Financial Crime Compliance Technology & Operations, AVP

Manulife is seeking a strategic and results-oriented leader with deep expertise in the insurance or banking industry. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Agile delivery vendor management and systems implementation related to Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) including Fraud Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Sanctions.

This role requires experience in delivering and monitoring risk-based models and machine learning solutions as well as the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders across all levelsfrom C-suite executives to operational teams. The successful candidate will be data-driven capable of providing both qualitative and quantitative insights and will demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to emerging threats in the FCC domain.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Portfolio Management

• This role will oversee the implementation of advanced technology solution for the Financial Crime Compliance program ensuring the seamless integration of a new vendor including AI data analytics risk management applications

• Lead the implementation of advanced technology solutions for FCC including AI data analytics and risk management applications.

• Serve as the accountable owner for all Fraud AML and Sanctions systems.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (IT Legal Compliance Operations Procurement) to ensure cohesive delivery.

• Drive enhancements under the AML Modernization Program to strengthen the companys FCC landscape.

• Promote a data-centric approach to risk solutions ensuring robust data governance and integrity.

• Partner with SMEs and steering committee members to identify and implement system improvements.

• Ensure 24/7 system availability with a focus on quality delivery and proactive incident management.

• Empower teams in an Agile environment with clear requirements and risk mitigation strategies.

• Communicate effectively across all stakeholders throughout the delivery lifecycle.

• Align product teams to support critical milestones with appropriate risk controls and automated testing.

• Maintain and communicate a comprehensive delivery roadmap across FCC systems.

• Engage with regulators auditors and internal risk teams to uphold compliance standards.

• Collaborate with the Head of Sanctions and Controls to optimize alert management and transaction monitoring.

2. Documentation and Standardization

• Develop and maintain standardized templates tools and documentation practices.

• Ensure consistency audit-readiness and regulatory compliance across all initiatives.

• Promote best practices in documentation to enhance transparency and operational efficiency

3. Governance Over Vendors

• Manage vendor risk and negotiate contracts in partnership with internal stakeholders.

• Establish governance frameworks for third-party vendors supporting compliance functions.

• Monitor vendor performance to ensure alignment with compliance objectives.

• Drive accountability and value realization from external partnerships.

Preferred Qualification

• Bachelors degree in Business Law Risk Management or related field; advanced degree or professional certification (e.g. CPA CCEP PMP) preferred.

• 10 years of experience in compliance risk management or program management within financial services or a similarly regulated industry.

• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and complex portfolios.

• Strong understanding of regulatory environments and compliance frameworks.

• Excellent analytical organizational and communication skills.

• Experience with governance risk and compliance (GRC) tools and portfolio management systems is an asset.

What We Offer:

• A collaborative and inclusive work environment.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

• The chance to make a meaningful impact in a global organization committed to doing the right thing.

When you join our team:

• Well empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

• Well recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

• As part of our global team well 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 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 .