The insurance sector is currently navigating a landscape defined by rapid technological advancements, intense competition, and evolving regulatory standards. Amid these dynamic market conditions, it is imperative for Manulife to pursue digital transformation to sustain and enhance its market position. The creation of the Head of Digital Platforms & Governance role is vital for steering the vision, strategy, and execution of our digital initiatives. This role will ensure alignment with our business objectives and propel our digital transformation journey, positioning Manulife at the forefront of the industry. The Head of Digital Platforms & Governance at Manulife is responsible for architecting and executing a visionary digital strategy that aligns with Manulife’s overarching business objectives and leverages cutting-edge technologies to enhance scalability, security, and operational efficiency. Reporting directly to the CIO for HK & Macau, the Head of Digital Platforms & Governance will serve as the principal architect of Manulife’s digital infrastructure, driving the adoption of advanced technologies such as cloud computing and sophisticated data analytics platforms. This role demands a deep understanding of the insurance industry’s unique challenges and opportunities, including regulatory compliance, risk management, and evolving customer expectations. The Head of Digital Platforms & Governance will ensure that Manulife remains at the forefront of industry advancements by continuously integrating the latest technological trends and fostering an environment of continuous innovation and agility. Furthermore, this role will ensure business continuity through the development of robust contingency planning and disaster recovery protocols. By leveraging global data centers and decentralized infrastructure, the Head will maintain seamless operations during disruptions, ensuring that Manulife remains agile and responsive to external pressures. Ultimately, the Head of Digital Platforms & Governance will play a critical role in positioning Manulife as a leader in the insurance industry, securing its competitive edge and ensuring its long-term success. This role will drive transformative digital solutions that enhance customer engagement, automate routine processes, and reduce operational costs, delivering substantial business value and driving sustainable growth. **Responsibilities:** **1.) Vision and Strategy:** + Establish a forward-thinking digital strategy that aligns with the organization's overall mission and long-term goals, incorporating emerging technologies and innovative solutions to stay ahead of market trends and meet evolving customer expectations. + Foster a culture of collaboration and cross-functional synergy by engaging stakeholders from various departments to ensure a cohesive and unified approach to digital initiatives, driving collective ownership and commitment to shared objectives. + Continuously evaluate and refine digital strategies through rigorous analysis and feedback mechanisms, leveraging performance data and market insights to make informed adjustments that enhance user experience, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage. **2.) Platform Management:** + Establish and implement a unified, intelligent digital ecosystem that adapts and responds to market demands and user behaviors with unparalleled precision and agility. This includes optimization and governance of all end-to-end lifecycle management using cutting-edge technologies and rigorous quality control processes. + Implement comprehensive governance frameworks for compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices and conduct regular system audits and assessments to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure platforms consistently align with organizational goals and user needs. + Ensure the platforms are user-centric, responsive, scalable, and secure by prioritizing intuitive design and accessibility through user research and testing and implementing responsive design principles for consistent experiences across devices. Design platforms for scalability using modular and cloud-based solutions, and incorporate robust security measures such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring to protect user data and maintain integrity. + Collaborate closely with product teams and business users to develop and manage digital products and services by fostering alignment on strategic objectives, defining project scopes and timelines, providing technical expertise, and ensuring the needs and requirements of business users are met with utmost responsiveness, while promoting continuous innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies to drive excellence and adaptability in all digital initiatives. **3.) Governance Framework:** + Implement a robust governance framework to oversee digital platform strategy initiatives, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry standards. This includes establishing comprehensive policies and procedures that govern the planning, execution, and monitoring of all digital platform projects. The governance framework should provide clear guidelines on project approval processes, risk management practices, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. By setting stringent standards and protocols, the framework will ensure that all initiatives are executed with the highest level of integrity, transparency, and accountability. This approach also fosters collaboration between IT, marketing, underwriting, and claims departments, breaking down silos and promoting seamless integration of digital initiatives with Manulife's broader business objectives. + Ensure rigorous tracking and reporting of project performance, budget adherence, issue management, and benefits realization across the entire digital platform strategy portfolio.This involves developing detailed performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) that provide real-time visibility into project progress, financial health, and risk exposure. Utilize advanced project management tools and analytics platforms to collect, analyze, and report data on project milestones, resource utilization, and budget variances. Regularly review and audit project performance to identify potential issues, implement corrective actions, and ensure that project objectives are met within the allocated timeframes and budgets. By maintaining a unified, intelligent ecosystem that adapts and responds to market demands and user behaviors, the Head of Digital Platforms & Governance will ensure that all initiatives deliver substantial business value and drive sustainable growth. + Develop a comprehensive risk management framework that identifies, assesses, and mitigates potential risks associated with digital platform strategy initiatives.This includes conducting regular risk assessments, developing contingency plans, and implementing risk mitigation strategies to address identified risks. Ensure that all project teams are trained on risk management practices and are equipped to handle unforeseen challenges effectively. By leveraging global data centers and decentralized infrastructure, the Head will ensure business continuity and resilience, enabling Manulife to maintain seamless operations during disruptions. This proactive approach to risk management will safeguard Manulife's digital assets and ensure regulatory compliance, reinforcing the company’s commitment to security and customer trust. **4.) Stakeholder Engagement:** + Engage actively with senior leadership and key business owners to secure their support and commitment for digital platform and governance initiatives. Present compelling business cases that highlight the strategic value and anticipated outcomes of proposed changes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. + Develop and nurture strategic partnerships with external stakeholders, including technology vendors, industry experts, regulatory bodies, and consultants. Leverage these relationships to gain valuable insights, access cutting-edge technologies, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. + Navigate the complexities of a matrixed organizational structure skillfully to drive cohesive decision-making. Influence and align diverse stakeholders by demonstrating the interconnectedness of digital platform and governance initiatives and their collective impact on organizational success. **5.) Team Management:** + Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary, cross-cultural team of project managers, program directors, and IT specialists to drive digital platform and governance initiatives, fostering collaboration and innovation. + Provide visionary leadership focused on digital transformation and governance, inspiring team members to realize their full potential and drive exceptional performance. + Create an environment that prioritizes continuous learning and professional development in digital platforms and governance, ensuring team members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. + Establish a culture of excellence centered around digital platforms and governance, motivating team members to surpass expectations and actively contribute to the organization’s strategic objectives. **6.) Performance Measurement:** + Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of digital initiatives, ensuring they effectively track performance, user engagement, and overall impact, while providing actionable insights for continuous improvement. + Provide regular reports and insights to senior management on digital performance and future opportunities, highlighting key trends, achievements, and areas for growth to inform strategic decision-making. + Implement data-driven decision-making processes to optimize digital strategies and tactics, utilizing analytics and insights to drive continuous improvements and achieve business objectives. **Individual and Shared Accountabilities** Individual Accountabilities: + Design and implement a groundbreaking digital platforms and governance strategy that aligns seamlessly with Manulife's business objectives, driving notable improvements in operational efficiency, elevating customer experiences, and enhancing the company’s competitive edge. This strategy should encompass the development of a unified, robust, and responsive digital ecosystem that fosters collaboration and integration across various departments and functions. + Lead the modernization of legacy systems to build a resilient and future-proof digital environment, ensuring the new platforms are scalable, secure, and capable of supporting Manulife’s long-term goals. This includes creating a digital ecosystem that is both unified and responsive to the dynamic needs of the business and its customers. + Foster a dynamic culture of innovation and continuous improvement, empowering teams to adopt and leverage new digital technologies and governance practices, driving operational excellence and enabling the organization to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. This involves establishing a robust and responsive digital ecosystem that promotes proactive adaptation and rapid response to market changes. Shared Accountabilities: + Collaborate with senior leadership, business unit heads, and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of digital platform and governance initiatives with Manulife's broader organizational strategy, integrating these practices seamlessly into existing workflows and processes. + Partner with external stakeholders, including technology vendors, industry experts, regulatory bodies, and consultants, to gain insights and ensure compliance with industry standards, while engaging regional and global teams to synchronize efforts and address region-specific challenges for cohesive execution. + Support change management and risk management efforts by developing training programs, communication plans, and risk mitigation strategies, while contributing to the implementation of a robust governance framework with rigorous tracking and reporting mechanisms for project performance, budget adherence, and benefits realization. **Knowledge/Skills/Competencies/Education:** + Minimum of 10 years in digital platform and governance leadership roles, preferably within the insurance or financial services industry in Asia. + Extensive experience in designing and implementing digital platforms and governance strategies, with a proven track record of driving successful digital transformation initiatives. + Exceptional strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to set a compelling vision and drive it to completion. + Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively engaging with senior leadership, stakeholders, and external partners. + Ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships with technology vendors, industry experts, regulatory bodies, and consultants, leveraging these relationships to gain insights and ensure compliance with industry standards. + Deep understanding of the insurance industry, market trends, and regulatory landscape in Asia. + Expertise in technological advancements and their application in the insurance sector. + Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Information Technology, or a related field. An MBA or relevant professional certification is a plus. **Problems/Challenges:** The role of Head of Digital Platforms Governance involves several interrelated challenges. One primary concern is navigating rapid technological advancements while seamlessly integrating new platforms with legacy systems to avoid operational disruption. Balancing this innovation with the need to adhere to stringent regulatory compliance and risk management standards in the financial sector adds to the complexity. Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within a diverse, cross-functional team and managing stakeholder expectations, including securing buy-in from senior leadership, are critical tasks. Additionally, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data against evolving threats is essential, as is building and maintaining strategic partnerships with technology vendors, industry experts, and regulatory bodies. Staying ahead of market trends while managing these various elements requires exceptional strategic foresight and agility. **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