AVP, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Emerging Technology Risk Oversight

We are seeking an AVP, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Emerging Technology Risk Oversight to join our Cyber Security Risk Oversight team as part of our second line oversight. This role provides strategic leadership and independent oversight and challenge for enterprise Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs and other high impact emerging technologies. This role will report directly to the VP of Information & Cyber Security Risk Oversight within our Global Risk team. Operating within the second line of defense, this role ensures technology innovation is safe, ethical and aligned with risk appetite and regulatory expectations enabling responsible business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Risk Oversight: Provide visionary leadership in defining and executing on independent oversight of Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs and other transformative emerging technologies, ensuring they align with Manulife's strategic objectives. Oversee and lead the AI and emerging technologies oversight work throughout their lifecycle, critically evaluating risk assessments, bias testing, explainability, and control effectiveness in accordance with regulatory standards and requirements. Serve as a key advisor to the VP of Information & Cyber Security Risk Oversight, offering insights and recommendations on the integration of AI and emerging technologies into the enterprise risk management framework. As other transformative technologies emerge this role will be asked to assess the risks associated with security, resilience, and reliability..
• Governance and Reporting: Lead the development of governance frameworks for AI use-case tiering, approval, and testing protocols. Establish and refine AI/emerging risk second-line metrics to deliver actionable insights to management and the board. Proactively escalate material risks, policy exceptions, and governance gaps to ensure timely resolution and alignment with strategic goals.
• Policy and Regulatory Alignment: Oversee and challenge the organization's adherence to applicable cybersecurity regulatory requirements and industry best practices, including NIST AI RMF, ISO 42001, EU AI Act, and OSFI guidelines. Stay ahead of regulatory and industry developments to identify and anticipate emerging risks, ensuring proactive mitigation strategies are in place.
• Objective Assessment of AI and Emerging Technologies: Conduct independent, comprehensive reviews of AI and emerging technology programs at the process and control levels, ensuring they meet organizational standards and risk management objectives.
• Strategic Influence and Oversight/Challenge: Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to seamlessly integrate AI, cybersecurity, and technology risks into Manulife’s strategic goals. Provide independent, critical evaluation of enterprise AI and emerging technology initiatives, promoting continuous improvement and ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and risk appetite.

Key Qualifications:

• 7-10 years in cybersecurity risk management, cybersecurity, legal or analytics, or model and AI/ML governance. First Line and enterprise architecture experience is beneficial
• Deep understanding of AI technologies, agentic AI, multi-agentic orchestration, machine learning/AI risk management best practices, and relevant global laws and regulations
• Commitment to continuous learning in machine learning, generative AI, agentic risk technology, and risk management trends, with a focus on AI governance
• Experience in developing policies and conducting risk assessments & a strong understanding of risk frameworks, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001/27002, and PCI DSS 4.0
• Ability to work cross-functionally, aligning AI risk management with broader business strategies
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex AI risk concepts and insights to senior leadership, collaborators, and board members. Skilled in crafting clear and concise reports, presentations, and documentation to facilitate informed decision-making
• Expertise in engaging with diverse collaborators to integrate their feedback into AI risk management practices
• Commitment to promoting ethical AI practices and ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability
• Ability to effectively manage crises related to AI risks, demonstrating resilience and adaptability
• Keen interest in emerging technologies and innovations in AI, with the ability to assess potential risks and opportunities
• Strategic vision to develop and implement AI risk management strategies that align with organizational goals
• Proven leadership skills in managing and developing high-performing teams, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement
• Experience in leading change management efforts to integrate AI risk management processes and technologies

When you join our team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

#LI-Hybrid

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact recruitment@manulife.com.

Referenced Salary Location

Salary range is expected to be between

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact recruitment@manulife.com for the salary range for your location. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact recruitment@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.