The Director, Underwriting Transformation & Delivery leads the execution of individual insurance underwriting transformation initiatives and oversees Underwriting's participation in product, platform, operational, and business change programs across the Canada Segment. The role leads a team of underwriting subject matter experts and business analysts who support initiatives impacting underwriting and new business operations. Accountable for delivering transformation initiatives aligned to the long‑term underwriting vision, the Director drives process modernization, operational improvements, and business readiness efforts that enhance underwriting effectiveness, customer and advisor experiences, operational efficiency, and risk management outcomes. Working closely with Product, New Business, Operations, Technology, Distribution, Risk Management, and Compliance, the Director ensures underwriting expertise, requirements, and risk considerations are effectively incorporated into business initiatives, enabling successful delivery and meaningful business outcomes.
Position Responsibilities Underwriting Transformation & Continuous Improvement Lead the delivery of underwriting transformation initiatives aligned to the long-term underwriting vision and business objectives. Identify and implement opportunities to improve underwriting effectiveness, operational efficiency, customer experience, and risk management outcomes. Drive change management, business readiness, and adoption activities to ensure sustainable business benefits.
Product & Platform Enablement Oversee Underwriting's participation in product launches, product enhancements, platform modernization efforts, and other business initiatives. Ensure underwriting requirements, operational impacts, and risk considerations are appropriately incorporated into solution design and delivery. Support successful implementation of business changes through underwriting expertise, impact assessments, and readiness planning. Build strong partnerships across Product, New Business, Operations, Technology, Distribution, Risk Management, Compliance, and other key stakeholder groups.
Portfolio Delivery & Resource Leadership Establish priorities and manage Underwriting's participation across multiple concurrent initiatives. Ensure underwriting resources are effectively allocated to support business objectives and delivery commitments. Monitor initiative progress and elevate risks, issues, dependencies, and resource constraints as appropriate. Ensure appropriate governance, controls, and risk management practices are embedded throughout initiative delivery.
Talent Development Lead and develop a team of underwriting subject matter experts and business analysts. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and innovation. Build organizational capability in underwriting systems, processes, and business transformation.
Required Qualifications 10+ years of experience in life insurance underwriting, recent business operations, product development,



business transformation, or related functions.
5+ years of leadership experience delivering large-scale business transformation, operational improvement, product implementation, or platform modernization initiatives.
Demonstrated experience leading cross‑functional teams through complex business and technology change initiatives.
Strong understanding of underwriting philosophies, processes, systems, and risk assessment practices.
Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive outcomes across multiple business functions.
Experience partnering with Product, Technology, Operations, Risk Management, and Distribution teams.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, Risk Management, or a related field.
Proven people leadership and talent development experience.
Strong strategic thinking and execution skills.
Exceptional executive communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
Ability to lead and collaborate across cross‑functional teams.
Sound judgment with a risk‑based approach to decision‑making.
Strong prioritization, problem‑solving, and execution capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications Project management, change management, or operational excellence certifications considered an asset.
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 [email protected].
Referenced Salary Location CAN, Ontario, Toronto, 250 Bloor Street East Working Arrangement Hybrid Salary range is expected to be between $125,100.00 CAD - $175,100.00 CAD. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [email protected] for the salary range for your location.
health
dental
mental health
vision
short- and long‑term disability
life and AD&D; insurance coverage
adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits
employee/family assistance plans
various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions)
financial education and counseling resources
holidays
vacation
personal days
sick days
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.
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.
We're Manulife. And we’re on a mission to make decisions easier and lives better. Better is what drives us. It’s what inspires us to find new ways to support customers and colleagues in living longer and healthier lives. It’s the reason we’re dedicated to investing in digital innovation and accelerating a sustainable and economically inclusive future.
Joining us means you’ll be empowered to learn and grow your career. We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible setting where well‑being and inclusion are more than just words. And as part of our global team, you’ll help shape the future you want to see – and discover that better can take you anywhere you want to go.
Recent awards include 2024 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Winner
Manulife Named one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2023 Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2023
We’ve been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2024)
Manulife included in Bloomberg’s 2023 Gender‑Equality Index
Learn more at https://www.manulife.com/.

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📌 Director, Underwriting Transformation & Delivery (Ontario)
🏢 Manulife Insurance Malaysia
📍 Ontario