AVP Strategic Operations Integration and Execution (Legal and Compliance)

Manulife • Waterloo, ON

10d • CA$129,800 - CA$241,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is part of the Law and Compliance (L & C) Strategy & Operations function and reports to the Deputy General Counsel, L&C Strategy & Operations. The AVP, Strategic Integration and Execution plays 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 of L&C and 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• 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
• 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

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.

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: Senior