AVP, AI Transformation (Canada)

Manulife; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 126,000 - 236,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in Toronto seeks an AVP of AI Transformation. This pivotal role will drive the AI strategy, translating priorities into initiatives that enhance processes and products. Candidates should have over 10 years of leadership experience in technology or analytics, with a proven record in implementing AI solutions. The position promises substantial influence within the organization, contributing significantly to the company’s innovative agenda and featured in a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Customizable health and dental benefits

Pension and global share ownership plan

Generous paid time off program

Qualifications

• 10+ years in roles with significant AI/ML delivery experience.
• Proven ability to lead enterprise-scale programs involving AI and business change.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies and modern delivery practices.

Responsibilities

• Operationalize AI strategy by translating priorities into actionable initiatives.
• Define scope and establish delivery plans for transformative AI programs.
• Lead cross-segment initiatives leveraging AI capabilities.

Skills

10+ years in technology, analytics, or transformation leadership roles

Strong understanding of AI technologies (ML, NLP, GenAI)

Exceptional communication and influencing skills

Experience in change management and cross-functional leadership

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering

Tools

Cloud AI platforms

Job description

AVP, AI Transformation (Canada)

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to accelerate Canada’s AI transformation. The AVP will operationalize our AI strategy by delivering enterprise-scale programs that embed AI into processes, products, and customer experiences. This role offers the chance to shape innovation at scale, influence senior leaders, and drive measurable business impact across multiple business units.

Position Responsibilities

• Operationalize AI strategy by translating priorities into actionable initiatives aligned with the Canadian AI roadmap.
• Define scope, architect solutions, and establish delivery plans for transformative AI programs.
• Identify and lead cross-segment initiatives leveraging AI capabilities to create shared value.
• Oversee program execution, driving adoption and embedding AI into workflows and decision-making.
• Partner with technology and business teams to design scalable AI solutions using modern platforms and practices.
• Engage stakeholders, act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, and influence enterprise priorities.
• Evaluate buy/build/partner approaches for AI capability development and manage strategic partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years in technology, analytics, or transformation leadership roles, with significant AI/ML delivery experience.
• Proven ability to lead enterprise-scale programs involving AI and business change.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies (ML, NLP, GenAI) and modern delivery practices (Agile, MLOps).
• Expertise in scoping and architecting complex initiatives bridging technical and business domains.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills with senior stakeholders.
• Experience in change management and cross-functional leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with cloud AI platforms and enterprise architecture.
• Experience in financial services or regulated industries.
• Knowledge of ethical AI frameworks and regulatory compliance.

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 [e-mail].

Referenced Salary Location

Toronto, Ontario

Working Arrangement

Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$126,600.00 CAD - $235,300.00 CAD.

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [e-mail] for the salary range for your location. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

Benefits

Manulife 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 and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our 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. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact [e-mail] for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.