Director, PeopleComms Technology - #453172

The Opportunity

We are seeking a visionary Director of PeopleComms Technology, to lead the strategic evolution of our global HR technology ecosystem. This role is ideal for a seasoned leader with deep expertise in People Technology and a proven track record of managing large, globally distributed teams of technical analysts and system architects. You will be responsible for shaping our HRIS strategy, driving innovation through AI and automation, and ensuring seamless, scalable, and compliant HR operations across the enterprise.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead a global team of configuration specialists responsible for Tier 2 and Tier 3 issue resolution, system configuration, and application maintenance.
• Collaborate with the PeopleComms Design team, Group Functions Technology team, and Centers of Excellence (COEs) to develop a global HRIS technology strategy and roadmap.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight across HR systems, ensuring effective utilization and continuous improvement through technology and scalable processes.
• Championing the use of human-centered design principles to maximize existing technology and tools, recommending automation, self-service opportunities and AI-powered solutions (predictive analytics, chatbots, automations).
• Ensure global alignment and consistency while balancing regional and local needs.
• Support the development and maintenance of robust process controls, including data maintenance, validation, and integrity controls.
• Responsible for driving the global, enterprise-wide People tech ecosystem. HRIS vendor relations and system consultants in partnership with Procurement and the Global Technology team.
• Lead efforts to define, test, release, and implement enhancements, incorporating AI capabilities where applicable.
• Partner with the Global HR Reporting team to maintain workforce dashboards and provide data analytics and insights for decision-making across our CoEs.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to integrate emerging requirements and update processes, policies, and systems.
• Leverage HRIS system capabilities to ensure data integrity and prioritize resource management for effective planning.
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance the colleague experience across the organization.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; advanced degree in HR, IT, or Business is preferred.
• 7+ years of progress experience in HR Technology, including 7+ years of Workday leadership across multiple modules and implementation experience across other related HR systems (e.g., Cornerstone, ADP, WorkHuman, Phenom).
• 5+ years of experience managing large, geographically dispersed teams of HRIS professionals and technical analysts.
• Combination of experience in Human Resources and technology, with a focus on implementing and managing HRIS and Learning systems.
• Proven track record in creating HRIS infrastructure and roadmap, with a solid understanding of software lifecycle development (SDLC) methodologies.
• Experience managing vendor release adoption and implementation.
• Ability to translate vision into executable strategy, with an operational mindset and experience in designing, managing, and scaling innovative processes, programs, and systems globally.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to build collaborative partnerships across all organizational levels and with external partners.
• Ability to simplify complex strategies into actionable plans to deliver the best service and outcomes within timelines.
• Strong familiarity and experience with Human-Centered Design (HCD), Agile methodologies and AI technologies is an asset.
  
  

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 [email protected].

Referenced Salary Location

Waterloo, Ontario

Working Arrangement

Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$100,950.00 CAD - $181,710.00 CAD

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [email protected] for the salary range for your location. 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. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

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.