Eli Lilly And Company Product Manager Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Eli Lilly and Company is a global healthcare leader dedicated to discovering and delivering life-changing medicines while prioritizing community service and employee welfare.

The Product Manager role at Eli Lilly is pivotal in advancing the company's mission through strategic leadership in product management and digital innovation within the Value & Access (LVA) organization. The primary responsibilities include developing and executing the product roadmap for technology solutions that enhance patient access to medications. This role requires a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare ecosystem, as well as expertise in product management, data science, and machine learning techniques to solve complex business challenges. A successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional collaboration skills, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver transformative healthcare solutions that align with Lilly's broader enterprise data strategy.

Candidates will thrive in this role if they possess a strong technical background, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for improving patient outcomes. The emphasis on collaboration and innovation reflects Eli Lilly's commitment to making a positive impact on global health through technology.

This guide aims to help you prepare effectively for your interview by highlighting the key skills and expectations for the Product Manager role at Eli Lilly, ensuring you present yourself as a well-informed and capable candidate.

The interview process for a Product Manager role at Eli Lilly is structured and thorough, reflecting the company's commitment to finding the right fit for their innovative teams. The process typically includes several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, which usually takes place via a phone call with a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, motivations for applying to Eli Lilly, and your understanding of the company’s mission and values. Expect to discuss your relevant experiences and how they align with the role of a Product Manager.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates are invited to participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted via video call or in person and typically lasts around an hour. During this interview, you will be assessed on your technical knowledge related to product management, including your understanding of data science, machine learning, and AI applications in healthcare. You may also be asked to solve case studies or hypothetical scenarios relevant to the role.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next stage is a behavioral interview, which often involves multiple interviewers. This round focuses on your past experiences and how you handle various workplace situations. Expect to answer questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to illustrate your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities. This interview may also include discussions about your approach to collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

4. Onsite Interview

If you progress past the behavioral interview, you will be invited for an onsite interview. This stage typically includes a series of back-to-back interviews with different team members, including potential peers and senior leaders. You may also be asked to present a case study or a project relevant to the role, showcasing your strategic thinking and product management skills. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and how technology can enhance patient access to medicines.

5. Final Interview

The final interview often involves discussions with higher-level executives or stakeholders. This round may focus on your vision for the role, your understanding of Eli Lilly's strategic goals, and how you can contribute to the company's mission. You may also discuss your long-term career aspirations and how they align with the company's objectives.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to engage with interviewers, ask questions, and demonstrate their enthusiasm for the role and the company.

Now, let's delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Embrace the Company Culture

Eli Lilly values a collaborative and supportive work environment. During your interview, demonstrate your ability to work well in teams and your commitment to the company's mission of improving lives through healthcare. Be prepared to share examples of how you've contributed to team success in previous roles, as this aligns with the company's emphasis on collaboration and community.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions during your interviews. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to discuss specific situations where you demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Given the friendly nature of the interviewers, approach these questions with confidence and authenticity.

Showcase Your Technical Acumen

As a Product Manager, you will need to demonstrate a strong understanding of technology and data-driven decision-making. Brush up on your knowledge of data science, machine learning, and AI applications relevant to healthcare. Be prepared to discuss how you can leverage these technologies to enhance patient experiences and drive business growth at Eli Lilly.

Understand the Healthcare Ecosystem

Familiarize yourself with the U.S. healthcare landscape, including key players such as pharmacy benefit managers, health plans, and regulatory bodies. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the complexities of the industry in which Eli Lilly operates.

Engage with Your Interviewers

The interview process at Eli Lilly is designed to be conversational and engaging. Take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the team, the company's future direction, and how your role as a Product Manager can contribute to its success. This will not only show your interest in the position but also help you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Be Ready for Technical Assessments

While the interviews may focus on behavioral aspects, be prepared for technical assessments that may include coding challenges or case studies relevant to product management. Practice common technical questions and scenarios that may arise in the context of healthcare technology and product development.

Highlight Your Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are essential for a Product Manager, especially when collaborating with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss how you have effectively communicated complex ideas to diverse audiences in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and reinforce your interest in joining the Eli Lilly team.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Product Manager role at Eli Lilly. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Product Manager interview at Eli Lilly. The interview process will likely focus on your technical expertise, understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, product management skills, and your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, how you handle challenges, and your vision for product development in a healthcare context.

Experience and Background

1. Tell me about a time you had to manage a conflict within a team.

Eli Lilly values collaboration and teamwork, so they want to see how you handle interpersonal challenges.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to describe the situation, the task at hand, the actions you took, and the results of your efforts. Highlight your communication skills and ability to foster a positive team environment.

Example

“In a previous project, two team members had conflicting ideas about the product direction. I organized a meeting where each could present their viewpoints. By facilitating open dialogue, we found common ground and ultimately merged the best aspects of both ideas, leading to a successful product launch.”

Product Management

2. How do you prioritize features in a product roadmap?

This question assesses your strategic thinking and ability to balance user needs with business goals.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to gathering user feedback, analyzing market trends, and aligning with business objectives. Mention any frameworks you use for prioritization, such as RICE or MoSCoW.

Example

“I prioritize features by first gathering user feedback and analyzing data to understand pain points. I then align these insights with our business goals, using the RICE framework to evaluate potential impact versus effort. This ensures we focus on high-value features that drive user satisfaction and business growth.”

3. Describe your experience with Agile methodologies.

Eli Lilly is likely to use Agile practices, so they want to know your familiarity with these processes.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of how you have implemented Agile methodologies in past projects, including your role in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.

Example

“In my last role, I led a cross-functional team using Agile methodologies. We held daily stand-ups to track progress and sprint planning sessions to prioritize tasks. This approach improved our delivery speed by 30% and enhanced team collaboration.”

Technical Expertise

4. What is your understanding of the U.S. healthcare ecosystem?

This question gauges your knowledge of the industry in which Eli Lilly operates.

How to Answer

Discuss key components of the healthcare ecosystem, including payers, providers, and regulatory bodies. Highlight any relevant experience you have in this area.

Example

“I have a solid understanding of the U.S. healthcare ecosystem, including the roles of payers, providers, and regulatory agencies. In my previous position, I worked closely with pharmacy benefit managers to ensure our products met compliance standards while maximizing patient access.”

5. How do you leverage data science and AI in product management?

Given the emphasis on technology in the role, they want to know how you integrate these elements into your work.

How to Answer

Explain how you have used data analytics and AI to inform product decisions, improve user experiences, or optimize processes.

Example

“I leverage data science by analyzing user behavior to identify trends and inform product features. For instance, I implemented an AI-driven recommendation system that personalized user experiences, resulting in a 25% increase in engagement.”

Behavioral Questions

6. Describe a time when you had to influence a decision without direct authority.

This question assesses your leadership and persuasion skills.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to illustrate how you navigated the situation, emphasizing your communication and negotiation skills.

Example

“In a project where I had no direct authority, I needed to convince stakeholders to adopt a new technology. I gathered data on its benefits and presented a compelling case during a meeting, addressing their concerns. Ultimately, they agreed to pilot the technology, which led to improved efficiency.”

7. What motivates you to work in the pharmaceutical industry?

Eli Lilly seeks candidates who are passionate about their mission.

How to Answer

Share your personal motivations and how they align with Eli Lilly’s mission to improve patient outcomes.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Working in the pharmaceutical industry allows me to contribute to innovative solutions that enhance patient care, which aligns perfectly with my values and career goals.”