Director, PLA Program & Manufacturer Partnerships

Reporting to the Assistant Vice-President, Pharmaceutical Benefits & Innovation, the Director, PLA Program & Manufacturer Partnerships leads Sun Life’s Product Listing Agreement (PLA) program and strategic relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Working with their team, this leader develops and executes pharmaceutical partnership and negotiation strategies that strengthen the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of Group Benefits drug plans.

What will you do?

• Develop, lead and execute drug plan management strategies and plan sustainability initiatives across key product areas and disease states.

• Evolve Sun Life’s Product Listing Agreement (PLA) program by strengthening internal and external partnerships, identifying opportunities to improve program value, and advancing priorities aligned with drug plan competitiveness and sustainability.

• Oversee the development, implementation, ongoing management, and performance of Sun Life’s product listing agreements.

• Ensure product listing agreements remain relevant and competitive in response to market dynamics and comply with applicable regulatory requirements.

• Lead relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, including strategic partnership discussions, negotiations, agreement implementation, and ongoing relationship management.

• Proactively monitor and synthesize market research, industry trends, public policy developments, and competitive activity affecting pharmaceutical reimbursement, and translate these insights into strategic recommendations.

• Lead and inspire a cross-functional team by setting clear priorities, fostering collaboration, and coaching and developing direct reports and colleagues.

• Lead working groups and steering committees, as needed, to establish shared priorities, support informed decision-making, and maintain cross-functional alignment.

• Represent Sun Life and the Pharmaceutical Benefits team at client presentations, industry committees, and conferences, as required.

What do you need to succeed?

• Proven ability to establish a strategic vision and translate it into actionable initiatives and measurable outcomes.

• Expert-level knowledge of pharmaceutical market access, value proposition development, public and private drug reimbursement processes, and relevant public policy.

• Demonstrated ability to assess and synthesize complex evidence and models, including pharmacoeconomic evaluations and budget impact assessments.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex negotiations and achieve outcomes that support business and partnership objectives.

• Proficiency in reviewing binding legal agreements and assessing their business implications.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to develop and deliver clear, professional, and impactful presentations to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

• In-depth business knowledge, including product development and project management.

• Demonstrated agility and ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities effectively.

• Innovative and creative problem solver who is a proven collaborator with experience facilitating group discussions

• Broad business acumen, strong decision-making skills