Head of Legal Shared Services

As the Head of Legal Shared Services, you will sit in the Law, Compliance & Government Relations (LCG) function (1,300+ employees globally) and will report to the Head of LCG Operations & Strategy (based in Toronto, Canada). The LCG Operations & Strategy team is responsible for global LCG operations and strategy – North America, Europe, Asia – and has cross-functional responsibilities/global oversight of the various initiatives within the function's teams. The LSS Manila team members work with the Law Department members to provide integrated legal support to the business units.

Position Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Management: Provide strong leadership to the LSS Manila team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Contribute to the development and implementation of an LSS strategy that supports the global Law Department strategy.

• Operational Excellence and Process Improvement: Ensure the development and implementation of operational structures, processes, policies and team culture that support smooth day to day operation of the LSS team, including identifying and implementing best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance (i) efficiency and service quality of team locally and (ii) success of business units being supported by LSS team members.

• Resource Management: Oversee resource identification and allocation needs, such as budget management, staff recruitment and equipment needs, to ensure the team's effectiveness.

• Talent Management and Staff Development: Lead performance reviews of LSS team members including calibration within and across local and relevant global teams and working with relevant stakeholders to develop a professional career framework. Support the professional development and training of team members to enhance their skills and knowledge in general legal matters and coordinate with relevant specialists regarding relevant business unit specific legal training. 

• Problem Resolution: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to resolve complex, operational and organizational issues or challenges that may arise within the team or between the team and others.

• Reporting and Communication: Providing regular reports and updates to the Head LCG Strategy & Operations, and any other relevant senior management or stakeholders, on the performance and progress of LSS as well as facilitating effective communication within the team that achieves robust decision-making, strong partnerships and effective execution.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including ICS Manila, other departments, clients, and relevant regulatory bodies. Act as a key point of contact for all LSS-related matters.

• Financial Management: Oversee the budget and financial performance of LSS, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial sustainability including the identification and execution of offshoring targets, and balancing financials with hiring demands.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: A degree in Law or related field. An advanced degree or professional certification is preferred.

• Experience: At least 10 years of legal experience with a strong background in legal operations and management. Prior experience in a similar leadership role is highly desirable.

• Excellent leadership, management, strategic planning and organizational skills

• Exceptional communication, influence and interpersonal skills with all organizational levels, both verbally and in writing

• Strong financial acumen and project management skills including experience with financial reporting and managing financial plans and budgets.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities both independently and as a member of a team

• Strategic thinker, adept at operational and organizational design.

• Demonstrable change management skills and continuous improvement mindset.

• Global enterprise mindset with an ability to lead cross and multi-functionally.

• Proactive, solution-oriented approach with the ability to manage in unstructured situations with innovative and creative thinking.

• International travel and mobility may be required.

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

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

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