Financial Crime Compliance Technology & Operations, AVP

Manulife is seeking a strategic and results-oriented leader with deep expertise in the insurance or banking industry. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Agile delivery, vendor management, and systems implementation related to Financial Crime Compliance (FCC), including Fraud, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Sanctions.

This role requires experience in delivering and monitoring risk-based models and machine learning solutions, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders across all levels—from C-suite executives to operational teams. The successful candidate will be data-driven, capable of providing both qualitative and quantitative insights, and will demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to emerging threats in the FCC domain.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Portfolio Management

• This role will oversee the implementation of advanced technology solution for the Financial Crime Compliance program, ensuring the seamless integration of a new vendor, including AI, data analytics, risk management applications
• Lead the implementation of advanced technology solutions for FCC, including AI, data analytics, and risk management applications.
• Serve as the accountable owner for all Fraud, AML, and Sanctions systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (IT, Legal, Compliance, Operations, Procurement) to ensure cohesive delivery.
• Drive enhancements under the AML Modernization Program to strengthen the company’s FCC landscape.
• Promote a data-centric approach to risk solutions, ensuring robust data governance and integrity.
• Partner with SMEs and steering committee members to identify and implement system improvements.
• Ensure 24/7 system availability with a focus on quality delivery and proactive incident management.
• Empower teams in an Agile environment with clear requirements and risk mitigation strategies.
• Communicate effectively across all stakeholders throughout the delivery lifecycle.
• Align product teams to support critical milestones with appropriate risk controls and automated testing.
• Maintain and communicate a comprehensive delivery roadmap across FCC systems.
• Engage with regulators, auditors, and internal risk teams to uphold compliance standards.
• Collaborate with the Head of Sanctions and Controls to optimize alert management and transaction monitoring.

2. Documentation and Standardization

• Develop and maintain standardized templates, tools, and documentation practices.
• Ensure consistency, audit-readiness, and regulatory compliance across all initiatives.
• Promote best practices in documentation to enhance transparency and operational efficiency

3. Governance Over Vendors

• Manage vendor risk and negotiate contracts in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Establish governance frameworks for third-party vendors supporting compliance functions.
• Monitor vendor performance to ensure alignment with compliance objectives.
• Drive accountability and value realization from external partnerships.

Preferred Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Risk Management, or related field; advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CCEP, PMP) preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in compliance, risk management, or program management within financial services or a similarly regulated industry.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and complex portfolios.
• Strong understanding of regulatory environments and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tools and portfolio management systems is an asset.

What We Offer:

• A collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact in a global organization committed to doing the right thing.

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