Head of AI & Data, Singapore

Manulife/John Hancock; Singapore; Hybrid; SGD 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Manulife/John Hancock in Singapore seeks a strategic leader to drive data, analytics, and AI transformation across the organisation. You will shape a unified AI strategy, lead data governance, and partner with senior executives to redesign key processes with measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities include building AI literacy, guiding platform choices, and ensuring regulatory alignment while delivering business value and productivity improvements.

Qualifications

• Proven track record designing and implementing AI/Data strategies.
• Experience driving large-scale digital transformation in insurance/FS is preferred.
• Strong governance, risk, and regulatory awareness in data and AI.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a comprehensive data, analytics, and AI strategy.
• Lead teams to build and deploy AI solutions across domains.
• Oversee data platforms, governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with senior leadership to redesign end-to-end business processes for measurable impact.

Skills

AI strategy

Stakeholder mgmt

Communication

Team leadership

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT, CS, Mathematics or Business Administration

Tools

Python

R

ML frameworks

Cloud platforms

Job description

The Head of AI and Data, Singapore is a strategic executive leader responsible for driving Manulife Singapore’s transformation into a Data- and AI-driven organisation. This role oversees the development and execution of advanced analytics, AI, and data platform strategies, ensuring robust governance, operational excellence, and alignment with business objectives.The incumbent will report directly to the Chief AI and Data Officer, Asia with matrix reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, Singapore and will be accountable for delivering measurable and significant business value through end-to-end transformation of priority business processes in partnership with the Singapore Senior Leadership Team, with tangible impact on growth, customer outcomes and productivity.The role will also build organisation-wide AI literacy and adoption, develop strategic ecosystem partnerships, and engage proactively with regulators and industry bodies to support responsible innovation and help shape the future of AI in Singapore. The incumbent will champion innovation, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and position Manulife as an industry leader in leveraging AI and Data for competitive advantage.Position Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership & VisionFormulate and execute a comprehensive data, analytics, and AI strategy aligned with Manulife Singapore’s business objectives and integrates within the broader Manulife Asia AI and Data strategies.Partner with the Singapore Senior Leadership Team to identify and redesign priority end-to-end business processes, moving beyond individual use cases to deliver measurable and significant impact on growth, customer outcomes and productivity.Integrate emerging AI and Data technologies, including cloud-based solutions, to enhance scalability, security, and customer experience.Build organisation-wide AI and Data literacy and adoption through a structured capability-building and change programme, equipping leaders and employees to use AI responsibly and embed new ways of working at scale.Lead the integration of AI and Data initiatives across various business units. Engage key stakeholders to ensure cohesive and unified data strategies that drive informed decision-making and foster innovation.Platform & GovernanceDesign and maintain scalable, resilient data infrastructure supporting business growth and regulatory compliance with alignment to Manulife’s Asia strategyAlignment to enterprise model and AI policies to ensure compliance with all relevant standards including both global Manulife policies and local regulatory requirementsEstablish and enforce comprehensive data governance frameworks, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, security, and compliance with all relevant standards.Implement structured data ownership models, assigning accountability to business units and fostering a culture of data stewardship.Oversee data quality management, metadata management, and data lineage tracking.Advanced Analytics & AILead teams of data scientists, ML engineers, and data professionals to build and deploy advanced analytics and AI solutions across multiple domains.Develop and implement cutting-edge AI solutions to solve complex business challenges.Standardize processes, techniques, and tools for analytics and AI, sharing best practices locally and globally.Drive enterprise adoption and value realisation of AI, Data and analytics solutions, with clear business ownership, workforce adoption plans and benefits tracking against agreed growth, customer and productivity outcomes.Program & Project DeliveryOversee end-to-end delivery of AI and Data transformation initiatives, from process redesign and technology deployment through change adoption and benefits realisation, ensuring delivery on time, within budget and against agreed business outcomes.Manage a significant data delivery portfolio, orchestrating efforts across multiple squads and functions.Collaborate with PMO, IT, and business units and regional teams to ensure resource optimization, risk management, and successful project outcomes.Stakeholder Engagement & Team LeadershipBuild and nurture high-performing teams, providing clear direction, coaching, and professional development opportunities.Engage senior executives and business leaders to secure shared ownership of end-to-end transformation priorities and measurable business outcomes.Develop and manage strategic partnerships with technology providers, fintechs and insurtechs, hyperscalers, academia and other ecosystem partners to accelerate AI innovation, capability development and deployment.Engage proactively with the Monetary Authority of Singapore and relevant industry bodies on emerging AI policy, regulation, standards and industry initiatives, representing Manulife’s perspectives and helping shape the future of responsible AI in Singapore.Communicate complex AI and Data concepts effectively to non-technical audiences, fostering collaboration and support.Performance Measurement & Continuous ImprovementEstablish and monitor a value-realisation framework for AI and Data transformation, including agreed baselines and KPIs for growth, customer outcomes, productivity, adoption and risk, and report progress and realised benefits to senior management.Conduct regular audits and evaluations to ensure ongoing improvement in data quality, system performance, and business impact.Required Qualifications:Minimum 12 years’ leadership experience in data platforms, analytics, AI, and governance, preferably in insurance or financial services.Proven track record in designing and implementing AI and Data strategies, driving digital transformation, and managing large-scale portfolios.Demonstrated success in leading enterprise-wide process transformation and translating AI investment into measurable growth, customer, productivity and workforce adoption outcomes.Deep understanding of the insurance industry, market trends, and regulatory landscape in Asia.Expertise in cloud data solutions, advanced analytics platforms (Python, R, ML frameworks), and emerging AI technologies.Strong strategic planning, execution, and stakeholder management skills.Excellent communication, relationship-building, and team leadership abilities.Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Mathematics, Business Administration, or related field; MBA or relevant certifications are a plus.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 HancockManulife 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 EmployerAt 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 ArrangementHybrid