Assistant Vice President, GFT People and Communications Technology

Assistant Vice President is responsible for the Group Function Technology (GFT) team that provides end-to-end technology support for operations and delivery for global business partners in our People (HR) and Communications organizations. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and drive the IT strategy and vision, significantly contributing to our mission of continuously enhancing the colleague’s experience. 

The AVP will lead innovation through the development and implementation of global technology strategies, overseeing technology integration and solution delivery to enhance operational efficiency. As the primary liaison for technology services, the candidate will ensure seamless communication and project governance, while managing vendor relationships to uphold service excellence. 

This position provides a platform for professional growth through leadership in advanced technology operations and collaboration with senior leaders, enhancing business value and supporting strategic decision-making through analytics and automation.

Position Responsibilities:  

• Heading the People and Communications technology programs at Manulife John Hancock, providing groundbreaking insights and nurturing an encouraging partnership with GFT. 
• Handling all technology delivery and operational roles, services, and budgets within GFT, ensuring that the vision aligns with business goals globally and operates within budget targets. 
• Your role includes supporting compliance with the risk and security standards and developing a comprehensive talent strategy to nurture IT professionals and GFT culture. 
• Focus on continuous improvement through optimization efficiencies, migrating to application architecture standards, and implementing a strategic vendor management plan. 

Required Qualifications: 

• BS/BA or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems or related field 
• At least 5-7 years of expanding responsibility and experience in product ownership and leading systems initiatives for group functions business stakeholders 
• Effective collaboration with customers, vendors, partners and team members at all organization levels 
• Experience in crafting and building domain-specific solutions with an ability to complete rapid prototyping or proof of concept pilots, using AI or other new technologies 
• Experience in defining and implementing Safe Agile Continuous Delivery framework or similar framework to effectively complete project delivery 
• Direct experience supporting operational teams and service management to achieve operational SLA’s 
• Understanding of key industry control frameworks and practices such as ITIL, COSO, COBIT, etc. 
• Broad knowledge and understanding of systems architecture, infrastructure security and applications 
• Ability to interpret and understand Technology Risk policies and standards as well as Internal Audit practices and processes 
• In-depth technical understanding of enterprise computing solutions encompassing cloud hosting, SaaS models, and oversight responsibilities 
• Drive AI enablement and governance across People and Communications platforms, ensuring responsible use, regulatory compliance, and delivery of measurable business value through automation and advanced analytics. 
• Demonstrate proactive business judgment and decision-making skills to consistently provide sound and effective business decisions 
• Proven interpersonal skills: two-way communications skills (oral and written), ability to build relationships, engage and influence at all levels of the organization, work with a diverse internal customer base, interact in ways that gain acceptance and commitment and resolve conflicts 
• Able to work quickly and effectively under pressure and to efficiently handle multiple priorities simultaneously 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experienced in senior level leadership and people management across multiple locations, with a history of fostering successful teams 
• Creative problem solver 
• Highly adaptable and comfortable working in, and through, ambiguity and change. 
• Self-starter, results oriented, and highly motivated great teammate who can work both independently and multi-functionally 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing projects and priorities under time pressure without compromising quality 
• Demonstrated understanding for the complex and ever-changing regulatory environment 
• International exposure and ability to work with a variety of cultures and perspectives 
• Strategic problem solver, solves problems beyond daily business operations, develops a clear vision for the business, and takes a long-term view 
• Strong operations efficiency orientation (process, costing, etc.) and ability to effectively manage ongoing operations within budget targets while finding opportunities for ongoing efficiency 
• Strong business insight, understanding of the business 
• Creative, proactive and pragmatic 

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
 

The role being advertised is an existing vacancy.

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 hr@manulife.com.

Referenced Salary Location

Toronto, OntarioHybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$129,800.00 CAD - $241,200.00 CAD

Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. 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. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact hr@manulife.com for the salary range for your location.

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 hr@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.

We use data and analytics technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and automated processing tools, to analyze and process the information you provide to us or third parties in the application process. For more information, please refer to our personal information collection statement.