We are seeking a strategically-minded, execution-oriented Lead Product Owner, Common Capabilities to support the definition and delivery of multiple enterprise common capabilities. This role will partner closely with leadership to translate an established platform vision and strategic direction into actionable opportunities, MVPs, and delivered outcomes.
You will play a critical role in identifying where and how to act, shaping high-impact use cases, and driving capabilities from concept through first proof point (thin slice), launch, and iteration. You will operate in ambiguous, early-stage problem spaces, bringing structure, clarity, and momentum while consistently delivering 0→1 outcomes within compressed timelines. This role is ideal for a senior or lead product manager ready to step into director-level scope, with a strong track record of building and launching new digital capabilities.
Position Responsibilities:
Translating Strategy into Action
Translate enterprise platform strategy and leadership direction into concrete capability opportunities and use cases
Identify high-value entry points (thin slices) that validate the broader capability vision
Frame ambiguous problem spaces into clear problem statements, success metrics, and prioritized opportunities
Partner with leadership to sequence and refine where to invest first
Rapid Discovery & Insight Generation
Lead targeted discovery efforts to validate opportunities and refine scope
Assess existing tools, platforms, and experiences to identify duplication and opportunities for reuse
Synthesize insights into clear requirements and actionable recommendations
Quickly validate assumptions and refine direction through iterative research and stakeholder engagement
Solution Design & MVP Definition
Define MVP scope and solution approach aligned to strategic intent
Partner with Technology and Architecture to shape feasible, reusable and scalable solutions
Ensure the first release delivers meaningful value while enabling long-term extensibility
Drive clear trade-offs and sequencing decisions to balance speed and sustainability
Execution & Delivery
Own execution from requirements through implementation, launch, and initial adoption
Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, design, data, and business stakeholders
Drive agile delivery with a focus on outcomes, speed, and iteration
Ensure capabilities are delivered with clear measurement frameworks and success criteria
Iteration, Scaling & Reuse
Continuously refine capabilities based on data, feedback, and performance
Expand from initial proof point to broader adoption and reuse across markets
Identify opportunities to extend or connect capabilities across journeys
Feed insights back into ongoing strategy evolution and roadmap planning
Stakeholder Alignment & Delivery Leadership
Act as a key partner to leadership in bringing strategy to life through execution
Drive alignment across global and market stakeholders, balancing competing priorities and timelines
Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes with clarity and confidence
Foster a bias for action, accountability, and timely decision-making
Required Qualifications :
8 -12+ years in digital product management, with strong experience in platform or capability development
Proven track record of repeatedly delivering 0→1 products or capabilities within ≤12 months
Demonstrated ability to identify and execute the right MVP/thin slice to unlock early value
Experience operating within complex, cross-functional or global environments
Strong experience turning strategic direction into execution plans and delivered outcomes
Preferred Qualifications:
Strategic Translation: Ability to take high-level vision and convert it into actionable product opportunities
0→1 Execution: Deep experience delivering from concept → MVP → launch → iteration
Structured Problem Solving: Brings clarity and focus to ambiguous problem spaces
Execution Discipline: Balances speed, quality, and long-term scalability
Stakeholder Influence: Effective at aligning teams and driving decisions across functions
Data-Driven Mindset: Uses insights and metrics to inform decisions and iteration
Strong understanding of digital platforms, APIs, and reusable capability design
Experience working with or enabling enterprise tools and ecosystems (e.g., CMS, search, personalization, identity)
Ability to partner effectively with engineering and architecture teams
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.
#LI-Hybrid
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
Toronto, OntarioWorking Arrangement
Salary range is expected to be between
$92,900.00 CAD - $142,900.00 CADEmployees 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.
Manulife Toronto, Ontario, CAN Office
250 Bloor St E,, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4W 1E6
Manulife Kitchener, Ontario, CAN Office
25 Water St S, Kitchener, ON, Canada, N2G 4Z4
Manulife Waterloo, Ontario, CAN Office
500 King St N,, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L
