Director of Solution Development at Manulife · Toronto

Director of Solution Development Location: Toronto, Ontario The Director of Solution Development will lead the execution of development initiatives aligned with the strategic vision of our business partners.  The Finance Systems team manages a complex SOX compliant infrastructure with many inter-related components that provide the repository of financial information required to support external regulatory and internal MIS reporting at MFC. They also support Enterprise-wide critical cash management and treasury solutions including the banking interfaces. The Director of Solution Development is responsible for delivering new solutions and enhancements effectively and efficiently without impacting on the service levels for all aspects of production for the Finance and Treasury clients. This will be done by providing hands-on technical direction, to project-based delivery teams, including design, development and testing. They would lead newly developed business solutions or enhancements into production and manage production incidents when they occur. Given the increased importance of all businesses having appropriate financial controls and processes in place, the Director must keep a close watch on control requirements, including SOX, and ensure that system controls and processes are correctly implemented, executed and are sustainable. In addition, the role partners with the Advanced Analytics team identify and prioritize AI opportunities, translate business needs into AI-enabled requirements, and support delivery of AI solutions that are secure, reliable, and compliant. The incumbent will champion practical AI adoption in day-to-day work across the team by promoting responsible use of AI tools, standardizing repeatable patterns, and embedding automation and insights into Finance and Treasury processes. Position Responsibilities: Work closely with the Finance and Treasury business teams to develop strategies and plans for implementing changes to existing or building new business solutions. Provides technical leadership for architecture and system design to ensure it meets the business requirements, fit into the overall GFT architecture and maintains the accuracy and integrity of the financial data and cash management processes, and through innovation, find ways to enhance and optimize the business functions. Collaborate with other areas in Manulife to attain support that may be required to complete development initiatives. Uphold thorough and accurate documentation procedures within the department to communicate requirements, design, testing and implementation strategies and plans for all development initiatives. Continuously interact with the Operations team by involving them at appropriate stages of analysis, development, testing and implementation handovers. Leadership and talent management of the team of developers, architects and systems analysts, both onshore and offshore. Ensure SDLC and change management processes are followed for all development initiatives without impacting Sox and Audit compliance. Collaborate with the Information Risk Management team to ensure that security and reliability of all systems is maintained throughout development lifecycle. Drive adoption of AI in day-to-day work by identifying repeatable opportunities, integrating AI-assisted workflows into SDLC and operational processes, enabling the team through guidance/training, and measuring benefits (cycle time, quality, and risk reduction) Direct, timely and thorough investigations and follow-ups to all systems problems, especially Major Incidents as they occur.  This includes working closely with Problem Management staff, Delivery Project Executives and the Manulife CTO Office, while giving timely and comprehensive updates to the Actuarial business team. Required Qualifications: Batchelor degree in Computer Science or Engineering 10 years or more of experience in application design and development Strong hands-on technical experience of application design and development Strong hands-on technical knowledge of application programming languages, just as Java, Python, etc., Demonstrated skill in building effective working relationships. Demonstrated ability to be flexible and exercise judgment in a changing environment and able to adapt and respond to rapid changes and shifting priorities Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication skills. Preferred qualifications Good understanding of accounting processes and cash management processes and their associated systems and concepts. Understanding of responsible AI practices including privacy and confidentiality, security, fairness, explainability, and appropriate human oversight; ability to ensure AI use aligns with risk, compliance, and audit expectations. Proven change leadership to introduce new tools and ways of, ensuring user adoption through communications, training, and measurable outcomes. 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. The role being advertised is an existing vacancy. 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 hr@manulife.com. Referenced Salary Location Toronto, Ontario Working Arrangement Hybrid Salary range is expected to be between $113,260.00 CAD - $210,340.00 CAD Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. 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. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact hr@manulife.com for the salary range for your location. 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 hr@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions. We use data and analytics technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and automated processing tools, to analyze and process the information you provide to us or third parties in the application process. For more information, please refer to our personal information collection statement.