AVP - Head of Alternative Investments Operations Asia

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced investment operations professional to join our Global Investment Operations team as an Assistant Vice President. This pivotal role involves overseeing derivatives, collateral, and private asset operations across Asia. You will be instrumental in supporting the firm’s expanding global investment platform, particularly in building out private market operations in alignment with our integrated global model. This position requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in investment operations, particularly in alternative asset classes, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams within a dynamic, regulated environment.

Position Responsibilities:

Global Derivatives and Collateral Management

• Oversee the entire lifecycle management of derivative instruments, including OTC and exchange-traded derivatives such as futures, options, swaps, and forwards across global markets.
• Manage global collateral processes including margin calls, dispute resolution, and optimization strategies, ensuring efficient coordination with counterparties and custodians.
• Ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements and align with internal risk policies.
• Collaborate with investment teams, risk management, and legal departments to support the introduction and management of new derivative strategies and instruments across regions.
• Enhance operational workflows for efficient trade capture, confirmation, settlement, and valuation processes.
• Drive daily team management and execution of defined strategy, participate actively in large-scale projects and internal committees.

Private Asset Operations – Global and Asia Build-Out

• Lead operational support for diverse private asset classes, including Real Estate Funds, Private Credit, Private Equity, Infrastructure, and Timberland and Agriculture.
• Spearhead the design and implementation of private market operational capabilities in Asia, ensuring alignment with global standards and compliance with local regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with general partners, fund administrators, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless and accurate data flow across regions.
• Oversee the onboarding of new investments and managers in Asia, ensuring operational readiness and data integration.

Vendor Management

• Manage and cultivate relationships with key third-party vendors supporting alternative investment operations, including fund administrators, custodians, data providers, and technology platforms.
• Oversee vendor performance and service level agreements (SLAs), and handle issue resolution effectively.
• Engage in vendor selection, onboarding, and periodic reviews to ensure alignment with operational needs and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with procurement, legal, and risk management teams to maintain robust vendor governance and compliance frameworks.

Operational Oversight and Control

• Develop and maintain comprehensive control frameworks to mitigate operational risks across all asset classes and geographies.
• Lead operational due diligence for new investments and service providers globally, ensuring robust risk management practices.
• Monitor and resolve breaks, exceptions, and reconciliation issues promptly.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes and enhance automation, increasing efficiency across global operations.

Strategic Projects and Transformation

• Lead or significantly contribute to global strategic initiatives, including system implementations, workflow redesigns, and enhancements in data governance.
• Collaborate with technology teams to define business requirements, conduct testing, and implement new tools and platforms.
• Support the integration of ESG and sustainability data into operational processes for private assets globally.

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage and mentor a team of analysts and associates, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Serve as a key liaison between investment teams, finance, compliance, legal, and external service providers, ensuring coordinated efforts across regions.
• Represent the operations function in governance forums, audits, and regulatory reviews, emphasizing global coordination and regional execution.

Required Qualifications:

• Education & Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; MBA or CFA/CAIA designation preferred.
• Experience: 7–12 years in investment operations, with a focus on derivatives and private markets. Experience supporting global investment operations, particularly in Asia, is highly desirable. A strong understanding of insurance company investment operations is a plus.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in investment systems such as Aladdin, Eagle, Geneva, Clearwater, or SimCorp. Familiarity with collateral management platforms like AcadiaSoft and TriOptima. Strong Excel and data analysis skills, with experience in automation tools such as Alteryx and Power BI, are advantageous.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across various levels and geographies. Capability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to lead operational functions supporting complex and illiquid asset classes across global markets.
• Deep knowledge of derivatives and collateral workflows, including regulatory and risk considerations.
• Proven track record in driving process improvements and leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to mentor and develop high-performing teams.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a commitment to operational excellence.
• Ability to navigate cultural and regulatory nuances in Asia while aligning with global standards.
• Effective management of vendor relationships to ensure operational resilience and service quality.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a global investment operations team at the forefront of innovation in private markets and derivatives.
• Play a pivotal role in expanding our private market capabilities in Asia, contributing to the firm’s global growth strategy.
• Work in a collaborative, inclusive environment that values integrity, transparency, and continuous learning.
• Contribute to the success of a growing asset manager with a strong insurance heritage and a long-term investment horizon.
• Access to professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits.

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 https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

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 recruitment@manulife.com.

Working Arrangement

Hybrid