Product Strategy Senior Director - Evernorth - Hybrid

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy Senior Director - Evernorth - Hybrid

Company: The Cigna Group

Location: Bloomfield, Connecticut, United States; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States; St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME, OTHER

Category: Product Strategy / Operations Leadership

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads strategic planning and execution for critical Home Delivery Pharmacy initiatives, with a specific focus on GLP-1 product strategy, growth, and innovative care model development.

• Drives cross-functional collaboration by partnering with senior executives across PBM and Pharmacy organizations to translate executive vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

• Owns product strategy and provides leadership for Home Delivery Pharmacy offerings, ensuring alignment with enterprise growth objectives.

• Establishes and documents best practices and standard operating procedures for product lifecycle management, ensuring efficient and effective product governance.

• Mentors and develops teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and strategic execution within the product strategy organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Director, implying significant strategic responsibility and a need to influence decision-making at the executive level. The focus on GLP-1 product strategy and care model innovation suggests a forward-looking role within a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, requiring deep understanding of market dynamics and patient-centric solutions. This is not a traditional operations role but requires strong operational understanding to translate strategy into execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and design for Home Delivery GLP-1 growth initiatives, including end-to-end support for product launches and market entry.

• Own and champion the product strategy, vision, and roadmap for Home Delivery Pharmacy offerings, ensuring alignment with Evernorth's overall business objectives.

• Translate executive vision and complex strategic concepts into actionable, tactical execution plans across multiple cross-functional workstreams.

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

• Drive the prioritization and execution of product design and development initiatives, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery.

• Partner effectively across PBM, Retail Network, and other enterprise teams to align strategies, secure buy-in, and deliver impactful outcomes.

• Establish and document best practices, standard operating procedures, and governance frameworks for product lifecycle management and execution.

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across business, functional, and strategy execution teams to foster alignment and drive progress.

• Ensure adherence to established governance processes, including securing necessary approvals from key stakeholders for strategic initiatives.

• Lead and mentor direct or indirect teams, supporting their professional development, skill enhancement, and alignment with strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, product ownership, and cross-functional execution. The emphasis on "translating executive vision into actionable, tactical execution plans" and "partnering across PBM, Retail Network, and enterprise teams" points to a need for strong project management, program management, and stakeholder management skills, which are critical for operations-focused roles aiming to drive strategic initiatives through complex organizations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Healthcare Administration, Strategy, Engineering) required.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in product strategy, strategic planning, business development, or a related leadership role.

• Proven track record of leading complex initiatives within large, matrixed organizations, demonstrating success in driving strategic outcomes.

• Experience within the PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager), specialty pharmacy, or home delivery pharmacy environments is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable plans and execution roadmaps.

• Exceptional leadership, collaboration, and influencing skills, with a proven ability to drive consensus and action across diverse teams.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with extensive experience presenting to and influencing senior executives.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, with a comfort level navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in complex situations.

• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, deliver results in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, and adapt to changing market conditions.

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

Preferred Skills:

• Deep understanding of healthcare industry dynamics, particularly within PBM, specialty pharmacy, and home delivery models.

• Experience with GLP-1 products and related care models, including market trends and patient support strategies.

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

• Cross-functional experience across business, finance, technology, and operations teams, understanding interdependencies.

• Experience working directly with senior executives and influencing strategic decision-making processes.

• Familiarity with product lifecycle management best practices and governance frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of strategic acumen and practical experience in the healthcare and pharmacy sectors. The "10+ years" and "advanced degree preferred" indicate a senior-level role. The emphasis on influencing skills, stakeholder management, and driving execution in a matrixed environment are key indicators for candidates with strong operations and program management backgrounds.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase strategic planning frameworks and methodologies used to develop product roadmaps and business cases.

• Provide examples of how you have translated high-level strategic objectives into detailed, actionable execution plans and workstreams.

• Include case studies demonstrating successful product launches or significant growth initiatives led by you, highlighting your role in driving strategy and execution.

• Demonstrate experience in establishing and documenting best practices, standard operating procedures, or governance processes for product lifecycle management.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and implementing process improvements within product development or lifecycle management.

• Examples of creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for product governance, launch readiness, or ongoing product management.

• Documentation showcasing how you have measured and reported on the performance of strategic initiatives or product offerings.

