The Director, Pharmacy Benefits serves as a trusted pharmacy subject matter expert within the Group Benefits business. As a key member of the GB Distribution team, the Director, Pharmacy Benefits has a strong focus on supporting sales, advisors, and consultants across the Canadian market.
This role is a critical interface between pharmacy strategy, sales enablement, and client advisory, helping position pharmacy solutions competitively while enabling sales and account management teams to confidently engage in complex pharmacy-related discussions. The Director provides thought leadership on drug trends, emerging therapies, and cost management strategies, supports key finalist presentations and advisor engagements, and works in close alignment with Product and other internal partners to drive growth and better outcomes for sponsors and plan members.
Position Responsibilities:
Sales & Market Enablement
- Act as the pharmacy benefits subject matter expert for Group Benefits sales teams, advisors, and consultants across Canada.
- Partner closely with Sales Directors, Account Executives, and distribution partners to support new business, finalist presentations, and strategic retention efforts.
- Deliver compelling pharmacy insights and education through presentations, roadshows, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Support consulting house and advisor relationships by clearly articulating pharmacy strategy, value propositions, and differentiators.
Client & Sponsor Advisory
- Provide strategic pharmacy consultation to plan sponsors, including insights on:
o Drug trend drivers and emerging therapeutic classes o High-cost drugs and specialty management strategies o Cost containment approaches, formularies, and plan design considerations
- Translate complex pharmacy and clinical topics into clear, practical guidance tailored to sponsor and advisor audiences.
- Participate in complex client situations where deep pharmacy expertise is required to support informed decision-making.
Pharmacy Strategy & Thought Leadership
- Stay current on the Canadian pharmacy ecosystem, including public and private drug programs, regulatory developments, and industry trends.
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- Partner with internal teams (e.g., Product and Underwriting) to ensure pharmacy insights are reflected in market-facing strategies.
- Represent the organization at industry forums, advisor meetings, and client engagements as a pharmacy thought leader.
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in pharmacy benefits, drug strategy, or related roles within Group Benefits, insurance, PBM, consulting, or healthcare environments.
- Deep understanding of the Canadian pharmacy landscape, including:
o Private and public drug plans o Specialty and high-cost drugs o Formulary management and cost containment strategies
- Strong track record of partnering with or supporting sales teams, advisors, or consulting firms.
- Proven ability to communicate complex clinical and pharmacy concepts in a clear, compelling, and commercially relevant manner.
- Executive presence and comfort presenting to senior leaders, sponsors, and external partners.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Pharmacy degree (RPh), MBA, or equivalent advanced education considered a strong asset.
If the successful candidate is in Québec, proficiency in both languages will be required to support clients from various provinces outside of Quebec.
When you join our team:
- We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
- We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.
- As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.
The role being advertised is an existing vacancy.
About Manulife and John Hancock
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.
Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.
It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact hr@manulife.com.
Working Arrangement
Hybrid
Salary & Benefits
Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact hr@manulife.com for the salary range for your location.
Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact hr@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.
We use data and analytics technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and automated processing tools, to analyze and process the information you provide to us or third parties in the application process. For more information, please refer to our personal information collection statement.
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