Director, Strategy and Business Management

Overview

Director of Strategy and Business Management – Manulife. Posted Sep 25, 2025. Full-time. Negotiable. Master (>10 yrs).

Reporting to MBPS COO, the Director of Strategy and Business Management will work closely with the COO Leadership Team and various senior stakeholders across GBS and global operations to develop and drive an integrated strategy for the COO function. The incumbent will also be accountable for the management of the function’s performance, portfolio of services and OPEX initiatives. A successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to navigate ambiguous, fluid and changing responsibilities and present findings and solutions to complex problems in a clear, concise, and decision-driven manner.

Position Responsibilities

• Structure problems, analyze data and present complex findings in a clear, concise, and decision-driven manner.
• Conduct research on emerging trends, dig deeper into the analyses where appropriate, synthesize recommendations and understand impact on the business.
• Serve as a thought partner to businesses and functions.
• Collaborate with GBS COEs such as Transitions Management, Operational Excellence, Learning & Development and Reporting COEs to ensure the COO function is well supported to deliver on operational excellence and governance commitments to the business.

Dynamics of the Role

• Support the office of the COO by instituting new ideas, frameworks and processes across the function and GBS, interacting with senior-level stakeholders.
• Work with ambiguous, fluid and changing responsibilities, and adapt to the dynamics of the group managing multiple ongoing initiatives.
• Think strategically while also focusing on critical details; provide superior analysis and reasoning, and clearly communicate issues and solutions.
• This is a global position requiring regular evening and/or early morning meetings.

Integrated Strategy for the Office of the COO

• Set and drive common goals, objectives and strategies aligned to the priorities of GBS, Segment Business Partners, and Global Operations.
• Provide insights to the COO and SLT, businesses and functional partners through research, analysis and framework development.
• Facilitate and support the process to bring together all COO teams in the development of the strategy, positioning GBS as the provider and employer of choice.
• Build presentations to support strategic business proposals and communication with extended stakeholders.

Planning & Portfolio Management

• Create and facilitate the plan and process for the Office of the COO strategic plan and roadmap.
• Collaborate with the COO Senior Leadership Team, HR and Transitions Management COE to plan and facilitate seamless transition of new work into and out of the function.
• Work with Finance, HR, Op-Ex and Senior Leadership Team to identify tangible actions/initiatives to meet expense targets and monitor progress.

Performance Management

• Manage monthly and weekly performance reporting activities, synthesize the function’s performance, analyze outliers, watch for trends and develop responses.
• Develop and manage measures of success for the COO organisation by aligning relevant KPIs to onshore and global standards and the objectives of GBS.
• Oversee the function’s training program and ensure onboarding and upskilling programs are effective.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience leading middle/back office operations.
• Knowledge of insurance and wealth products and processes.
• Multinational company experience working in global teams.
• LOMA, six sigma, Lean, BPM or COPC certification is an advantage.

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.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace diversity and 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 cultures and individuals. For more information, visit the Manulife site.

Working Arrangement

Hybrid

#J-18808-Ljbffr

---