Corporate Transformation Director/Lead

Manulife (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Singapore; Hybrid; SGD 250,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Manulife is seeking a dynamic Corporate Transformation Director/Lead to drive strategic initiatives across insurance distribution, operations, underwriting, claims and customer experience. The role reports to the Chief Transformation Officer and acts as a trusted advisor and change agent in a fast-evolving environment.

Reporting to the Chief Transformation Officer, you will partner with senior leaders to translate strategy into roadmaps, lead cross-functional programs and deliver measurable ROI

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of insurance business models, distribution, operations, and regulatory environments.
• Experience across multiple functions such as underwriting, claims, distribution, and customer service.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale transformation programs, with hands-on experience managing complex programs.
• Strong background in process re-engineering, digital enablement, and operational improvement, with view on emerging trends in insurance.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to translate strategy into execution.
• Data-driven decision-making and performance measurement.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity and drive cultural change.
• Expertise in managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs.
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies (Agile, Lean Six Sigma, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders to define and translate enterprise strategy into actionable roadmaps and initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional programs that drive measurable business outcomes, including operational efficiency, customer-centricity, and innovation.
• Provide subject matter expertise, including industry best practices and thought leadership to drive transformation initiatives across the business
• Work with PICs in researching key trends and conducting ongoing market & business analysis to support decision-making & identify growth initiatives.

Skills

Insurance knowledge

Strategy execution

Change management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (MBA preferred)

Tools

PMO governance

PMP/MoP/Agile

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Corporate Transformation Director/Lead, to lead strategic transformation initiatives across our business. This role requires a seasoned, hands‑on professional with deep subject matter expertise across core insurance business functions, including distribution, operations, underwriting, claims, and customer experience. The ideal candidate will be a trusted advisor and change agent, capable of driving innovation, process re‑engineering and cultural transformation, in a complex fast evolving environment.

This role reports to the Chief Transformation Officer and is responsible for advancing the change and transformation agenda across the organisation.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with senior leaders to define and translate enterprise strategy into actionable roadmaps and initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional programs that drive measurable business outcomes, including operational efficiency, customer‑centricity, and innovation.
• Provide subject matter expertise, including industry best practices and thought leadership to drive transformation initiatives across the business
• Working with PICs in researching key trends (markets, products, business, and technology) and conducting ongoing market & business analysis to support decision‑making & identify new growth & transformational initiatives to further drive customer & operational success.

Process Re‑engineering & Innovation

• Identify and implement opportunities for process optimization and automation across functions and business.
• Design and implement scalable solutions using lean, agile, and design thinking methodologies, aimed at improving distributor, customer and employee experiences.
  

Change Management

• Champion a change mindset across the organisation, fostering agility, innovation and culture of continuous improvements.
• Develop and execute change management strategies to ensure adoption and sustainability of transformation initiatives.

Performance & Value Delivery

• Establish KPIs and success metrics to track progress and impact.
• Ensure timely delivery of transformation programs with clear ROI and stakeholder alignment.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to foster collaboration and buy‑in.
• Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders, providing insights and recommendations.

Accountabilities (Individual/Shared)

• Strategic Alignment of Projects: Ensure project objectives align with strategic priorities and portfolio goals, including validating scope and expected outcomes during intake and planning phases.
• Risk and Issue Management: Escalate risks and issues that may impact delivery or strategic outcomes. They collaborate on mitigation strategies and contingency planning.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Ensure consistent messaging and updates across stakeholder groups. Influence communication plans and engagement strategies to maintain alignment and support.

Required Qualifications

• Deep understanding of insurance business models, distribution, operations, and regulatory environments.
• Experience across multiple functions such as underwriting, claims, distribution, and customer service.
• Proven track record in leading large‑scale transformation programs, with hands‑on experience managing complex programs.
• Strong background in process re‑engineering, digital enablement, and operational improvement, with view on emerging trends in insurance.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to translate strategy into execution.
• Data‑driven decision‑making and performance measurement.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity and drive cultural change.
• Expertise in managing complex, multi‑stakeholder programs.
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies (Agile, Lean Six Sigma, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, Strategy, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of hands‑on experience in transformation, strategy, or consulting roles within insurance or financial services.
• Experience working in regional or global environments with diverse teams.
• Stakeholder management: effectively collaborate & work alongside senior members of the organization within both local and regional capacities to drive the successful execution of transformation initiatives.
• Communication: excellent speaking and writing skills are required to convey key messages in a succinct manner.
• PowerPoint, Word and Excel: Advanced skills on PowerPoint with the ability to tell a story and sell a message. Can analyze large quantities of data, generate charts in Excel.
• Ability to translate what the data is saying into applicable and useful information.
• Knowledge of enterprise PMO, PMO governance
• Project management: experience executing projects by developing deliverables timelines and effectively managing stakeholders. PMP, Management of Portfolios (MoP) and/or Agile qualifications are preferred but not a must have.

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 ••••@manulife.com.

Working Arrangement

Hybrid