Head of UW Transformation

Manulife • Boston, MA

19d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of Underwriting Innovation will lead the strategic modernization of underwriting operations, aligning with enterprise-wide manufacturing and insurance goals. These transformation initiatives will be powered by advanced AI technologies, including GenAI, predictive analytics, and automation platforms. The successful candidate must be comfortable working with AI-driven solutions and championing their adoption across underwriting workflows. This role handles driving innovation, digitization, and operational excellence to enhance risk selection, improve efficiency, and support scalable growth. This position works closely with cross-functional teams across Operations, Technology, Product, and Distribution to ensure seamless execution of transformation efforts. The role leads a high-impact team of R&D underwriters, actuaries, and subject matter experts, focused on designing and implementing next-generation underwriting capabilities. The Head of Underwriting Innovation must have a strong understanding of the life insurance marketplace and the regulatory environment. This ability is essential for ensuring that transformation initiatives are both market-relevant and fully compliant with industry standards.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in Life Insurance manufacturing leadership positions.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience implementing AI-based initiatives within underwriting or insurance operations, with a high level of proficiency in leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to drive process improvements and innovation.
• Expertise in data-driven underwriting, automation, and emerging AI technologies.

Nice To Haves

• Strong strategic thinking, execution, and change management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams.
• In-depth knowledge of the life insurance marketplace, including key distribution channels, competitive dynamics, and emerging trends.
• Strong familiarity with regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements that pertain to underwriting and insurance operations.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership Develop and execute a comprehensive underwriting transformation roadmap.
• Align underwriting initiatives with broader manufacturing and product development strategies.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators to assess progress and impact.
• Innovation & Technology Integration Lead the adoption of advanced technologies including GenAI, predictive analytics, and automation platforms.
• Oversee implementation of triage models, auto-assessment tools, and digital application enhancements.
• Operational Optimization Drive initiatives to reduce manual underwriting, optimize flow case handling, and improve capacity.
• Deliver measurable improvements in underwriting cycle time, cost savings, and placement rates.
• Team Leadership Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team of R&D underwriters, actuaries, and subject matter experts.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Ensure effective knowledge sharing and capability development across the team.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Pricing, Actuarial, Technology, Distribution, and Risk teams to ensure cohesive execution.
• Lead governance forums such as the UW Transformation SteerCo and cross-functional workstreams.
• Stakeholder Engagement Serve as the primary liaison with reinsurers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment across all transformation efforts.

Benefits

• 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.
• Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance .
• Manulife/John Hancock offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including 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.
• We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension/401(k) savings plans and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources.
• Our generous paid time off program in the U.S. includes up to 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 150 hours of vacation, and 40 hours of sick time (or more where required by law) each year, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed