Director of Executive Recruitment

The Director, Executive Recruiting is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and executing Manulife’s executive talent strategy across North America. You will lead the recruitment of senior leadership roles (AVP and above), ensuring we attract and integrate exceptional leaders who drive growth, innovation, and transformation.

This role goes far beyond recruitment-it's about influencing the future of the organization. You will partner with senior executives and HR leaders, leveraging market insights, data-driven strategies, and exceptional stakeholder management to deliver an outstanding candidate experience and strengthen Manulife’s leadership brand.

Position Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on talent strategy, succession planning, and organizational design.

• Lead the executive recruiting roadmap for all AVP+ roles across Manulife Canada, John Hancock, and Wealth & Asset Management.

• Build and sustain high-quality executive talent pipelines through direct sourcing, networking, referrals, and partnerships with executive search firms.

• Deliver a best-in-class candidate experience that reflects and elevates Manulife’s leadership brand.

• Use data, insights, and technology to drive efficient, informed, and inclusive hiring decisions.

• Represent Manulife as an employer of choice within the executive talent market.

• Contribute to enterprise-wide strategic projects focused on executive assessment, onboarding, and process excellence.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of executive search experience, including at least 2 years in-house.

• Proven ability to assess senior leadership talent and advise on succession planning.

• Strong understanding of financial services (insurance, asset management, banking).

• Exceptional communication and influencing skills with senior stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, global environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HR technology platforms (Workday, Phenom) and leadership assessment tools.

• Intellectual curiosity and ability to connect strategy to execution.

• Track record of embedding DEI principles into executive hiring practices.

• Familiarity with AI-enabled sourcing and market mapping tools.

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.

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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.