Director, Ops NEXTGEN AI Program Manager

Manulife; Montreal; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 206,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in Montreal is seeking an experienced professional for program/portfolio management focusing on automation and AI. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience, exceptional leadership skills, and a strong communication ability to drive business goals. This role provides a hybrid work environment with a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Health and dental benefits

Flexible work environment

Retirement savings plans

Qualifications

• 10+ years in program/portfolio management with automation/AI experience.
• Hands-on familiarity with automation and AI technologies.
• Exceptional partner management to influence and drive consensus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and report on automation/AI initiatives.
• Champion strategic goals and translate challenges into solutions.
• Provide communication and reporting to leadership on initiative progress.

Skills

Program/Portfolio Management

Automation/AI Knowledge

Partner Management

Communication Skills

Education

10+ years in relevant field

Job description

Manulife’s Global Wealth & Asset Management (Global WAM) segment has embarked on an exciting journey that is transforming the organization by harnessing the power of data and related analytics. This transformation is a key strategic enabler, and we are looking for individuals who are passionate about joining the team that will lead this journey.

The Chief Data Office in close partnership with key business partners across Global WAM Operations will support the transformation of the organization to ensure data is leveraged as a strategic asset supporting our business goals. The group’s objectives include:

• A single, central source for data which is easy to access and describes how the data was obtained
• Data quality continually monitored and accuracy improved
• Common standards and policies for data governance
• Flexible reporting tools to access data and adapt to changing business or regulatory requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing oversight and reporting of the GWAM Operations portfolio of AI, intelligent automation and digitization initiatives
• Understanding the breadth and depth of digital solutions, promoting re‑use across GWAM Operations teams
• Champion strategic goals of the program, leading transformation by understanding diverse challenges and translating them into innovative solutions that deliver measurable value
• Provide reporting and communications through multiple channels to a variety of leadership teams on initiative progress, results, and key success metrics

What are we looking for?

• 10+ years in program/portfolio management, with experience managing/overseeing automation/AI at scale in sophisticated environments
• Hands‑on familiarity with automation and AI stacks, including knowledge on new technologies
• Exceptional partner management; able to influence without authority and drive consensus on priorities and trade‑offs
• Understand and report on the entire portfolio of automation work, including benefits, costs and status of each initiative
• Partner with business stakeholders to engage them in the 'art of the possible', helping them identify and execute on automation opportunities

• Ensure solutions are showcased in the right forums and communication vehicles to generate excitement for the program; experienced in communicating with senior level audiences
• Offer leadership to the team through prioritization, partner relationship management, and assessment of the viability of requested work
• Strong verbal and written communication, with the ability to effectively articulate technical vision, possibilities, and outcomes to a broad audience
• Seek creative approaches to communications, program structure, and reporting structure
• Enthusiastic, positive, and collaborative team player and team energizer

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

#LI-JH

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

$110,530.00 CAD - $205,270.00 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.