Director of AI and Innovation

This a strategic leadership opportunity to shape and drive the AI and innovation agenda for Actuarial, Capital, and Reinsurance IT. 

The Director of AI and Innovation will play a key role in modernizing our actuarial and capital platforms, applying advanced analytics and AI to improve decision-making, risk management, and operational efficiency. 

This role will partner closely with business and technology leaders globally to turn ideas into scalable, compliant solutions that deliver measurable value. The successful candidate will gain visibility across senior leadership, lead a high-impact portfolio of initiatives, and help define how AI is used across a complex, global insurance organization.

Position Responsibilities: 

• Define and own the AI and innovation strategy for Actuarial, Capital, and Reinsurance IT, aligned with enterprise data, technology, and business priorities. 
• Identify, prioritize, and deliver a portfolio of AI, ML, and advanced analytics use cases (e.g., pricing, capital optimization, reserving, reinsurance) in partnership with Actuarial, Risk, and Finance stakeholders. 
• Lead cross-functional teams (business, data, architecture, engineering, and vendors) to design, build, and scale AI solutions and platforms using “data as a product” and modern engineering practices. 
• Establish and champion standards, guardrails, and best practices for responsible AI, model governance, data quality, and integration with actuarial systems. 
• Drive change management, adoption, and value realization, including communication, training, and measurable outcome tracking for AI-enabled capabilities.

Required Qualifications: 

• 10+ years of progressive experience in data, analytics, actuarial technology, or related fields within financial services or insurance. 
• 5+ years of hands-on experience leading AI/ML, advanced analytics, or data platform initiatives (e.g., cloud, model lifecycle management) from concept to production. 
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, or a related discipline. 
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex technology projects in a matrixed, global environment.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working with actuarial, capital, or reinsurance functions and systems (e.g., GGY/AXIS, capital models, reinsurance administration platforms). 
• Knowledge of cloud platforms and data technologies (e.g., Azure, Databricks,, modern data lakes, APIs) and AI/ML frameworks. 
• Prior leadership role driving engineering, digital transformation, or AI strategy in a large enterprise. 
• Strong understanding of model risk management, data governance, and regulatory expectations related to AI and analytics in financial services. 
• Graduate degree (e.g., MSc, PhD, MBA) and/or actuarial designations or credentials (e.g., ASA, FSA) are strong assets.

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

Salary range is expected to be between

Employees 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 [email protected] 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 [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.