The Opportunity

The VP, Head of AI, Canada is a strategic leader dedicated to advancing AI capabilities across all of the Canadian businesses including Group Benefits, Individual Insurance, Affinity Markets, and Manulife Bank.  The leader will direct a team of data scientists and ML engineers to identify AI opportunities, develop innovative models and implement AI solutions that enhance business operations.  

This position dual reports to the Global Chief Analytics Officer and the Canada Segment Chief Marketing Officer. The VP will lead a team of direct and/or indirect reports and consultants and work closely with senior leadership to drive data-driven business outcomes. AI solutions will span Distribution, Underwriting, Claims, Fraud Detection and Disability Management, among other areas of the business. 

Our global ambition is to become the most digital and customer-centric organization in our industry, and to be a leader in AI. The VP plays a key leadership role in developing and executing on our strategy and bold ambition. 

  

 Key Responsibilities: 

• Vision and Culture: Define a vision for AI that aligns with business strategy and priorities, fostering a diverse and inclusive culture consistent with the organization’s values.  
• AI Strategy and Execution: Lead the development and execution of AI strategies that deliver significant value to the business and align with organizational goals. 
• AI Advocacy: Promote the adoption of AI across the organization, educating stakeholders on its transformative potential and value. 
• Innovative AI Solutions: Oversee the design, development, and deployment of AI-driven models and solutions that enhance business outcomes. 
• Opportunity Identification: Identify and evaluate AI opportunities, advising senior management and stakeholders on capabilities, risks, and limitations, and developing mitigation strategies. 
• Technical Leadership: Partner with IT in technical design discussions for AI projects, ensuring clear communication and understanding of technical requirements among stakeholders. 
• Performance Metrics: Develop key performance indicators to assess the success of AI projects and ensure AI requirements are integrated into major initiatives. 
• Collaboration: Work closely with IT, Ops, Business teams and control partners to align AI strategies with global delivery and risk frameworks. Collaborate early in the process to ensure timely issue resolution and risk mitigation. 
• Program Management: Steer AI projects, build effective teams, and ensure timely completion of deliverables, resolving issues promptly. 

• Trend Analysis and Expertise: Stay informed about emerging trends and developments in AI, assessing their impact and collaborating with senior management to incorporate new technologies into strategic plans. 
• External Positioning: Support our ambition to be a leader in AI by participating in industry events and engaging in public dialog. 
• Industry Expertise: Leverage a deep understanding of insurance industry value drivers and operating models to inform AI initiatives, focusing on areas such as mortality, morbidity, product profitability, customer acquisition, claims, and distribution models.  
• Global Leadership: As a member of the global AI leadership team, contribute to Manulife’s enterprise AI strategy development and execution in partnership with AI leaders from other businesses. 

Job Requirements: 

• 15 years of increasing experience of data science and advanced analytics that directly align to the responsibilities of this position. 
• Proven track record of implementing innovations at a large organization, collaborating across a matrix organization to achieve buy-in. 
• Knowledge of technology solutions used in the development and deployment of AI solutions, including underlying data capabilities. 
• A demonstrated track record of consistently meeting and/or exceeding performance expectations. 
• Knowledge of key players in the analytics space including vendors and consultants as well as best practices used by competition or adjacent industries. 
• Advanced degrees in statistics, computer science or mathematics an asset. 

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].

Referenced Salary Location

Toronto, OntarioHybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$171,200.00 CAD - $317,700.00 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.