Director, GHNW Underwriting

Manulife; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 116,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in Toronto is seeking a Director for GHNW Underwriting to guide junior staff and oversee complex projects. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years in underwriting, with strong knowledge of risk assessment and regulatory practices. This role emphasizes mentorship and strategic collaboration, ensuring high-quality underwriting decisions while operating in a hybrid work environment. Competitive salary and extensive benefits package offered.

Benefits

Customizable health and dental benefits

Pension and share ownership plan

Generous paid time off program

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years in underwriting with strong knowledge of principles.
• Familiar with estate, business, and insurance planning strategies.
• Professional designations in underwriting or insurance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee risk selection and classification in alignment with company standards.
• Provide mentorship to underwriters and ensure quality underwriting decisions.
• Collaborate on strategic initiatives and manage operational efficiency.

Skills

Underwriting principles

Risk assessment

Regulatory knowledge

Reinsurance practices

Client-centric decision-making

Education

Post-secondary education or equivalent experience

Job description

The Opportunity

The Director, GHNW Underwriting provides guidance to more junior staff. Assists Underwriting Management with research and training of Underwriting Staff. Takes the lead role on the high scope and complexity Underwriting department projects.

Position Responsibilities

• Oversee risk selection and classification in alignment with company standards, including high-value cases and reinsurance coordination.

• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to underwriters at all levels, acting as a key resource for complex cases and consultations.

• Ensure underwriting decisions are made within approval limits and supported by thorough analysis of medical, financial, and non-medical data.

• Maintain consistency and quality through effective referral processes and adherence to departmental guidelines.

  Manage preferred mortality blocks and flex guidelines to meet pricing and risk expectations.

• Drive operational efficiency by balancing underwriting requirements with expense management.

• Collaborate on strategic initiatives, including new business development and departmental projects.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, field personnel, and reinsurers.

• Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and estate/insurance planning strategies to inform underwriting practices.

Required Qualifications

• P ost-secondary education or equivalent experience, with a minimum of 15 years in underwriting.
• Strong knowledge of underwriting principles, including medical, financial, and non-medical risk assessment.
• Familiarity with estate, business, and insurance planning strategies, as well as regulatory and legislative impacts.
• Deep understanding of reinsurance practices, insurance contract law, and product pricing principles.
• Proven ability to balance risk assessment with expense management and client-centric decision-making.
• Professional designations in underwriting or insurance preferred; commitment to ongoing learning and industry awareness.

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.

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

$116,000.00 CAD - $166,000.00 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.

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.