We are seeking a high-impact Director, Strategy & Portfolio to lead strategic planning and enterprise portfolio execution for Canada Operations. This role is designed for a seasoned strategy leader who combines strategic rigor, program management excellence, executive influence, and strong operational discipline, with a deep appreciation for how technology and AI can unlock business value and transformation. As a trusted advisor to senior leadership, you will shape the strategic agenda, drive enterprise-wide initiatives, and embed technology- and data-enabled thinking into how we prioritize and execute work. You will operate at the intersection of strategy, digital/AI transformation, and delivery, with the mandate to both define direction and ensure measurable outcomes. This role requires an individual who is equally comfortable in the boardroom and in execution detail, someone who can frame ambiguous problems, translate emerging technology trends (including AI) into business opportunities, influence senior stakeholders, and mobilize teams to deliver against critical priorities. Position Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Advisory Lead structured, hypothesis-driven problem solving on high-impact, enterprise-level questions, including those related to digital, data, and AI enablement Provide independent thought leadership and challenge to shape decision-making, bringing external perspective on technology trends, automation, and AI-driven business models Translate complex analyses into clear, compelling executive narratives and board-level materials, incorporating both business and technology implications Canada Ops Portfolio Leadership Own the end-to-end strategy portfolio, ensuring alignment to enterprise priorities and integration of digital and AI-driven initiatives Establish and lead portfolio governance, prioritization frameworks, and operating cadence, including evaluation of technology investments and ROI Provide leadership with holistic, data-driven visibility across initiatives, including performance, risks, interdependencies, and technology enablement progress Transformation & Program Execution Lead large-scale, cross-functional strategic, digital, and AI-enabled transformation initiatives Ensure initiatives are supported by clear business cases, defined success metrics, and scalable technology considerations Champion best practices in program management, accountability, and delivery excellence, including agile and product-oriented delivery approaches where appropriate Intervene to unlock progress, resolve complex cross-functional and technical challenges, and maintain momentum Stakeholder Influence & Alignment Act as a trusted partner and advisor to senior leadership and cross-functional executives across business and technology teams Build alignment across functions, bridging business and technical stakeholders to drive cohesive outcomes Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, innovation, and continuous improvement, particularly in leveraging data and AI capabilities Qualifications: 10+ years of experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, transformation, or related leadership roles. Proven success leading digital, technology, data, or AI-enabled initiatives that drive business transformation and performance improvement. Strong track record of advising senior executives and influencing enterprise-wide strategic, operational, and investment decisions. Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional portfolios and large-scale programs with disciplined execution and measurable results. Expertise in operating model design, strategic transformation, and technology-enabled business optimization. Exceptional strategic thinking, structured problem-solving, and business judgment, with the ability to balance innovation, risk, and value creation. Advanced executive communication and storytelling skills, with strong presentation development capabilities and executive presence. Ability to translate emerging technologies into practical business strategies, lead through influence, navigate ambiguity, and build high-performing teams. 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 hr@manulife.com. Referenced Salary Location Toronto, Ontario Working Arrangement Hybrid Salary range is expected to be between $145,130.00 CAD - $195,130.00 CAD 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 hr@manulife.com 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 hr@manulife.com 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 are committed to creating a workplace that offers unlimited opportunities for employees to realize their career goals. Whether it’s working abroad, exploring a new career direction or simply progressing in their chosen field, we help our employees reach their full potential.