

• Own the overall product strategy and provide leadership for Home Delivery Pharmacy offerings, ensuring market relevance and competitive positioning.

• Translate high-level executive vision into actionable, tactical execution plans, effectively managing multiple complex workstreams concurrently.

• Provide robust thought leadership to senior leaders on strategic direction, roadmap development, and critical prioritization decisions for product initiatives.

• Drive the prioritization and meticulous execution of product design and development initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and timelines.

• Partner closely across PBM, Retail Network, and other enterprise teams to ensure strategic alignment and seamless delivery of outcomes.

• Establish and meticulously document best practices and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for efficient product lifecycle management.

• Build and cultivate strong, collaborative relationships across diverse business, functional, and strategy execution teams.

• Ensure strict adherence to governance processes and secure necessary approvals from key stakeholders throughout project lifecycles.

• Lead and mentor teams (directly or indirectly), fostering their development, ensuring alignment, and driving performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on operationalizing strategy, defining processes (SOPs), and managing cross-functional execution, which are hallmarks of advanced operations roles. The inclusion of "governance processes" and "stakeholder approvals" points to a need for rigorous project management and operational control.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, Master's in Healthcare Administration, Pharmacy) preferred.

Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in product strategy, strategic planning, healthcare management, or a closely related field, with a significant portion involving leadership and execution in complex environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and drive strategic initiatives within complex, matrixed organizational structures.

• Strong leadership, exceptional collaboration, and influential communication skills to drive consensus and action.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to articulate complex strategies to diverse audiences, including senior executives.

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities effectively and deliver measurable results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for analysis, presentation, and documentation.

• Strategic thinking capacity with the ability to translate intricate concepts into clear, actionable plans.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

• Comfort navigating ambiguity, driving clarity, and fostering a proactive approach to challenges.

• Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously without compromising quality or timelines.

• Skilled in comprehensive stakeholder management and executive-level communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience within PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager), specialty pharmacy, or home delivery pharmacy environments.

• Strong financial and analytical acumen, including experience with forecasting, scenario planning, and P&L management.

• Proven experience working directly with senior executives and influencing critical decision-making processes.

• Cross-functional experience spanning business operations, finance, technology, and strategy execution.

• Experience in developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and governance frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of required and preferred skills, particularly those related to PBM/pharmacy experience, financial acumen, and executive interaction, indicates this role operates at a senior strategic level with significant operational oversight and impact. The emphasis on "navigating ambiguity" and "driving clarity" is a common requirement for senior operations leaders managing complex projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Evidence of leading strategic planning processes for complex product initiatives, including market analysis, competitive landscape assessment, and opportunity identification.

• Case studies demonstrating the successful translation of executive vision into actionable, multi-workstream tactical execution plans with measurable outcomes.

• Examples of developing and implementing product roadmaps, including prioritization frameworks and resource allocation strategies.

• Documentation showcasing experience in establishing and optimizing product lifecycle management processes, including best practices and SOPs.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of developing clear and concise standard operating procedures (SOPs) for product launch, lifecycle management, and operational workflows.

• Documentation of governance processes, including stakeholder approval workflows and risk mitigation strategies.

• Case studies detailing how processes were optimized for efficiency, scalability, and improved member/patient experience within a healthcare or pharmacy context.

• Evidence of building and maintaining strong relationships with key internal stakeholders to ensure smooth process execution and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Director role in Product Strategy with significant operational implications, a portfolio demonstrating strategic planning AND execution is crucial. The emphasis on SOPs, governance, and cross-functional process alignment suggests the need to showcase not just strategic ideation but also the ability to operationalize and manage those strategies effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Director of Product Strategy with 10+ years of experience in the healthcare/pharmacy sector, in locations like Bloomfield, CT, Philadelphia, PA, or St. Louis, MO, the estimated annual salary range is $170,000 - $240,000. This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior leadership roles, considering factors like responsibility scope, required expertise, and the hybrid work model. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), holidays, and sick leave.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.

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

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans.

• Hybrid work model offering flexibility with a balance of in-office and remote work.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is hybrid, specific in-office days will be determined by team and business needs. Flexibility may be offered, but consistent availability for critical meetings and cross-functional collaboration is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry data for similar senior-level strategy and operations roles in major US metropolitan areas, considering the healthcare sector's compensation trends. The benefits listed are standard for large, established corporations like Cigna Healthcare.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Health Services / Health Insurance / Pharmacy Benefit Management. Evernorth Health Services, a division of The Cigna Group, operates within the complex and highly regulated healthcare and pharmacy ecosystem, focusing on innovation and value-based solutions.

Company Size: Large enterprise (The Cigna Group is a Fortune 500 company with tens of thousands of employees globally). This scale offers significant resources, broad market reach, and opportunities for impact, but also necessitates navigating larger corporate structures and processes.

Founded: The Cigna Group has a long history, with roots tracing back to the 18th century, evolving through mergers and acquisitions. Evernorth was established more recently as a unified health services organization. This blend of legacy and innovation shapes a culture that values both stability and forward-thinking.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Home Delivery Product Strategy organization, a specialized unit focused on developing and enhancing pharmacy services.