• Samples of work that illustrate your ability to build strong relationships and manage stakeholders effectively through structured communication and engagement processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations portfolio" isn't explicitly requested, the responsibilities heavily imply the need for candidates to demonstrate their ability to manage complex processes, drive execution, and document best practices. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with process design, implementation, and governance, particularly as it relates to product strategy and execution in a healthcare setting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Director role with 10+ years of experience in Product Strategy within the healthcare/pharmaceutical sector in the US, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $180,000 - $250,000 annually. This estimate is subject to variation based on specific location, candidate experience, and final negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

• 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 equity (if applicable).

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, with expectations to be in the office for designated collaboration days and team meetings.

• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines or support critical initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for senior leadership roles in major healthcare organizations are highly competitive. The estimate provided is based on data from similar roles in major metropolitan areas where Cigna Group has offices (Bloomfield, CT; Philadelphia, PA; St. Louis, MO), considering the seniority and specialized industry experience required. Benefits packages for large, established corporations like The Cigna Group are typically comprehensive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare, Health Services, Insurance, Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM)

Company Size: The Cigna Group is a Fortune 500 company with over 30,000 employees globally. This large scale signifies a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and a wide array of career opportunities within the health services sector.

Founded: The Cigna Group has a long history, with its origins tracing back to the 18th century, evolving through various mergers and acquisitions to become a leading global health services organization. This legacy suggests a culture that values stability, long-term vision, and continuous adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Home Delivery Product Strategy organization, a critical function within Evernorth Health Services, Cigna Group's health services division.

• This team likely comprises product strategists, business analysts, program managers, and potentially data analysts, all focused on driving the innovation and growth of pharmacy services.

• The Senior Director will report to a higher-level executive (e.g., VP of Product Strategy or General Manager for Home Delivery) and will have direct or indirect leadership responsibilities over a team of professionals.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a cornerstone, utilizing market analysis, competitive intelligence, and performance metrics to inform strategic choices.

• A focus on customer-centricity and patient outcomes drives the development of innovative care models and product features.

• Agile and lean principles are likely employed in product development and execution to ensure flexibility and efficiency.

• Cross-functional collaboration and alignment are paramount, with structured processes for stakeholder engagement and consensus-building.

• Emphasis on continuous improvement, process optimization, and establishing best practices to enhance operational efficiency and product effectiveness.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The Cigna Group's industry position and history suggest a corporate environment that balances established processes with a drive for innovation, particularly within its Evernorth division focused on health services. The scale of the organization implies a need for strong process management and cross-functional alignment, areas where operations expertise is highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the Product Strategy function, with significant influence over business direction and operational execution within the Home Delivery Pharmacy segment. It's a strategic role that bridges high-level planning and tangible operational outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Director will likely report to a Vice President or a senior executive overseeing Product Strategy or Home Delivery operations within Evernorth. They will be responsible for managing a team of professionals and collaborating extensively with other senior leaders across various departments.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing the growth trajectory and profitability of key Home Delivery Pharmacy offerings, particularly in high-growth areas like GLP-1 medications. Success in this role translates to improved patient access, enhanced care models, increased market share, and optimized operational efficiency for the pharmacy business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to VP-level roles within Product Strategy, Operations, or General Management within Evernorth or other Cigna Group divisions.

• Strategic Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific high-growth areas like specialty pharmacy, digital health, or advanced care models.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into broader operational leadership, business unit management, or strategic planning roles across the enterprise.

• Mentorship and Development: Access to executive mentorship programs, leadership training, and opportunities to develop and mentor future leaders.

• Industry Influence: Involvement in shaping the future of pharmacy services and health delivery models within a leading healthcare organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step up in strategic responsibility, offering a clear path for career progression into executive leadership. The focus on high-impact areas like GLP-1s and care model innovation provides opportunities for specialized growth and industry influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, meaning it will involve a combination of working remotely and in-office presence at one of the specified locations (Bloomfield, CT; Philadelphia, PA; or St. Louis, MO). This model aims to balance flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s):

• Bloomfield, Connecticut

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• St. Louis, Missouri

These locations are major hubs for The Cigna Group, offering modern office facilities designed to support collaboration and productivity.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated collaboration zones to facilitate teamwork and brainstorming.

• Technology Infrastructure: Access to robust IT infrastructure, secure networks, and the necessary tools for both remote and in-office work is standard. This includes reliable internet connectivity (cable broadband or fiber optic with specified speeds).

• Team Interaction: Designated in-office days will be crucial for direct engagement with team members, cross-functional partners, and senior leadership, fostering stronger working relationships and facilitating complex discussions.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility offered through the hybrid model.

