Director, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Emerging Technology Oversight

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Emerging Technology Oversight as Line 2 leadership role responsible for independent oversight, challenge and governance of AI systems - including machine learning, LLMs and Gen AI applications - across the enterprise. This position will lead the design and execution of a fit -for purpose AI risk oversight framework in ensuring that technical implementation of AI align with enterprise risk appetite, regulatory expectations and secure software development best practices. The role will act as a strategic advisor across security, data, cloud and engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the establishment of an AI risk management oversight and challenge function to proactively identify and assess AI and emerging risks in partnership with risk partners and first-line teams.
• Develop and implement a robust Line 2 oversight framework for managing risks associated with AI, generative AI, and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with the AVP, AI and Emerging Risk, to define comprehensive AI-specific risk taxonomies, control expectations, and escalation criteria that align with the organization's enterprise risk appetite.
• Create and facilitate governance forums designed to rigorously review and challenge high-risk AI use cases, promoting accountability and transparency.
• Spearhead AI risk awareness initiatives, including events and training sessions, to educate collaborators on AI risk management frameworks, second-line defense processes, metrics, and reporting.
• Design and establish reporting and assurance processes to provide clear and effective oversight to the Board, risk committees, and regulators, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Critically assess and challenge Line 1 risk assessments and controls throughout the AI/ML lifecycle, from model development through deployment and ongoing monitoring.
• Analyze and evaluate emerging threats such as model drift, bias, data poisoning, adversarial attacks, and prompt injection and hallucination risks to ensure proactive risk mitigation.
• Conduct thorough assessments of AI technical implementations, focusing on cybersecurity, data loss prevention, IAM, cloud security posture, and third-party dependencies to safeguard organizational assets.
• Ensure generative AI implementations adhere to stringent controls for data minimization, auditability, RBAC, encryption, sandboxing, and human-in-the-loop safeguards.
• Oversee and mitigate risks associated with shadow AI or unauthorized model use in sensitive business functions, ensuring compliance and security.
• Lead the operationalization of compliance efforts with OSFI 3-23, B-10, B-13, and map controls to NIST AI and ISO standards, ensuring regulatory adherence.
• Monitor and analyze the evolving AI regulatory landscape to proactively guide control updates and maintain a compliant posture.
• Prepare comprehensive formal risk positions and regulatory responses, demonstrating the organization's AI/ML governance maturity and commitment to best practices.

Key Qualifications:

• 7-10 years in cybersecurity risk management, cybersecurity, legal or analytics, or model and AI/ML governance
• Deep understanding of AI technologies, 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

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.