• This team likely comprises product managers, strategists, analysts, and operational specialists who collaborate closely with broader PBM, retail pharmacy, and enterprise strategy teams.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics and market insights to inform strategy.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring strong partnership with business, finance, technology, and operations teams.

• Focus on continuous improvement and innovation to address evolving market needs and patient care models.

• Emphasis on rigorous execution, process optimization, and measurable outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Cigna's position as a major health services provider is key. The "Evernorth Health Services" division signifies a strategic focus on integrated solutions, where this role plays a crucial part in operationalizing product strategies, especially in specialized areas like GLP-1 management. The company's size implies a need for strong process adherence and navigating complex internal structures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Director position, placing it at a senior leadership level within the product strategy and operations domain. It signifies a role with significant strategic influence, direct responsibility for key initiatives, and the potential to shape the direction of major product lines. The focus on execution and cross-functional leadership implies a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on management of complex operational projects.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Vice President or Senior Director within Evernorth's Product Strategy group. This leader will likely have significant influence and direct interaction with other senior leaders across PBM, Pharmacy Operations, IT, Marketing, and Finance, requiring strong executive presence and communication skills.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial. By leading the strategy and execution for critical initiatives like GLP-1 product growth and care model innovation, the Senior Director directly influences revenue generation, market share, operational efficiency, and ultimately, the health outcomes of a large member population. Successful execution can lead to significant P&L improvements and competitive differentiation for Evernorth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into VP-level roles within Product Strategy, Operations, or broader business units within Evernorth or Cigna.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in specific therapeutic areas (like GLP-1) or operational domains (like home delivery pharmacy).

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into broader operational leadership, general management, or strategy roles within the larger Cigna Group.

• Influence & Impact: Opportunity to lead transformative initiatives and significantly shape the future of healthcare delivery and pharmacy services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step up, offering broad strategic responsibility and the chance to impact a large customer base. The growth path is clearly defined towards higher leadership positions, emphasizing the development of both strategic acumen and operational execution capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of in-office work, likely for collaboration, team meetings, and strategic planning sessions, and remote work for focused individual tasks and flexibility.

Office Location(s): The role is open to Bloomfield, CT; St. Louis, MO; and Philadelphia, PA. Candidates are expected to work from a designated Cigna office in one of these locations, with the ability to work remotely part of the week.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest a dynamic workspace that encourages interaction and knowledge sharing. Expect team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project huddles, both in-person and virtual.

• Tooling & Technology: Access to Cigna's standard suite of business productivity tools, including Microsoft Office, collaboration platforms (e.g., Teams, Slack), and potentially specialized product management or project management software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with a diverse set of colleagues across different departments and leadership levels, fostering a rich learning and networking environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (40 hours/week) with hybrid flexibility. While remote days are available, the role requires consistent availability during core business hours for critical meetings, stakeholder engagement, and timely execution of responsibilities. Adherence to team and project-specific schedules will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect, requiring candidates to be comfortable with a blend of remote and in-office work. The specific office locations provide geographic flexibility, but the expectation is for on-site presence in one of these hubs for collaborative activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, leadership style, strategic thinking, and alignment with role requirements. Portfolio examples will be requested.

• Cross-Functional Panel Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from PBM, Pharmacy Operations, IT, Finance, or other relevant departments. This assesses collaboration skills, ability to influence, and understanding of cross-functional dependencies. Case study or scenario-based questions related to product strategy and execution may be presented.

• Executive Interview: Final interview with a senior leader (e.g., VP) to evaluate strategic perspective, executive presence, and overall fit for the organization's leadership team.

• Offer Extension: Following successful completion of all interview rounds.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Clearly articulate the strategic problem you addressed, your role in defining the strategy, and the resulting business impact (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, market share increase). Quantify results whenever possible.

• Execution Excellence: Showcase examples of translating strategy into actionable plans, managing complex workstreams, and driving execution in a matrixed environment. Highlight your ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results.

• Process & Governance: Include examples of developing SOPs, implementing governance frameworks, or improving operational processes. Demonstrate your understanding of how to operationalize strategic initiatives effectively and compliantly.

• Stakeholder Management: Illustrate how you built relationships, influenced senior leaders, and collaborated with diverse teams to achieve objectives. Use specific examples of communication and negotiation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Case Study: Be prepared to discuss a product strategy challenge, perhaps related to launching a new service, expanding into a new market, or optimizing an existing offering. Focus on your structured approach, data utilization, and proposed solutions.

• Operational Execution Scenario: Anticipate questions about how you would manage a complex project with competing priorities, limited resources, or cross-functional misalignment. Emphasize your planning, risk mitigation, and communication strategies.

• GLP-1 Market Analysis: Brush up on current trends, market dynamics, and potential strategic considerations for GLP-1 products in the home delivery pharmacy space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess strategic thinking, operational execution capabilities, and stakeholder management. A robust portfolio that demonstrates both strategic foresight and the ability to drive tangible outcomes through operational excellence will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Excel for financial modeling and data analysis, PowerPoint for executive presentations, and Word for documentation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for real-time communication, team coordination, and virtual collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools such as Asana, Jira, Trello, or enterprise-level PPM solutions for tracking project timelines, task assignments, and progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with data analysis tools and techniques is beneficial, though specific tools may vary. This could include advanced Excel functions, BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), or SQL for data querying.