• Employees are typically required to be in the office for a set number of days per week (e.g., 2-3 days), often determined by team needs and leadership guidance.

• The schedule should accommodate critical meetings, strategic planning sessions, and team-building activities that benefit from face-to-face interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires individuals to be self-motivated and organized, capable of managing their time effectively across remote and in-office settings. The emphasis on collaboration highlights the importance of strong communication and interpersonal skills, even when working remotely.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a VP or Director) to delve deeper into experience, strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and specific qualifications related to product strategy and the healthcare/pharmacy sector.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from PBM, Retail Network, Technology, Finance, and other relevant departments to assess collaboration skills, ability to influence, and understanding of interdependencies.

• Panel Interview / Presentation: A potential panel interview or a presentation where the candidate will be asked to discuss a strategic initiative, a product launch, or a complex problem-solving scenario, demonstrating their strategic thinking, execution capabilities, and communication effectiveness. This is where portfolio elements would be crucial.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior executive (e.g., CVP, SVP) to evaluate strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall fit with the company's long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Highlight achievements with quantifiable results (e.g., % growth, cost savings, efficiency gains, market share increase). Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.

• Strategic Depth: Showcase your ability to develop comprehensive strategies, identify market opportunities, and translate them into actionable plans.

• Execution Excellence: Demonstrate your experience in driving complex projects, managing cross-functional teams, and overcoming obstacles. Include examples of process design and implementation.

• Stakeholder Management: Provide examples of how you've successfully influenced senior leaders, managed diverse stakeholder expectations, and built strong collaborative relationships.

• Industry Relevance: Tailor your portfolio to showcase experience relevant to PBM, specialty pharmacy, home delivery, and potentially GLP-1 products or similar healthcare initiatives.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to understand, and highlights your most impactful contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Case Study: Be prepared for a case study focused on developing a product strategy for a new market entry, addressing a competitive threat, or optimizing an existing service offering within the pharmacy space. Focus on market analysis, competitive landscape, target audience, strategic options, execution plan, and key metrics.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would lead a cross-functional team, resolve conflicts, influence without direct authority, and drive change in a complex organization.

• Financial Acumen: Expect questions related to financial forecasting, P&L management, ROI analysis, and scenario planning for strategic initiatives.

• Operational Understanding: While not a pure operations role, be ready to discuss how strategic decisions translate into operational requirements and how you ensure operational feasibility and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess strategic thinking, leadership, collaboration, and execution capabilities at a senior level. A strong portfolio demonstrating quantifiable achievements and strategic problem-solving is essential for this role, particularly in showcasing the ability to bridge strategy and operational execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint (for executive presentations and strategic roadmaps), Excel (for financial modeling, data analysis, forecasting, scenario planning), and Word (for documentation and reports) is essential.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms for tracking project timelines, dependencies, and cross-functional execution.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for day-to-day communication, virtual meetings, and team collaboration in a hybrid environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Exposure to BI platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for data analysis, dashboard creation, and performance reporting related to product strategy and business outcomes.

• Financial Modeling Software: Proficiency in Excel-based financial modeling or specialized financial planning and analysis (FP&A) software for forecasting and scenario planning.

• Market Research Tools: Familiarity with tools and databases used for market analysis, competitive intelligence, and industry trend identification.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct CRM management role, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) informs customer strategy and product development within the pharmacy context would be beneficial.

• Data Warehousing/ETL Concepts: A conceptual understanding of how data is stored, managed, and accessed from enterprise data warehouses or through ETL processes to support strategic analysis.

• Presentation & Strategy Tools: Tools that facilitate strategic planning, mind mapping, or workflow visualization (e.g., Lucidchart, Miro) could be valuable for conceptualizing and communicating strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily strategic, a strong command of standard business productivity tools and an understanding of data analysis and project management platforms are critical for effective execution and communication. Familiarity with financial modeling and BI tools is particularly important given the emphasis on financial acumen and measurable outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of patients and pharmacy clients, driving innovation in care models and service delivery.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A culture that relies on rigorous analysis, performance metrics, and market insights to inform strategic choices and operational improvements.

• Collaboration and Partnership: A strong emphasis on working together across departments and functions to achieve shared goals, fostering an environment of mutual respect and support.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing change, and actively seeking opportunities to optimize processes, enhance product offerings, and improve efficiency.

