Director, Strategy & Portfolio
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Job Summary
We are seeking a high-impact Director Strategy & Portfolio to lead strategic planning and enterprise portfolio execution for Canada Operations. This role is designed for a seasoned strategy leader who combines strategic rigor program management excellence executive influence and strong operational discipline with a deep appreciation for how technology and AI can unlock business value and transformation.
As a trusted advisor to senior leadership you will shape the strategic agenda drive enterprise-wide initiatives and embed technology- and data-enabled thinking into how we prioritize and execute work. You will operate at the intersection of strategy digital/AI transformation and delivery with the mandate to both define direction and ensure measurable outcomes.
This role requires an individual who is equally comfortable in the boardroom and in execution detail someone who can frame ambiguous problems translate emerging technology trends (including AI) into business opportunities influence senior stakeholders and mobilize teams to deliver against critical priorities.
Position Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Advisory
Lead structured hypothesis-driven problem solving on high-impact enterprise-level questions including those related to digital data and AI enablement
Provide independent thought leadership and challenge to shape decision-making bringing external perspective on technology trends automation and AI-driven business models
Translate complex analyses into clear compelling executive narratives and board-level materials incorporating both business and technology implications
Canada Ops Portfolio Leadership
Own the end-to-end strategy portfolio ensuring alignment to enterprise priorities and integration of digital and AI-driven initiatives
Establish and lead portfolio governance prioritization frameworks and operating cadence including evaluation of technology investments and ROI
Provide leadership with holistic data-driven visibility across initiatives including performance risks interdependencies and technology enablement progress
Transformation & Program Execution
Lead large-scale cross-functional strategic digital and AI-enabled transformation initiatives
Ensure initiatives are supported by clear business cases defined success metrics and scalable technology considerations
Champion best practices in program management accountability and delivery excellence including agile and product-oriented delivery approaches where appropriate
Intervene to unlock progress resolve complex cross-functional and technical challenges and maintain momentum
Stakeholder Influence & Alignment
Act as a trusted partner and advisor to senior leadership and cross-functional executives across business and technology teams
Build alignment across functions bridging business and technical stakeholders to drive cohesive outcomes
Foster a culture of accountability transparency innovation and continuous improvement particularly in leveraging data and AI capabilities
Qualifications:
10 years of experience in management consulting corporate strategy transformation or related leadership roles.
Proven success leading digital technology data or AI-enabled initiatives that drive business transformation and performance improvement.
Strong track record of advising senior executives and influencing enterprise-wide strategic operational and investment decisions.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional portfolios and large-scale programs with disciplined execution and measurable results.
Expertise in operating model design strategic transformation and technology-enabled business optimization.
Exceptional strategic thinking structured problem-solving and business judgment with the ability to balance innovation risk and value creation.
Advanced executive communication and storytelling skills with strong presentation development capabilities and executive presence.
Ability to translate emerging technologies into practical business strategies lead through influence navigate ambiguity and build high-performing teams.
When you join our team:
Well empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
Well recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.
As part of our global team well 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 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 .
Referenced Salary Location
Toronto OntarioWorking Arrangement
Salary range is expected to be between
$145130.00 CAD - $195130.00 CADEmployees 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 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 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.
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
Manulife is a leading financial services group. We provide financial advice, insurance, as well as wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions.
