AVP Strategic Operations Integration and Execution (Legal and Compliance)

This role is part of the LawandCompliance (L&C) Strategy & Operations function and reports to the Deputy General Counsel, L&C Strategy & Operations.

The AVP,Strategic Integrationand Executionplays a critical leadership role in advancing the effectiveness, alignment, and execution of the Strategy & Operations function. The role works closely with senior leaders responsible for Strategic Integration, Data & Technology, and Operations Enablement to ensure priorities are clearly defined, well-integrated, and delivered effectively in support ofL&Cand enterprise objectives.

This position contributes to shaping the Strategy & Operations vision and roadmap, strengthening alignment across focus areas, and supporting the successful delivery of transformation and operational initiatives.

Position Responsibilities

• Partner with the Deputy General Counsel, L&C Strategy & Operations to define and evolve the function’s vision, mandate, and strategic priorities.

• Support development and maintenance of integrated annual and multi-year strategic plans.

• Ensure alignment of Strategy & Operations initiatives with L&C and enterprise strategies and objectives.

• Drive coordination and alignment across key focus areas, including: Strategic Integration, Data and Technology and Operations Enablement.

• Ensure initiatives are connected across planning, data, and execution layers to support coherent outcomes.

• Identify interdependencies, overlaps, and opportunities for alignment across initiatives and teams.

• Support the advancement of key transformation initiatives within Strategy & Operations focus areas, including: Technology and digital enablement initiatives, Data and analytics capabilities, Process and operating model improvements.

• Promote consistent approaches to initiative planning, governance, prioritization, and execution within the Strategy & Operations team and across L&C.

• Ensure initiatives are structured to deliver measurable outcomes aligned with business objectives.

• Support alignment with key stakeholders across L&C, including legal leadership, business, technology, risk, finance and AI partners, and enterprise functions.

• Support engagement approaches that enable clarity of priorities, alignment of expectations, and effective delivery of initiatives.

• Actively contribute to or lead resolution of complex or inter-functional and cross-functional issues impacting Strategy & Operations initiatives.

• Establish and support continuous improvement of frameworks for: Initiative prioritization and sequencing, Resource alignment across competing priorities and Performance tracking and reporting

• Oversee development and continuous improvement of executive-level reporting, dashboards, and materials to provide transparency on progress and outcomes.

• Support ongoing evaluation and refinement of priorities and resource alignment based on evolving business needs.

• Promote consistent use of frameworks, tools, and methodologies across the Strategy & Operations and L&C function.

• Support adoption of leading practices in strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and transformation execution.

• Contribute to the evolution of operating models and approaches that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability.

• Support development of team skills and capabilities.

• Partner with the Deputy General Counsel to drive execution of the Strategy & Operations and L&C workforce, technology, AI etc. roadmaps.

• Lead development of executive materials, strategic updates, and communications to enable effective decision-making.

• Own and advance key cross-functional initiatives, ensuring alignment, momentum and delivery outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in legal, compliance, or regulated environments, including leadership roles in strategy, operations, or transformation

• Strong understanding of legal function operations and industry dynamics

• Experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and delivering against strategic priorities

• Demonstrated ability to influence and align senior stakeholders

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and executive communication skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Proven ability to foster growth and development of team member skills and capabilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in legal operations and compliance, including technology, data, AI, and process enablement

• Experience as a lawyer working in global or multi-regional environments

• Background in strategy, consulting, or enterprise transformation

• Familiarity with data, analytics, AI, and digital enablement capabilities

Education and Professional Qualifications

• University degree in Business, Law, Finance, Public Policy, or a related field required

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, JD/LLB, or Master’s in a related discipline) strongly preferred

• Advanced Legal domain knowledge or experience required

• Compliance domain expertise or demonstrated experience operating in a regulated industry considered an asset

• Education or demonstrated capability in data, analytics, technology, or digital transformation is considered an asset

• Relevant professional designations or certifications (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma, Prosci, Change Management) are considered an asset

Leadership & Competencies Profile

• Strategic and enterprise-oriented mindset

• Strong collaboration and alignment skills across functions

• Effective communicator with ability to influence at senior levels

• Outcome-oriented with strong prioritization discipline

• Able to navigate complexity and drive clarity

• Proven ability to engage and develop team members

• Strong pragmatic business judgment and financial acumen

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 .

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 <.

Referenced Salary Location

Toronto, Ontario

Working Arrangement

Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$129,800.00 CAD - $241,200.00 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 < 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 < 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.