The Director, Artificial Intelligence is a senior technical leader responsible for designing, developing, and implementing advanced AI and machine learning solutions to address strategic business challenges. This role is hands-on and project-focused, with direct accountability for delivering high-impact analytics initiatives from conception through to deployment and operationalization.
The successful candidate will apply deep expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and generative AI to extract insights from complex structured and unstructured data, drive business innovation, and deliver measurable value. Collaborating with business and technology stakeholders across the organization, this individual will translate data-driven findings into actionable business recommendations and champion best practices in data science.
This is a highly visible role for a self-motivated problem solver who excels at working independently, communicates effectively with technical and non-technical audiences, and is passionate about shaping the future of AI in the life insurance industry.
Position Responsibilities:
Design, develop, and implement AI- and analytics-enabled solutions that optimize business processes, generate actionable insights, and support strategic objectives.
Own and deliver complex, end-to-end data science projects, from ideation and requirements gathering to model development, deployment, and monitoring.
Solve the most challenging and high-impact problems, using deep expertise to analyze complex datasets and deliver robust solutions.
Translate complex data-driven findings into clear business recommendations, effectively communicating results and actionable insights to stakeholders at all levels.
Collaborate cross-functionally with business leaders, product owners, and IT partners to identify opportunities for AI applications and drive adoption of data-driven decision making.
Drive the evolution of insight generation from descriptive to predictive and prescriptive analytics.
Measure, monitor, and clearly communicate the impact and ROI of analytics and AI models to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Champion best practices in data science, including robust model validation, performance monitoring, and governance.
Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies, particularly in GenAI and LLMs, to continually elevate the organization’s capabilities.
Provide technical thought leadership and act as a subject matter expert in AI and advanced analytics across the organization.
Requirements:
Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field; or Bachelor’s degree with equivalent relevant experience.
Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in data science, machine learning, or AI, with a strong track record of delivering end-to-end data science projects as an individual contributor.
Deep expertise in machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, and advanced analytics.
Hands-on experience with generative AI (GenAI) and large language models (LLMs) is required.
Experience working in an agile development environment, including running sprints and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Strong programming skills in Python; familiarity with software engineering best practices.
Demonstrated experience applying a systematic approach to explore, analyze, and mine large, complex structured and unstructured datasets to uncover actionable insights.
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to make complex concepts accessible to non-technical audiences.
Proven ability to deliver business value through the full lifecycle of data science projects, from ideation to deployment and monitoring.
Prior experience in the insurance, financial services, or healthcare industries is preferred but not required.
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