Senior Pharmacist - Strategy (Hybrid)

Highmark Health; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

Highmark Inc. is seeking a Pharmacist with extensive experience in managed care to lead formulary and utilization management strategies.

You will work in a hybrid model within 50 miles of the corporate office, coordinating with analytics, external vendors, and cross-functional teams to optimize pharmacy programs and compliance. The role requires strong communication, policy development skills, and experience in implementing prior authorization, step therapy, and other utilization management

Qualifications

• 5 years of related, progressive experience in the pharmacy area of specialization OR completion of an accredited PGY-1 Managed Care Pharmacy Residency Program plus 2 additional years of related experience
• Pharmacy licensure (Registered Pharmacist) and Board Certifications preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead formulary and utilization management strategy development to support program savings goals
• Ensure regulatory compliance and oversee formulary administration across state and federal requirements
• Collaborate with analytics and external vendors to generate real-world evidence for policy decisions
• Review and update pharmacy policies, including prior authorization and step therapy rules
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members and cross-functional partners

Skills

Managed care principles

Verbal & written communication

MS Office & databases

Prioritization

Mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Pharmacy degree (PharmD or BS in Pharmacy)

Job description

Company :

Highmark Inc.

Job Description :

JOB SUMMARY

This role operates in a hybrid model (T,W,TH) for employees residing within 50 miles of the corporate office.

This job works in a team-oriented environment monitoring FDA-approvals, drug manufacturer pipelines, and assessing drug utilization reports, to develop and execute the the organization’s drug formulary, and develop pharmacy utilization management policies, and maintains compliance with federal, state, and other mandates. The incumbent may write drug monographs for committee review; develop and implement the organization’s management programs including but not limited to: prior authorization, dose and duration edits, quantity limits, step-care edits, generic sampling, pharmacy policy review and development and/or review of member specific information to improve individual outcomes. The incumbent develops and implements physician, pharmacy, account, and member educational initiatives that promote the organization’s formularies, utilization management programs, and participates on cross-functional committees to develop and implement clinical and operational initiatives, working in close collaboration with matrix partners and stakeholders across the organization. The incumbent may interact with pharmaceutical manufacturers, the pharmacy benefit manager, and/or strategic partners to implement clinical formulary and utilization management strategies. The incumbent may provide guidance to more junior team members, participate in evaluating, implementing, and monitoring pharmacy benefit-focused federal and state legislation, develop, execute, and monitor pharmacy-specific strategic initiatives, and/or present recommendations to leadership.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Formulary & Utilization Management Strategy & Development: May lead Highmark’s evidence-based medicine drug evaluation program supporting Highmark’s formulary and utilization management (UM) and/or pharmacy program strategy. Develop pharmacy formulary and UM program initiatives supporting Highmark Enterprise Customer Value Creation (C2V) program savings goals. Assist in the development of drug formularies by monitoring FDA-approvals and drug manufacturer pipelines, assessing drug utilization reports, and writing drug monographs for Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee review, as applicable. Assist in the development and implementation of utilization management programs including but not limited to: prior authorization, dose and duration edits, quantity limits, step therapy edits, generic sampling, pharmacy policy review and development and/or review of member specific information to improve individual outcomes.

• Regulatory Compliance & Oversight: Execute Highmark’s Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee charter and program compliance in accordance with regulatory standards. Support regulatory compliance related to the organization’s prescription drug benefit, formulary, and pharmacy utilization management policies. Manage formulary administration and oversight, ensuring all aspects of work adhere to applicable state and federal requirements. May represent Highmark in applicable state or federal audits.

• Strategic Collaboration & Analytics: May partner with internal analytics organization and external pharmacy vendors (as applicable) to generate real-world evidence insights to support of Highmark pharmacy strategy. Participate in cross-functional committees to develop and implement clinical and operational initiatives within the organization with focus on pharmacy.

• Quality Assurance & Review: Serve as a peer-reviewer of medication reviews, pharmacy utilization management policies, and other strategy deliverables, as applicable.

• Education & Communication: Develop and implement physician, pharmacy, client, and member educational initiatives that promote the organization's pharmacy strategies including formularies, utilization management programs, and other pharmacy programs.

• Project Management & Process Improvement: Identify and assist in managing department process improvements to maximize overall efficiencies. Manage individual projects for timely review with leadership.

• Team Guidance & Mentorship: Provide guidance to more junior team members.

• Other duties as assigned or requested.

EXPERIENCE

Required

• 5 years of related, progressive experience in the pharmacy area of specialization OR completion of an accredited PGY-1 Managed Care Pharmacy Residency Program plus 2 additional years of related, progressive experience in the pharmacy area of specialization

Preferred

• Progressive experience in pharmacy strategy, formulary administration, pharmacy program or product development within a health system, health plan, or pharmacy benefit manager setting

SKILLS

• An understanding of managed care pharmacy principles and practices is essential

• Demonstration of strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as proficiency in the use of computer-based data processing

• Microsoft Office products, and database applications

• Be able to quickly identify and prioritize essential elements of problem

• Independently or in a team, be able to identify the root issues and formulate potential solutions

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or a Doctor of Pharmacy degree

Preferred

• None

LICENSES or CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• Registered Pharmacist (Non-State Specific)

Preferred

• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist
• Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist

Language (Other than English):

• None

Travel Required:

• Less than 25%

PHYSICAL, MENTAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS

Position Type

• Office-Based or Remote Position

Physical work site required

• Frequently

Disclaimer:

The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

Compliance Requirement

: This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.

As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy.

Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.

Pay Range Minimum:

$118,400.00

Pay Range Maximum:

$196,800.00

Base pay is determined by a variety of factors including a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expected contributions, as well as internal peer equity, market, and business considerations. The displayed salary range does not reflect any geographic differential Highmark may apply for certain locations based upon comparative markets.

Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

California Consumer Privacy Act Employees, Contractors, and Applicants Notice (https://dokumfe7mps0i.cloudfront.net/oms/4391/document/2026/1/doclib_458575_QLVK9_1769448333304228022_1769448333396/1769448333396.pdf)