Lead Release Train Engineer

As a Lead Release Train Engineer (Director), you will lead and optimize large-scale Agile delivery across multiple teams within an Agile Release Train (ART). This role focuses on enabling predictable, high-quality delivery while fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and alignment between strategy and execution. You will partner with cross-functional leaders to improve delivery systems, support decision-making, and help teams deliver value efficiently and sustainably.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead and improve the end-to-end flow of work across an Agile Release Train to support alignment and delivery outcomes
• Facilitate program-level events such as Program Increment (PI) Planning, ART syncs, system demos, and retrospectives
• Translate business priorities into clear Program Increment objectives and track progress against delivery goals
• Identify and address risks, dependencies, and impediments, escalating when needed with recommendations
• Partner with Product and Engineering leaders to support prioritization and value delivery
• Provide visibility into delivery health, capacity, and resource needs
• Use Agile metrics (e.g., velocity, throughput, predictability) to identify improvement opportunities
• Coach leaders, Scrum Masters, and teams on Agile practices, mindset, and effective collaboration
• Promote an inclusive, collaborative, and psychologically safe team environment
• Continuously improve ways of working by incorporating industry-leading Agile practices

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in Agile delivery, program management, and scaled Agile environments, including defining, implementing, and operating a SAFe‑based delivery practice at the program and portfolio level.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience using Agile delivery and portfolio tooling (e.g., Jira and Confluence) to support scaled delivery, governance, and continuous improvement in large or complex enterprise environments.
• Experience facilitating large-scale planning events and coordinating across multiple teams
• Knowledge of Agile frameworks (e.g., SAFe), delivery metrics, and program governance practices
• Ability to influence stakeholders and translate strategy into actionable plans

Preferred Qualifications:

• SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE), SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), or Agile coaching certification
• Experience delivering technology programs in financial services or other regulated industries
• Familiarity with DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and system or solution architecture
• Experience supporting organizations through transformation or growth initiatives
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, including experience working with senior stakeholders

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.  

 

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

Waterloo, OntarioHybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$113,260.00 CAD - $210,340.00 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.