• CRM Systems: While not explicitly stated as a primary tool for this role, understanding how CRM data (from Salesforce, etc.) informs product strategy and customer engagement is valuable.

CRM & Automation:

• Product Management Tools: Familiarity with product management platforms (e.g., Aha!, Productboard) for roadmap planning, feature prioritization, and backlog management.

• Financial Modeling Software: Experience with financial planning and analysis (FP&A) tools or advanced Excel for P&L management, forecasting, and scenario planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list a required "tech stack" for this specific role, a Senior Director in Product Strategy will undoubtedly interact with various tools. Highlighting proficiency in Microsoft Office, collaboration platforms, and project management tools is standard. Any experience with specific product management software, BI tools, or financial modeling applications will be a strong asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Strategic Alignment: A commitment to ensuring all product strategies and operational plans are tightly aligned with Evernorth's broader business objectives and market positioning.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on data, analytics, and market insights to inform strategic choices, operational adjustments, and performance evaluations.

• Customer Centricity: A focus on understanding and meeting the needs of members and patients, driving innovation in care models and service delivery.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A strong emphasis on building effective working relationships across diverse teams, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and mutual support.

• Accountability & Execution: A dedication to driving initiatives to completion, taking ownership of outcomes, and consistently delivering high-quality results.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: An embrace of new ideas, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and a commitment to ongoing optimization of products and processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where working across PBM, Pharmacy Operations, IT, Finance, and other departments is standard practice. Success depends on building strong partnerships and influencing without direct authority.

• Open Communication: A culture that values transparency, direct feedback, and open discussion to resolve challenges and drive consensus.

• Process-Oriented: A shared understanding of the importance of well-defined processes, governance, and standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency in execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of strategic foresight and diligent execution, common in senior operations roles. The collaborative style is crucial for navigating a large organization and driving complex initiatives forward.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: The role requires leading initiatives in evolving markets (like GLP-1 therapies) where strategic direction may not always be perfectly defined, demanding agility and the ability to drive clarity.

• Matrixed Environment Complexity: Effectively influencing and aligning diverse teams without direct reporting lines requires strong interpersonal skills, strategic negotiation, and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics.

• Balancing Strategy and Execution: Juggling high-level strategic planning with the practical demands of tactical execution and operationalization can be demanding.

• Pace of Innovation: The healthcare and pharmacy industries are rapidly evolving, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies, therapies, and market trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge in specialized therapeutic areas like GLP-1 and gain comprehensive understanding of PBM and home delivery pharmacy operations.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills, particularly in influencing, change management, and team development within a large corporate structure.

• Strategic Impact: Direct involvement in high-profile initiatives that have a significant impact on the company's growth and member well-being.

• Professional Networking: Build a strong network of senior leaders and subject matter experts across Evernorth and Cigna.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges typical of senior leadership positions in dynamic industries. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement and skill enhancement within a leading healthcare organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a product strategy for a new market or service. What was your process, what data did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on strategic framework, data utilization, and impact measurement.)

• "How would you approach developing a product roadmap for Home Delivery Pharmacy offerings, considering the unique challenges and opportunities of GLP-1 medications?" (Emphasize prioritization, stakeholder input, and alignment with business goals.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Evernorth Health Services and Cigna's mission, particularly in the context of pharmacy innovation?" (Research Cigna's mission, values, and recent initiatives in health services.)

• "How would you foster collaboration between Product Strategy, PBM operations, and Pharmacy teams to achieve shared goals?" (Discuss your approach to relationship building, conflict resolution, and cross-functional alignment.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each relevant project, clearly define the challenge, your strategic approach, the execution steps you managed, the obstacles overcome, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Highlight Key Responsibilities: Ensure your portfolio directly addresses the core responsibilities listed in the job description, such as leading strategic planning, driving execution, managing cross-functional teams, and establishing processes.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify your contributions whenever possible (e.g., % increase in revenue, % reduction in costs, % improvement in member satisfaction). Use data to support your claims.

• Demonstrate Operational Acumen: Include examples of process optimization, SOP development, or governance implementation to showcase your ability to operationalize strategy effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strategic thinking, robust operational execution, and strong leadership/collaboration skills. Being ready to speak to specific examples from your portfolio that align with the job requirements will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy Senior Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in product strategy, strategic planning, PBM/pharmacy operations, and leadership within complex, matrixed environments. Quantify achievements and align keywords with the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your ability to develop strategy, drive execution, manage cross-functional teams, and optimize processes. Be ready to present these with a focus on impact and lessons learned.

• Research Cigna & Evernorth: Understand their mission, values, recent achievements, and strategic priorities, especially in the health services and pharmacy space. Familiarize yourself with Evernorth's role within Cigna.

• Practice Your Storytelling: Be prepared to articulate your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and clearly explain your strategic thought process and operational execution approach during interviews.

⚠️ 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.