Associate Director, Asia Strategy
Manulife’s Strategy and Transformation team in Asia plays a critical role in shaping and delivering the company’s growth agenda across 10 markets.
As an Associate Director, Asia Strategy, you will support the development and execution of strategic initiatives at both regional and market levels. You will work closely with colleagues across functions and geographies to conduct market research, perform strategic analyses, and prepare high-impact presentations for senior stakeholders.
This is a unique opportunity for an analytically strong, high-potential professional to be part of a dynamic, high-visibility team that directly supports executive decision-making.
Position Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Reviews and Project Execution
Lead complex strategy projects from scoping through to execution - tracking project timelines, milestones, and deliverables, to ensure high-quality output.
Drive assessment of current state and identification of strategic opportunities.
Conduct diagnostic reviews across functions, markets, or value chain components to identify performance gaps or inefficiencies.
Benchmark internal capabilities and market positioning against industry peers and best practices
Translate findings into opportunity areas aligned with Manulife’s long-term objectives.
Analyze and synthesize recommendations.
Develop structured problem-solving approaches to test hypotheses and assess potential scenarios.
Facilitate cross-functional workshops and working sessions to pressure-test assumptions and refine recommendations.
Synthesize complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations for senior leadership.
Develop roadmaps and business cases.
Use data-driven analysis to evaluate trade-offs and clarify strategic options.
Build simple financial models to project business impacts.
Communicate conclusions through high-impact narratives tailored to executive audiences.
Support annual and long-term strategic planning efforts with deep involvement in shaping regional priorities.
2. Strategic Insight and Market Intelligence
Monitor external market trends, regulatory shifts, and competitive developments.
Translate insights into opportunities or risks for Manulife and propose strategic responses.
Contribute to inorganic evaluations in partnership with Corporate Development.
3. Stakeholder Management
Engage with senior executives across business units, regional functions, and corporate teams.
Present findings and influence decision-making at the regional leadership level.
Build trusted relationships and act as a strategic thought partner to business and functional leaders.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from a top-tier university; MBA and/or CA/CFA a plus
6+ years of relevant experience in strategy consulting, investment banking, corporate strategy or a related field.
Proven track record in leading complex projects and delivering actionable recommendations.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, and structured problem-solving skills, with solid business and financial acumen.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Excellent Excel and PowerPoint skills; financial modeling experience a plus.
Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with limited structure.
What We Offer
Opportunity to build the foundations of a senior career in financial services through an impactful role in our regional strategy team, combined with active career mentorship and stretch assignments.
Exposure to strategic decision-making at the regional and executive level.
Be part of a high-performing and supportive team that values excellence, learnings and impact.
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