The IT Portfolio Director for Group Functions Technology (GFT) is responsible for overseeing the planning, prioritization, and delivery of technology initiatives that support the strategic goals of the Group Functions organization. This role manages a diverse book of work, ensuring alignment with business objectives, effective resource allocation, and disciplined execution across the portfolio. Reporting to the AVP, Technology Business Strategy & Management, the IT Portfolio Director collaborates closely with senior leaders, project managers, and shared services teams to support portfolio governance and strategic execution. This position offers exposure to a broad range of disciplines across Global Risk Management and plays a critical role in driving operational excellence.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead the oversight and execution of the technology project portfolio, ensuring initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned to strategic business objectives.
• Develop and maintain a multi‑year portfolio roadmap, lead quarterly planning activities, and support governance practices including ODF, DOA, and risk frameworks.
• Provide leadership to project managers across onshore and offshore teams, ensuring adherence to delivery methodologies, risk mitigation strategies, and program governance requirements.
• Optimize resource and capacity planning across the portfolio, partnering with finance and business stakeholders to ensure transparency in forecasts, expenditures, and prioritization.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and serve as the primary escalation point for portfolio issues, providing insights and recommendations through reporting and analytics.

Required Qualifications

• Approximately 10 years of experience in portfolio management, program management, or related leadership roles within a technology environment.
• 5–7 years of experience leading technology projects using project management, SDLC, and Agile delivery methodologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Proven analytical and problem‑solving abilities, including the ability to synthesize large volumes of information into actionable insights.
• Experience in resource management, strategic planning, and understanding of technology platforms and enterprise environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting technology initiatives in financial or operational risk management domains.
• Strong understanding of industry trends and the broader business environment.
• Experience partnering with finance teams on budgeting, forecasting, and portfolio spend transparency.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder groups and resolve escalations effectively.
• Ability to drive continuous improvements in reporting, analytics, and portfolio governance practices.

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.

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 $113,260.00 CAD - $210,340.00 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.