Manager, Pharmacare Business Solutions

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians.

Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we are committed to continually improving our health care system.

With a focus on collaborative primary health care, continuing care, improved supports for mental health and addictions, digital health, capital infrastructure, and more, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery.

To do this, we are recruiting leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.

About Our Opportunity

We are recruiting for a Manager of Pharmacare Business Solutions. In this critical role, you will lead and coordinate Pharmaceutical Services & Extended Health Benefits (PSEHB) Branch work related to :

• price negotiations for brand and generic pharmaceuticals; obtaining the best possible prices for pharmaceuticals within the Nova Scotia public drug programs; and
• oversight of opportunities and solutions in support of the above priorities.

This is your opportunity to join the Division whose team provides support to the provision of drug, dental, optometry and other non-drug insured government programs and services.

We are a team who is dedicated to investing in the changing health needs of Nova Scotians.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Manager, you play an active role in committees and working groups such as the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance.

You will work closely with colleagues across the Division and with other internal and external stakeholders; engaging in and developing recommendations on drug policy issues such as pricing negotiation and contract / project management, stakeholder consultation, and policy research and analysis.

You are a principal advisor with respect to brand and generic drug price negotiations.

You will provide direction and coordination for projects associated with PSEHB, moving complex initiatives forward by employing effective project management principles and processes.

You will achieve this by :

• Negotiating, implementing, and monitoring of agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers on specific drugs prices through participation in the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA);
• Engaging in and developing recommendations on drug policy issues;
• Leading initiatives related to generic drug pricing and working with pharmacy stakeholders to lower generic prices in Canada and in Nova Scotia's public drug programs;
• Delivering multiple plans and strategies aligned to departmental and government priorities;
• Engagement and collaboration across the Department, government, and the health system; and
• Providing direction, coordination and team leadership for projects associated with PSEHB which encourages new innovative opportunities, programs, and initiatives to further develop and strengthen Nova Scotia.

You will represent the Department on government, industry, public / private, inter-department and internal committees, project teams, and at conferences and meetings.

Qualifications and Experience

As our next Manager, you will have completed your undergraduate degree in pharmacy or have significant experience in the pharmaceutical field, combined with several years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical field.

You must demonstrate an understanding of pharmacy operations; including pricing and compensation, which includes recent and relevant experience in the Canadian Health Care System.

Furthermore, you demonstrate strong leadership skills including innovating, motivating, coordinating, and building partnerships.

You can think strategically. We operate in a fast-paced environment and require your strong organization abilities. You must be focused on details while managing many files and priorities.

Strong communication skills are essential along with proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Excel.

Experience in program or project / financial management within the health care system along with negotiation and contract management experience are considered assets.

You have an appreciation for the vision of the Nova Scotia health system and a desire to positively contribute to a high performing and collaborative team environment.

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment.

LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS ( for more information.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools : written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Benefits

The Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here : Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting with some site visits as required.

Your normal work week is 35 hours / week, 7 hours / day (and may require availability 24 / 7 during times of emergency and working overtime on occasion).

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace : our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade : EC 12 Salary Range : $3,;- $4,;Bi-Weekly