Director, Technology Strategy and Transformation

Manulife is seeking a highly motivated Director, Technology Strategy and Transformation to join the Global Functions Technology (GFT) team!

With a strategic approach, analytical thinking and a desire to learn and enable the execution of GFT’s directive. The position is well-suited for someone who enjoys change, adapts quickly, and is able to navigate independently through complex processes.

This role is critical in supporting the development of our GFT strategy, aligning departmental goals with organizational priorities, and driving growth through central initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical approach, excellent research skills, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships while working in a complex cross-functional environment.

Reporting to the Head of Strategy (GFT), you’ll join and lead a forward-thinking team of high-performing professionals passionate about working together, challenging the status quo, and owning our future.

Position Responsibilities:

Strategy Development and Alignment:

• Develop short-term and long-term strategies to support growth and advance the GFT’s mission.

• Conduct research and analyses to assess operational effectiveness, processes, and partner engagement.

• Align departmental goals, processes, and resource allocation with the broader organizational strategy.

Market and Competitive Analysis:

• Assess market trends and competitors to identify potential threats and opportunities.

• Analyze and evaluate internal processes and external market trends to inform strategic decisions.

• Provide insights and recommendations based on market intelligence and competitive landscape analysis.

Engagement and Relationship Management:

• Participate in developing and building external relationships with research and consulting partners.

• Engage with key partners across the organization to gather insights and ensure alignment on initiatives.

• Cultivate positive relationships with internal and external partners to drive collaboration and innovation.

Strategic Initiative Reporting:

• Report on GFT's initiatives and progress against key success metrics, via Monthly Operating Reviews (MORs) and other leadership forums/discussions.

• Prepare executive-level presentations and reports.

Learning and Development (L&D):

• Drive the Learning and Development agenda for the GFT group by identifying skill gaps and proposing initiatives.

• Collaborate with HR and business partners to implement learning programs that align with strategic objectives.

Continuous Improvement:

• Find opportunities for process improvement within strategy and planning functions.

• Lead initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of planning processes.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business Administration, Strategy, Technology, or a related field.

• Proven experience in strategy development, market analysis, and planning, preferably within the financial services or consulting.

• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data and market trends.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience in preparing executive-level reports.

• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical concepts into business- and value-focused language.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic relationships.

• Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• High level of proficiency with MS PowerPoint, Excel, PowerBI, Co-Pilot, SharePoint, Viva Engage.

• Experience integrating business and technology teams.

• Enthusiastic about people development, including team engagements and training.

• Advanced change enablement, project management (agile and waterfall), talent and training strategy are a plus.

• Must be willing to collaborate with teams in Asia in corresponding time zone.

• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and attention to details, along with comfort in assisting with administrative and reporting tasks as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An MBA degree or equivalent experience.

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

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.