Manager, Shariah Research

Manulife; Johor; Remote; MYR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider is seeking a Manager, Shariah Research in Johor, Malaysia. This role focuses on ensuring Takaful operations comply with Shariah principles while conducting in-depth research and advising teams. Candidate should have 5-8 years' experience in Islamic finance, and strong communication skills in both English and Bahasa Malaysia are required. A remote working arrangement is offered.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Career development support

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in Shariah research and advisory.
• Proven experience in Islamic finance or Takaful products.
• Ability to engage effectively with Shariah Supervisory Board.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth Shariah research on Takaful products and operations.
• Prepare high-quality research papers and Shariah justifications.
• Monitor global developments in Islamic finance and jurisprudence.
• Ensure compliance with AAOIFI and local Shariah regulations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving abilities

Communication skills in English

Report-writing skills in Bahasa Malaysia

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Shariah Law, Usul Al-Fiqh, Islamic Finance

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Manager, Shariah Research to lead research and advisory functions within our Islamic finance operations. This role ensures all Takaful operational principles, products, services, and policies comply with Shariah principles while driving innovation and thought leadership in the industry.

Position Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth Shariah research on Takaful products, contracts, and operations.
• Prepare research papers, position statements, and Shariah justifications with high quality takyif fiqhi (fiqh adaptation) for new initiatives.
• Support the Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) with scholarly references and evidence-based opinions.
• Monitor global developments in Islamic finance and Takaful jurisprudence.
• Ensure alignment with AAOIFI, IFSB, and relevant local Shariah regulations and standards.
• Collaborate with product development, investment, and legal teams to ensure Shariah compliance.
• Develop internal Shariah knowledge resources and effective training materials.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Shariah Law, Usul Al-Fiqh, Islamic Finance, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5–8 years of experience in Shariah research, advisory and training preferably in Takaful or Islamic finance.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and report-writing skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimal 7 years in Shariah advisory or research, with at least 3 years in Takaful product development.
• Proven track record in drafting Shariah opinions and governance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of Fiqh Muamalat, Takaful models (Mudharabah, Wakalah), and regulatory guidelines.
• Familiarity with risk-sharing principles and Islamic insurance structures.
• Ability to engage with Shariah Supervisory Board and relevant regulators (if any) effectively.

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].

Working Arrangement

Remote