Manulife is seeking an experienced lawyer to join our team as AVP & Senior Counsel, Canada Law to provide sophisticated and strategic legal advice and deliver practical, timely and cost-effective support for matters related to Manulife’s Canada Segment Operations and Technology functions, which impact all of Manulife’s Canadian businesses, including Individual Insurance, Group Benefits, Affinity and Manulife Bank of Canada. 

The AVP & Senior Counsel will report to the Chief Counsel, Manulife Bank and Canada Law.  This individual will interact with the senior management of Canada Segment Operations and Technology, as well as the various Canadian businesses.

Position Responsibilities:

• Providing sophisticated and strategic legal advice that delivers practical, timely, aligned and cost-effective support for matters related to all Canada Segment Operations and Technology, including digital customer leadership, data governance and support for Manulife’s compliance functions.

• Collaborate and work closely with senior leaders as well as legal and compliance colleagues across Canada Segment to ensure the seamless delivery of legal support for all operation and technology activities aligned with Canada Segment’s strategic priorities, goals and objectives.

• Provide, and lead as required, analysis and recommendations concerning developing legislation and regulations affecting the various Canadian businesses.

• Support the business unit Chief Counsels in Canada Segment in the provision of legal services. 

• As required,

  • work closely with colleagues in Distribution, Compliance, Corporate Governance, Privacy, Cyber, Anti-fraud and Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs to manage incidents that involve Canada Segment Operations and Technology, and

  • mentor lawyers on Canada Segment matters generally.

Required Qualifications:

• Law degree and admission to a provincial Bar required, along with at least 10 years of relevant experience.

• Understanding of the legal regulatory requirements that apply to the various Manulife businesses in Canada.

• Experience with legal issues related to technology law and policy administration, complaint resolution, the distribution of financial products and services, digital transformation and data management. 

• Proven ability to work independently, efficiently, collaboratively, and strategically under substantial time pressure.

• Ability to ask the right questions to quickly assess internal client and customer needs and provide timely support.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels of the organization, including senior management.

• Demonstration of exceptional client service as well as the practical application of analytical skills and exercise of sound judgment.

• Proven ability to collaborate and adapt to rapidly changing demands and expectations.

• Demonstrated leadership in building and maintaining strong, trustworthy working relationships with clients, management, and colleagues.

• Bilingual, English and French, is an asset.

Preferred Qualifications:

• You are adaptable and open to change.

• You work collaboratively, independently, strategically and using sound judgement.

• You effectively engage and influence others – building strong relationships with our business partners and across the organization.

• You prioritize and make risk-based decisions in a fast-paced environment.

• You thrive in agile team environments, quick to learn and motivated by complex problem-solving.

• You are enthusiastic about leveraging data and technology to provide legal solutions to our business partners.

• You effectively and clearly communicate complex legal concepts (written and spoken).

• You have excellent analytical, interpretive and research skills.

• You embody our values in your work:

  • Own it

  • Think big

  • Obsess about our customers

  • Do the right thing

  • Get it done together

  • Share your humanity

Location: Hybrid – 3 days a week in our Toronto, Montreal or Waterloo offices.

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

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 [email protected].

Waterloo, OntarioHybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$123,400.00 CAD - $229,300.00 CAD

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [email protected] 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 [email protected] for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.