Director of Pharmacy Benefits

Manulife • Waterloo, ON

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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 private and public drug plans, specialty and high-cost drugs, and 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.

Nice To Haves

• Pharmacy degree (RPh), MBA, or equivalent advanced education considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Provide strategic pharmacy consultation to plan sponsors, including insights on drug trend drivers and emerging therapeutic classes, high-cost drugs and specialty management strategies, and 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.
• Stay current on the Canadian pharmacy ecosystem, including public and private drug programs, regulatory developments, and industry trends.
• 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.

Benefits

• Health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage
• Adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits
• Employee/family assistance plans
• Various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions)
• Financial education and counseling resources
• Generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days
• Full range of statutory leaves of absence

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director