• Accountability and Ownership: Taking responsibility for outcomes, driving initiatives to completion, and delivering on commitments with a focus on measurable results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team operates by collaborating closely with various departments, including PBM operations, retail pharmacy, clinical teams, technology, finance, marketing, and legal, to ensure strategic alignment and successful execution.

• Executive Engagement: A proactive approach to engaging with senior leadership, providing strategic insights, and seeking alignment on critical decisions through clear and concise communication.

• Process-Oriented Approach: While strategic, there's an underlying need for structured processes and clear workflows to manage product lifecycles, launch initiatives, and ensure governance, fostering a culture of organized execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, market insights, and lessons learned across teams to foster collective intelligence and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes strategic foresight, data-informed decision-making, and robust collaboration, all critical components for success in a senior role that bridges strategy with operational reality within a large healthcare organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complexity: The healthcare and PBM landscape is highly complex and rapidly evolving. Adapting strategies to regulatory changes, market shifts, and competitive pressures will be a constant challenge.

• Driving Alignment in a Matrixed Environment: Influencing and aligning diverse stakeholders across different business units and functional areas, each with their own priorities, requires exceptional negotiation and communication skills.

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Tactical Execution: Ensuring that ambitious strategic plans are translated into practical, executable initiatives that deliver tangible results requires meticulous planning and oversight.

• Managing Competing Priorities: Juggling multiple high-stakes initiatives simultaneously, from product launches to strategic planning and team development, demands strong prioritization and time management skills.

• Innovation in a Regulated Industry: Introducing new products and care models while adhering to strict regulatory requirements and ensuring patient safety presents a unique set of challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Industry Knowledge: Deepen expertise in areas like GLP-1 therapies, specialty pharmacy operations, chronic disease management, and digital health solutions.

• Executive Leadership Skills: Develop advanced leadership competencies through mentorship, executive coaching, and participation in strategic initiatives.

• Advanced Strategy Frameworks: Gain exposure to cutting-edge strategic planning methodologies and tools used in the healthcare industry.

• Cross-Functional Business Acumen: Broaden understanding of various business functions (e.g., finance, technology, operations, clinical) through close collaboration and project involvement.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend leading healthcare and pharmacy industry conferences to stay abreast of trends and build professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant strategic challenges that are balanced by substantial opportunities for professional growth and impact within a leading healthcare organization. Addressing these challenges effectively will be key to realizing the growth potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed and executed a complex product strategy that led to significant business growth. What was your process, what were the key challenges, and what were the measurable outcomes?" (Focus on strategic planning, execution, and ROI demonstration).

• "How would you approach developing a product strategy for a new GLP-1 offering for a home delivery pharmacy? Consider market dynamics, patient needs, competitive landscape, and operational implications." (Prepare to discuss market analysis, strategic options, and operational considerations).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Evernorth Health Services and The Cigna Group's position in the healthcare market? How do you see your role contributing to our strategic goals?" (Research company mission, values, recent news, and Evernorth's offerings).

• "Describe your experience leading teams, both directly and indirectly. How do you foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement?" (Prepare to discuss leadership style, team development, and driving results).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your examples: Use the STAR method to clearly articulate the situation, your task, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight strategic thinking: Emphasize your role in market analysis, opportunity identification, strategic option development, and roadmap creation.

• Showcase execution prowess: Detail your experience in project planning, cross-functional team leadership, risk mitigation, and successful delivery.

• Quantify impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the business value of your contributions (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, market share increase, efficiency improvements).

• Tailor to the role: Prioritize examples most relevant to product strategy, healthcare/pharmacy, and driving growth in a complex environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thorough preparation focusing on strategic frameworks, execution capabilities, and quantifiable results, tailored to the healthcare and pharmacy industry, will be critical for success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent strategic role:

• Submit your application through the provided link on The Cigna Group careers portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in product strategy, strategic planning, PBM/pharmacy operations, cross-functional leadership, and driving growth initiatives. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with data.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather 2-3 key case studies that demonstrate your strategic thinking, execution capabilities, stakeholder management, and quantifiable results in relevant areas (e.g., product strategy development, launch execution, process improvement). Be ready to present these using the STAR method.

• Research The Cigna Group & Evernorth: Understand their mission, values, key business areas (especially Evernorth Health Services), and recent strategic priorities. Identify how your experience aligns with their objectives.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common strategic and leadership questions, focusing on providing specific examples and demonstrating your ability to think critically and drive outcomes.

⚠️ 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.