Director, change enablement – global risk transformation office

The Director, Change Enablement - Global Risk Transformation Office will report to the Vice President of Global Risk Intelligence and Technology (GRIT). They will be part of a global team with a mandate to accelerate a change-adaptive mindset as a core role skillset in Manulife’s DNA. This key role will help ensure everyone knows and owns their role in change by empowering colleagues with the learning, tools, resources, and community so they can better adapt to change that happens every day, and effectively rollout and sustain impactful transformation via the Global Risk Transformation Office, as part of the Future Ready Risk transformation program.

This critical position is responsible for enabling change initiatives across the global risk organization. It involves leading and coaching project teams and value streams using structured methodologies, conducting impact and readiness assessments, and developing comprehensive Change Enablement strategies. The Director will work closely with senior leadership, including Global Risk Management Leadership Team (GRMLT) and ELT, to ensure effective collaboration and manage relationships with Executive Sponsors. This role is highly visible at the leadership level and demands outstanding leadership skills, including high emotional intelligence, stakeholder management, and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead and coach project teams on change enablement activities using structured methodologies.
• Develop and implement comprehensive change enablement strategies to support large-scale initiatives.
• Conduct impact and readiness assessments at the leadership level and design communication strategies.
• Partner with senior leadership, including VP of GRIT and Global CRO, to ensure effective collaboration and manage relationships with Executive Sponsors.
• Identify, analyze, and prepare risk mitigation tactics and manage anticipated resistance.
• Integrate change enablement best practices into project plans and monitor success through reports and metrics.
• Develop and deliver training programs to equip employees with the skills and knowledge to navigate change effectively.
• Continuously improve change enablement processes and stay informed about the latest trends and best practices.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Amenability and readiness to work onsite and from home anytime (dependent on business need AND/OR current external environment/situation).

Required Qualifications:

• 7 - 10 years of experience in change enablement with a proven track record of leading large-scale initiatives.
• Strong understanding of change enablement methodologies, such as Kotter, Prosci ADKAR, or similar frameworks.
• Six Sigma training and certification.
• Prosci ADKAR certification and/Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) designation.
• 5+ years of experience leading the execution of large-scale initiatives or programs.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to quantitatively measure change readiness and track organizational awareness, understanding, and adoption over time.
• Strong organizational, time management, and strategic planning skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives effectively.
• Experience in global team environments and familiarity with project management tools and methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management training and certification is an advantage.

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 our story.

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 recruitment@manulife.com.

Primary Location: Toronto, Ontario

Working Arrangement: Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between: $105,750.00 CAD - $190,350.00 CAD

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact recruitment@manulife.com for the salary range for your location. 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. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

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 recruitment@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.