Assistant Vice President, GFT People and Communications Technology

Manulife • Toronto, ON

4d • CA$129,800 - CA$241,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

Assistant Vice President is responsible for the Group Function Technology (GFT) team that provides end-to-end technology support for operations and delivery for global business partners in our People (HR) and Communications organizations. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and drive the IT strategy and vision, significantly contributing to our mission of continuously enhancing the colleague’s experience. The AVP will lead innovation through the development and implementation of global technology strategies, overseeing technology integration and solution delivery to enhance operational efficiency. As the primary liaison for technology services, the candidate will ensure seamless communication and project governance, while managing vendor relationships to uphold service excellence. This position provides a platform for professional growth through leadership in advanced technology operations and collaboration with senior leaders, enhancing business value and supporting strategic decision-making through analytics and automation.

Requirements

• BS/BA or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems or related field
• At least 5-7 years of expanding responsibility and experience in product ownership and leading systems initiatives for group functions business stakeholders
• Effective collaboration with customers, vendors, partners and team members at all organization levels
• Experience in crafting and building domain-specific solutions with an ability to complete rapid prototyping or proof of concept pilots, using AI or other new technologies
• Experience in defining and implementing Safe Agile Continuous Delivery framework or similar framework to effectively complete project delivery
• Direct experience supporting operational teams and service management to achieve operational SLA’s
• Understanding of key industry control frameworks and practices such as ITIL, COSO, COBIT, etc.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of systems architecture, infrastructure security and applications
• Ability to interpret and understand Technology Risk policies and standards as well as Internal Audit practices and processes
• In-depth technical understanding of enterprise computing solutions encompassing cloud hosting, SaaS models, and oversight responsibilities
• Demonstrate proactive business judgment and decision-making skills to consistently provide sound and effective business decisions
• Proven interpersonal skills: two-way communications skills (oral and written), ability to build relationships, engage and influence at all levels of the organization, work with a diverse internal customer base, interact in ways that gain acceptance and commitment and resolve conflicts
• Able to work quickly and effectively under pressure and to efficiently handle multiple priorities simultaneously

Nice To Haves

• Experienced in senior level leadership and people management across multiple locations, with a history of fostering successful teams
• Creative problem solver
• Highly adaptable and comfortable working in, and through, ambiguity and change.
• Self-starter, results oriented, and highly motivated great teammate who can work both independently and multi-functionally
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing projects and priorities under time pressure without compromising quality
• Demonstrated understanding for the complex and ever-changing regulatory environment
• International exposure and ability to work with a variety of cultures and perspectives
• Strategic problem solver, solves problems beyond daily business operations, develops a clear vision for the business, and takes a long-term view
• Strong operations efficiency orientation (process, costing, etc.) and ability to effectively manage ongoing operations within budget targets while finding opportunities for ongoing efficiency
• Strong business insight, understanding of the business
• Creative, proactive and pragmatic

Responsibilities

• Heading the People and Communications technology programs at Manulife John Hancock, providing groundbreaking insights and nurturing an encouraging partnership with GFT.
• Handling all technology delivery and operational roles, services, and budgets within GFT, ensuring that the vision aligns with business goals globally and operates within budget targets.
• Supporting compliance with the risk and security standards.
• Developing a comprehensive talent strategy to nurture IT professionals and GFT culture.
• Focus on continuous improvement through optimization efficiencies, migrating to application architecture standards, and implementing a strategic vendor management plan.
• Drive AI enablement and governance across People and Communications platforms, ensuring responsible use, regulatory compliance, and delivery of measurable business value through automation and advanced analytics.

Benefits

• 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.
• various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions)
• financial education and counseling resources.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree