Director, Governance & Control

About the Team:

Governance & Control (G&C) is the first line of defence in our Global Technology & Operations organization, focused on managing non-financial risk. We partner with leadership to shape risk culture, define strategy, and deliver the tools, insights, and expertise needed to make confident, risk-aware decisions. Our work supports the broader Technology & Operations and Enterprise strategies — and we’re transforming!

Position Responsibilities:

As a Director in Governance & Control, you’ll be at the center of shaping how we manage risk across Global Technology & Operations. You will set the vision and lead the execution of risk management strategies across the Function globally. Your role is pivotal in driving organizational resilience, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity maturity and operational efficiency. Your work will be dynamic, strategic, and future-focused.

Here’s a snapshot of your impact:

Risk Methodology & Taxonomy: Oversee the development and continuous improvement of technology and cybersecurity risk and control methodologies, ensuring consistency and clarity across technology teams globally.

Control Framework: Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the technology and cybersecurity control framework, ensuring alignment with global industry frameworks and regulatory requirements (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, SOX, OSFI, SEC, FINRA, DORA etc.).

Technical Advisory: Serve as the subject matter expert in technology risk, cybersecurity, and emerging threats. Guide the design of new controls and adoption strategies.  

Policy Compliance: Guide the Function to assess the impact of new control standard requirements and collaborate with stakeholders to establish implementation plans to ensure compliance within established timelines.

AI & Automation: Identify and drive the integration of AI and automation to enhance risk, control, and compliance processes – making our work faster and smarter.

Lead Communities of Practice: Own procedures, deliver training, track improvements, and report performance.

Keep Us on Track: Contribute to weekly and monthly reporting — scorecards, dashboards, trackers, summaries.

Be a Global Voice: Represent the team in global forums, leadership meetings, offsites, and conferences — sharing insights and shaping strategy.

Required Qualifications:

We’re looking for a visionary leader with deep technical expertise in technology risk and cybersecurity; a proven ability to influence at the highest levels.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Technology Risk, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Operational Risk, Business Resiliency, or Audit within a complex, global enterprise.

• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale risk and cybersecurity programs, including strategy development, execution, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Advanced academic credentials (e.g., degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Business, or related discipline) and professional certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CPA).

• Hands-on experience with GRC tools (Archer preferred) and a strong grasp of risk frameworks and control standards.

• Expertise in risk methodologies, control design, and audit best practices.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills — you can simplify complexity and tell compelling stories with data.

• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to influence decisions, solve problems creatively, and drive continuous improvement.

• Comfortable working across global time zones and navigating diverse stakeholder environments.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership & Influence: You inspire confidence, guide teams, and influence outcomes across all levels.

• Stakeholder Engagement: You build trust, align priorities, and manage expectations with finesse.

• Strategic Thinking: You connect dots, anticipate risks, and think several steps ahead.

• Collaboration: You thrive in team environments and know how to bring people together to solve complex challenges.

• Communication: You’re a skilled presenter and facilitator, able to tailor your message to any audience.

• Execution Excellence: You manage time and priorities, delivering high-quality work in fast-paced settings.

Ready to join us? Let’s build a safer, smarter future together.

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 [email protected].

Referenced Salary Location

Salary range is expected to be between

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.