The VP, Chief global chief architect is responsible for setting the standards and patterns of enterprise, solution and technical architecture for our global technology teams. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), this role requires a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise and experience in managing large-scale, complex architectural frameworks. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in solution patterns and technology mapping, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with segment chief architects to achieve consensus and drive unified architectural initiatives and technology decisions.

Key Accountabilities

1. Enterprise Architecture:

- Develop and implement enterprise-wide architectural governance processes and standards.

- Ensure alignment of technology strategies with business goals and objectives.

- Oversee compliance with architectural standards and regulatory requirements.

- Application Roadmap reporting, tracking KPI’s and data completeness..

- Budget / financial oversight and partnership with segment CIOs, CTOs and Strategy & planning leaders to deliver towards the technology financial targets through optimizing application health, cost and risks.

2. Solution Architecture:

- Drive global reusable solution patterns with enterprise architecture principle and technical standards

- Map technology solutions to business needs, ensuring scalability, performance, and security.

- Lead the development of comprehensive architectural blueprints and roadmaps.

3. Technology Architecture

- Lead Global Cloud Hosting Strategy: Manage our  global cloud hosting strategy that ensures scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions across diverse regions.

-  Govern Shared Technology Capabilities: Lead the standardization of shared technology platforms, tools, and best practices to streamline operations and enhance interoperability.

- Standardize Global Network Infrastructure: Develop and enforce comprehensive architectural standards and patterns for the design and deployment of global network infrastructure.

4. Chair of Global Architecture Review Boards to drive the Global Architecture agenda on target technology standards

5. Team Management:

- Manage a team of technical and architectural governance teams to ensure effective implementation of architectural strategies.

- Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

- Team size of nearly 30 architects across North America and Asia with extended influence on architecture teams in segments.

6. Collaboration and Leadership:

- Work closely with segment chief architects to foster a collaborative and cohesive architectural approach.

- Facilitate discussions and drive consensus on architectural decisions and strategies.

- Mentor and guide architectural teams to promote best practices and continuous improvement

- Provide architectural guidance and collaborate closely with implementation and engineering teams to integrate cloud, network and technology services seamlessly, optimize performance, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.

.

7. Technology and Innovation:

- Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, and evaluate their potential impact on the organization.

- Champion innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance business capabilities.

- Lead the evaluation and selection of technology vendors and solutions.

Qualifications / Competencies

Hard Skills:

- Extensive experience in enterprise governance and solution architecture.

- Proficiency in designing and implementing solution patterns and technology mapping.

- Strong understanding of architectural frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman, COBIT etc.).

- Expertise in cloud computing, networking, microservices, API management, and data architecture.

- Knowledge of security architecture and regulatory compliance in the insurance industry.

- Strong understanding of evolving technology frameworks like GenAI, citizen development.

Soft Skills:

- Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.

- Proven ability to drive consensus and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

- Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with a focus on fostering innovation and continuous improvement.

- Strategic thinker with the ability to align technology solutions with business objectives.

Experience:

- Minimum of 15 years of experience in architecture roles, with at least 5 years in a senior or chief architect position.

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].

Toronto, OntarioHybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$175,700.00 CAD - $326,000.00 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.