Director, Operations AI & Automation Program Management

Manulife’s Global Wealth & Asset Management (Global WAM) segment has embarked on an exciting journey to transform the organization by harnessing the power of data, analytics, artificial intelligence, and intelligent automation. This transformation is a key strategic enabler, and we are seeking individuals who are passionate about joining the team leading this evolution.

The Director, Operations AI & Automation Program Management is a key member of a team of data and transformation professionals responsible for overseeing AI, intelligent automation, and digitization initiatives across Global WAM Operations. This role ensures a clear strategy-to-execution line of sight, disciplined portfolio prioritization, and measurable value realization across all workstreams.

The successful candidate will identify innovative opportunities, assess their impact on operating models, and enhance overall program benefits. They will bring together expertise in program management, business partnership, and process improvement to enable the successful identification, development, and execution of transformative strategies across Global WAM.

Position Resposibilities:

• Provide oversight, governance, and reporting for the Global WAM Operations portfolio of AI, intelligent automation, and digitization initiatives

• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of digital solutions across the organization, promoting reuse and scalability across Global WAM Operations teams

• Champion the program’s strategic objectives by translating complex business challenges into innovative solutions that deliver measurable value

• Drive disciplined prioritization across initiatives to ensure alignment with enterprise strategy, capacity, and value realization

• Deliver clear, insightful reporting and communications through multiple channels to senior leadership on initiative progress, outcomes, risks, and key success metrics

The successful candidate has a passion for driving large-scale business transformation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. They inspire cross-functional collaboration, encourage innovative thinking, and drive adoption of new ways of working. They possess strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities, along with the ability to navigate ambiguity in complex environments.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in program and/or portfolio management, including leadership of automation or AI initiatives at scale in complex enterprise environments

• Hands-on familiarity with automation and AI technology stacks, including awareness of emerging technologies and industry trends

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence without authority and drive alignment on priorities and trade-offs

• Proven ability to manage, monitor, and report on an end-to-end automation portfolio, including benefits, costs, risks, and initiative status

• Strong business partnership skills, engaging stakeholders in the “art of the possible” to identify and deliver high-impact automation opportunities

• Experience showcasing solutions through the right forums and communication channels to build excitement and momentum across the organization

• Demonstrated leadership through effective prioritization, stakeholder engagement, and assessment of the feasibility and value of requested initiatives

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts, vision, and outcomes to diverse and senior audiences

• Creative and innovative approach to program structure, governance, communications, and reporting

• Enthusiastic, collaborative, and positive team leader who energizes others

Bilingualism (English and French) is a strong asset. For candidates based in Québec, proficiency in both languages is required to support clients located outside of Québec.

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

If you are applying to this role in Massachusetts, please note the salary range is $128,550 - $222,820 USD. Additionally, employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

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.