The Distribution Risk function (L1B) is responsible for ensuring that the company’s distribution channels adhere to competency standards and operate ethically and compliantly. This role supports the Lead, Distribution Risk Governance in ensuring that distribution activities operate within defined risk tolerances, regional risk exercises are performed (e.g. RCSA) and that governance forums drive forward‑looking, risk‑based decisions. Additionally, this role ensures that risks identified through monitoring and governance activities are accurately assessed, appropriately escalated, and sustainably remediated.

Position Responsibilities:

1. Distribution Risk Governance & Committees

• Act as the primary risk governance advisor for distribution and challenge incomplete/ weakly supported proposals before approval
• Own the content and positioning of distribution risk governance discussions, ensuring meetings focus on key risks, emerging concerns, and decision points, rather than operational matters.
• Ensure governance discussions lead to clear management actions and accountability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective management of operational risks.
• Support distribution teams in Fair Dealing initiatives

2. Policies, Standards & Risk Assessments

• Provide clear and practical policies and guidance related to distribution risk governance.
• Monitor regulatory and market trends to ensure distribution channels remain compliant with relevant laws and standards.
• Partner with regional L2 functions on control library updates, methodology alignment, and initiatives (e.g. OneFraud) to ensure they are fit for purpose.
• Lead and support distribution in performing Risk Controls Self-assessment (RCSA) and Fraud Risk Control Assessment.

3. Bancassurance Support

• Act as the main Line 1B risk advisor for bancassurance, providing distribution risk support and ensuring consistency with broader distribution standards

4. Regional & Cross‑Entity Alignment

• Represent local Distribution Risk Governance in regional L1B forums.
• Ensure local governance positions reflect regional expectations and vice versa

5. Remediation Effectiveness & Outcome Assurance

• Review key risk issues raised from monitoring, incidents, or reviews
• Check whether the explanations and follow‑up actions are clear, realistic, and sufficient
• Identify gaps where issues may be underestimated or action plans may not fix root causes
• Partner with Sales Process and Advisory Lead in Service Recovery Exercises

6. Thematic Reviews

• Conduct deep‑dive reviews on selected topics (e.g. repeat sales issues, supervisory gaps)
• Identify patterns that suggest broader problems and propose remediation

7. Review/ Audit Coordination

• Act as Line 1B assurance focal point for Internal Audit and Compliance reviews
• Review materials before audits, inspections, or senior committee discussions
• Support the lead by strengthening explanations and evidence

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of Operational Risk, Business Risk or Compliance Advisory experience in the financial industry.
• Good understanding of distribution processes, regulatory expectations, and/ or sales quality risks.
• Skilled in control design evaluation, testing methodologies, and evidence validation.
• High attention to detail and strong execution discipline; comfortable managing multiple moving parts.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.

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].

Hybrid