Director, talent development excellence

Reporting to the AVP, Global Talent Development, the Director, Talent Development Excellence at Manulife manages the processes, methods, and practices leveraged by the Global Learning team to plan, manage, deliver, and measure learning programs. The Director, Talent Development Excellence will build the strategic foundation to enable our enterprise learning strategy, ensuring alignment of learning programs with business impact. The role will focus on building a system that will enable learning activities to be closely aligned with business goals, ensuring that learning interventions are impactful and measurable in terms of their contribution to Manulife’s performance and growth. This role will partner with HR Centers of Excellence (COEs) and HR Partners to foster continuous learning, agility, and adaptation within the Manulife learning ecosystem.

Position Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement processes ensuring learning initiatives align with business objectives and drive organizational performance and growth.
2. Design and implement professional skills learning paths and courses to build necessary skills and capabilities.
3. Plan and execute a Talent Learning COE tech stack roadmap for efficient program delivery.
4. Oversee processes, methodologies, tools, and technologies to enhance training program efficiency and effectiveness.
5. Execute a plan to embed a continuous learning model that promotes agility and adaptation.
6. Optimize Talent and Learning COE operations for scalability and adaptability to meet changing organizational needs.
7. Partner with HR and Business COEs to establish data analytics and measurement tools to assess the effectiveness of learning programs and ensure interventions are measurable in terms of their impact on individual performance, team effectiveness, and business outcomes.
8. Facilitate continuous improvement of learning programs through data-driven insights.
9. Cultivate a learning culture using innovative marketing approaches and curated learning paths.
10. Act as the liaison between the Global Learning COE and other HR COEs (e.g. DEI, Employee Experience, Culture etc.) to ensure cohesive learning strategies and initiatives.
11. Actively participate in broader organizational working groups or advisory committees, contributing to strategic decision-making beyond the scope of the role.
12. Anticipate future skill gaps and market trends to keep the organization competitive.
13. Drive innovative learning solutions by leveraging new technologies and methodologies.
14. Manage matrix/project-based team of learning professionals by setting priorities, allocating resources, and achieving business plans while providing leadership and fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
15. Coach and mentor Learning COE team members to support their professional development and performance.
16. Identify and solve complex operational and organizational problems within the learning domain by recommending and implementing programs, policies, or professional advice based on comprehensive research and analysis.
17. Utilize critical thinking to develop and execute solutions that address business challenges and drive organizational success.
18. Develop and leverage relationships with external learning partners for best-in-class learning services.
19. Participate in internal and external industry committees and conferences for learning professionals.

Required Qualifications:

1. At least seven years of progressive experience in learning and education, preferably in the Financial Services industry.
2. Bachelor’s Degree or MBA.
3. Extensive experience in developing and implementing learning initiatives aligned with business objectives.
4. Proven track record in designing professional skills learning paths and courses.
5. Strong background in planning and executing learning technology roadmaps.
6. Proficiency in data analytics and measurement tools to assess program effectiveness.
7. Ability to embed and promote a continuous learning model.
8. Strong leadership skills, including managing and mentoring a team of learning professionals.
9. Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills within the learning domain.
10. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills for effective collaboration with HR COEs and external partners.
11. Proven experience in Learning and Development roles, ideally in global organizations.
12. Strong instructional design skills, with a focus on innovative learning modalities.
13. Experience with various learning technologies and modalities, including LMS and learner experience platforms.
14. Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, including online and facilitator-led instructional design.
15. Strong project management and organizational skills in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
16. Ability to develop and maintain strong partnerships with colleagues and other HR areas for aligned, scalable solutions.
17. Experience managing large projects to completion, including creating and managing project plans.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Degree or certifications in Learning and Development, Adult Education, Organizational Psychology, or related field.
2. Experience with innovative learning technologies and methodologies.
3. Familiarity with marketing approaches to foster a learning culture.
4. Participation in strategic organizational leadership teams or committees.
5. Knowledge of continuous improvement best practices for learning programs.
6. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills for collaboration with stakeholders.

#LI-Hybrid

When you join our team:

1. We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
2. We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.
3. As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.