Manulife's Strategy and Transformation team in Asia is responsible for the development, execution and implementation of the Company's strategies. Reporting to the Head of Strategy and Transformation, Asia (and member of the Asia Executive Leadership Team), the AVP, Strategy will have responsibility for the organic strategic development of Manulife Asia and driving strategic initiatives. This individual will oversee a team of one Director, one Associate Director, and one Lead.
The AVP, Strategy will support the Head of Strategy and Transformation in driving the development and implementation of the organic strategic agenda both regionally and within Manulife’s insurance businesses across our 10 markets, evaluating new market development opportunities and leading the recruitment and development of a world class strategy team. This individual will have accountability over special projects to direct the origination and articulation of strategies to achieve Asia Segment goals. The AVP, Strategy will also be responsible for the strategic evaluation and execution of transaction opportunities across the region, in collaboration with Corporate Development and Finance. Achievement of Strategic Initiatives (SI) outcomes form the basis for assessing this position’s overall objectives.

Position Responsibilities:

Ensure Manulife Strategy is seen as a center of excellence internally and an industry leader externally.

Lead and collaborate across all elements of strategy development:

Support development and implementation of strategy across key business and functional areas in the region and set short and long term targetsUnderstand opportunities across our Asia markets to derive point of reference of where we are today, future aspirations and go forward strategy including prioritizing initiatives and establishing timeframes; lead strategic projects to articulate and drive these strategies for Asia Executive LeadershipSupport each of the individual business units in developing their integrated insurance strategy; provide effective review and challenge of business unit strategies for the strategic planning process, ensuring that strategic projects are relevant and aligned to the strategic goals of Manulife AsiaDevelop clearly defined KPIs and review process to enhance engagement and ownership to drive performance guide the development of divisional strategic planning deliverables including a clear reflection of strategic progress (annual strategic plan, strategy presentations, divisional memos, etc.) for the Executive Committee and Board of Directors based on a deep understanding of Manulife and its strategic ambitionWork in close collaboration with a team of senior executives and peers from the Asia regional office, local business units and corporate headquarters support and coordinate with Asia Executive Leadership to ensure effective strategic dialogue and timely updates on quarterly results and progress of strategic initiatives

Lead strategic insights and originate opportunities based on industry and competitor intelligence:

Deliver valuable insights across sector developments, evolution of trends and practices and how this informs/impacts Manulife’s competitive positioning and strategic objectivesEvaluate opportunities and threats based on industry developments and external environment; originate strategies to address theseHave and continue to build strong relationships with external advisers, peers and other sector stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of high quality intelligence

Support strategic evaluation of inorganic opportunities in close partnership with Corporate Development:

Deliver strategic assessment of transaction opportunities with strong understanding of strategic context and goals of Manulife AsiaSupport and coordinate with Asia Executive Leadership to ensure effective strategic dialogue on inorganic strategiesSupport integration planning and transition to Transformation program management

Drive collaboration and professional development of the Strategy community:

Build a community of practice for Strategy professionals across the region, facilitating sharing of learning, insights, and best practicesAttract and cultivate Strategy talent and ensure Strategy is seen as a source of high-performing talent pipeline for the region

Required Qualifications:

Leadership and influence:

Excellent leadership and influencing skills to lead a team of peers and senior executives to align to the Asia regional strategy and ambitionsAble to recognise the expertise and skills others can contribute and collaborate to achieve the optimal outcomeCan inspire, motivate and lead the team as they work through tight deadlines and other challenges.

Analysis, insight and problem solving: 

Strong problem solving abilities through rapid identification of issues, asking the right questions, developing appropriate insights and posing solutions based on experience, research and sound analysisIntellectual range and sophistication to go beyond conventional thinking about where the value creation opportunities areAbility to understand and prioritize key issues

Strong financial/data analysis: 

Strong understanding of the nuances of insurance accounting and actuarial data and analysisAbility to build financial models and apply the requisite strategic overlay to drive decisions

Project management skills:

Ability to execute projects through providing appropriate project framework, providing clarity on content and deliverables and effectively engaging and managing stakeholders

Communication skills: 

Has credibility and presence amongst peers and senior management through excellent verbal, written and presentation skillsCan communicate clearly and succinctly on technical and business mattersUses communication as a tool to inspire and engage.

Change management/ambiguity: 

Can work in a fast paced environment with incomplete informationAble to push projects through based on known information, judgment and asking the right questions

Perseverance and work ethic: 

Has a strong sense of ownership and work ethic to see transactions/projects to completionIs undeterred by challenges and obstacles and will remain motivated and apply creative thinking to overcome them

Develop team members and enhance team effectiveness:

Able to create a positive learning environment in which to educate and develop less experienced colleaguesWill encourage junior staff to take, and excel with, greater responsibilityBe an ambassador for the team internally and find ways to make the team increasingly effective, professional and high impact

Qualifications

Bachelors degreeAt least 12 years’ experience in financial services (life insurance industry preferred)Previous Strategy or Corporate Development/M&A experience with a multinational company, investment bank, top-tier strategy consulting firm, accounting firm or private equity firmStrong business acumen and highly developed communication and relationship skillsFinancial modeling skills, project management and negotiation skills

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 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 recruitment@manulife.com.

Working Arrangement

Hybrid