Director, Disaster Recovery for Information Risk Management

Global Information Risk Management (GIRM) is an independent risk function that provides risk and controls guidance to a variety of stakeholders that information risks are appropriately managed and in alignment with risk appetite. GIRM is responsible for providing independent oversight of policies, procedures and standards concerning the measurement, monitoring, control and reporting of information risks. 

Reporting to the AVP of Information Risk Management, this role will be responsible for building and operationalizing the Disaster Recovery Center of Excellence (DR CoE) under GIRM. This role will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the centralized function to provide oversight and challenge over the implementation and compliance of the Disaster Recovery Standard. The Lead will collaborate with Technology Risk Management Practice Area (TRM PA) and segment Information Risk Officer (IRO) teams to ensure consistency, transparency, and effectiveness in DR oversight.

Position Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Recruit and onboard DR CoE team members, provide coaching and performance management.

• Team governance development: Define and maintain DR CoE SOP, SLA/KPIs and reporting templates.

• Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary liaison between the DR CoE and key stakeholders, including the TRM PA, segment IRO teams, and their business partners (e.g. DR coordinators.) Facilitate alignment on oversight expectations, testing schedules, and reporting requirements, ensuring consistent communication and collaboration across functions and geographies. Lead/Host an engaging session to gather feedback, comments and challenges, as well as providing a comprehensive and effective tracking mechanism to manage change.

• Disaster Recovery Oversight Execution: Coordinate the intake and prioritization of disaster recovery (DR) activities requiring oversight. Lead the team in performing independent challenges and review of DR tests, ensuring that observations and outcomes are clearly documented and stored in central repositories. Liaise with business partners to communicate oversight findings and monitor the creation and tracking of issues and corrective action plans (CAPs) where gaps are identified.

• Performance Reporting: Develop and deliver regular DR CoE performance reports on progress of activities, outcome, gaps and remediations, as well as metrics reporting to senior leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 7-9 years of experience in information risk management plus strong knowledge of disaster recovery, risks and controls

• Broad knowledge of financial services/insurance business and related products

• In-depth knowledge in information systems architecture, infrastructure and application recovery, and DR testing methodologies. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, and operational risk assessment tools such as RCSA, Incidents and Losses, Root Cause Analysis, Scenario Analysis

• High proficiency in MS Office Products and data analytics tools such as PowerBI is a PLUS

• Solid written and oral communication skills

• Strong influencing skills with the ability to build effective relationships, both within and across divisions

• Detail-oriented with excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically

• Self-starter with the ability to work with little guidance

• University undergraduate degree

• Ability to manage a team of high skilled and seasoned risk and/or IT professionals

• Must be able to handle multiple competing priorities

• Influence individuals to modify risk management behavior

• Support budget and resource management for the CoE team

Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP)

• Certified Business Resilience IT Professional (CBRITP)

• CISA/CISM/CISSP/CRISC

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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