Manulife Financial Corporation

Affinity Operations - Business Operations Manager

Manulife Financial Corporation$93K — $143K *
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • University degree in Business, Commerce, Finance, Communications, or a related field
  • 5-8 years of progressive experience in strategy, business management, operations, or consulting
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business planning skills
  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and executive storytelling capabilities
  • Experience in strategic planning or governance

Responsibilities

  • Support the development and execution of the Affinity Operations strategy
  • Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and measurable outcomes
  • Monitor progress against objectives and drive accountability for results
  • Lead business performance reporting and develop scorecards
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the AVP, managing priorities and leadership effectiveness

Benefits

  • Opportunity to learn and advance in your career
  • Supportive flexible work environment that prioritizes well-being and inclusion
  • Participation in incentive programs tied to performance
  • Customizable benefits package including health, dental, and wellness programs
  • Generous paid time off and various retirement savings plans
Full Job Description

The Manager, Strategy & Chief of Staff is a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the AVP, Affinity Operations, responsible for driving business performance, strategic execution, and organizational effectiveness across the function.

Acting as an extension of the AVP, this role ensures Affinity Operations operates with clarity, discipline, and focus by connecting strategy, performance management, governance, communications, and leadership priorities. The successful candidate will bring structure to how the business is managed, enabling leaders to make informed decisions, align resources to key priorities, and deliver measurable business outcomes. This role is accountable for leading the business operating system for Affinity Operations, including strategic planning, performance management, governance, executive enablement, and cross-functional coordination.

As Chief of Staff to the AVP, the Manager serves as a central connector across teams and stakeholders, providing insight, alignment, and execution support to advance strategic priorities and drive operational excellence.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, trusted partner, and skilled communicator who excels at bringing clarity to complexity. They demonstrate a growth mindset and embrace AI, automation, and emerging technologies to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and improve business outcomes. They are highly collaborative, proactive, and comfortable navigating ambiguity while driving alignment, accountability, and results.

Position Responsibilities:

Strategy & Execution

  • Support the development, communication, and execution of the Affinity Operations strategy and roadmap.

  • Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, measurable outcomes, and execution milestones.

  • Provide strategic analysis, insights, and recommendations to support business decision-making.

  • Monitor progress against objectives, identify risks and opportunities, and drive accountability for results.

Business Performance & Governance

  • Lead business performance reporting, scorecards, dashboards, and executive insights.

  • Develop and manage key performance indicators aligned to business objectives.

  • Establish and manage governance routines, business reviews, and planning cycles that support transparency, prioritization, and execution.

  • Provide actionable insights that inform leadership decisions and continuous improvement.

  • Identify opportunities to leverage AI, automation, and emerging technologies to enhance reporting, decision-making, operational effectiveness, and business outcomes

Chief of Staff & Leadership Enablement

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the AVP, Affinity Operations, helping manage priorities, decisions, and leadership effectiveness.

  • Coordinate leadership forums, executive reviews, and business planning activities.

  • Develop executive presentations, briefing materials, and leadership communications.

  • Ensure alignment, follow-through, and accountability across leadership priorities and commitments.

Stakeholder Engagement & Organizational Alignment

  • Build strong partnerships across Affinity, Operations, Technology, Finance, and enterprise stakeholders.

  • Develop and maintain a pulse on Affinity business performance, strategic priorities, product direction, and growth opportunities, ensuring Affinity Operations remains aligned to evolving business needs and positioned to enable strategic outcomes.

  • Act as a central point of coordination for cross-functional initiatives and strategic priorities.

  • Foster alignment, remove barriers, and support informed decision-making across diverse stakeholder groups.

Communications & Change Enablement

  • Support communication and change strategies that advance business priorities and organizational goals.

  • Translate complex business information into clear, compelling messages tailored to different audiences.

  • Partner with stakeholders to deliver leadership communications, employee engagement activities, town halls, offsites, and other business forums.

  • Support adoption of key initiatives by ensuring effective engagement, alignment, and communication.

Required Qualifications:

  • University degree in Business, Commerce, Finance, Communications, or a related field.

  • 5-8 years of progressive experience in strategy, business management, operations, consulting, transformation, chief of staff, or related roles.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated curiosity and adaptability in adopting new technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to enhance productivity, business insights, collaboration, and decision-making.

  • Demonstrated experience supporting senior leaders and driving cross-functional initiatives.

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business planning skills.

  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and executive storytelling capabilities.

  • Proven ability to influence and collaborate across complex stakeholder environments.

  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

  • Experience in insurance, financial services, affinity partnerships, or operations environments.

  • Experience in strategic planning, governance, performance management, change enablement, or portfolio management.

  • Familiarity with operational excellence and business management best practices.

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.

Referenced Salary Location

Waterloo, Ontario

Working Arrangement

Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$93,390.00 CAD - $143,390.00 CAD

Employees 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 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 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 .

About Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock's core retail products in the U.S. focus on providing financial solutions at every stage of our clients' lives. Our product suite includes life insurance, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care (LTC) insurance, and annuities. We distribute our products primarily through licensed financial advisors, and through John Hancock Financial Network, a national network of independent firms.

Manulife Financial Corporation Careers

Join the dynamic team at Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading global financial services group dedicated to helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. With a presence in more than 20 countries, Manulife offers a diverse range of job opportunities that empower professional growth and innovation in the financial sector. Work You’ll Do At Manulife, every position contributes to our inclusive culture of diversity, leadership, and innovation. We are committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued and has the opportunity for personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a company that values your skills and passion. Explore a Wealth of Opportunities Whether you're seeking your first internship or a seasoned professional aiming to advance your career, Manulife offers a spectrum of career paths ranging from finance and marketing to technology and customer service. Our job opportunities are designed to enhance your skills through robust training programs and hands-on experience in a supportive environment. Innovate with Us Drive transformation in the financial services industry with Manulife’s commitment to technology and innovation. Work alongside over 34,000 professionals globally, leveraging cutting-edge tools and processes that redefine how financial services are delivered. Be Part of a Great Team Manulife’s team-oriented approach ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Collaborate with talented professionals from diverse backgrounds to develop solutions that improve the lives of our customers. Enjoy the benefits of a global company that supports your ambitions with resources and opportunities to lead and innovate. Future-Proof Your Career Manulife supports your career journey with continuous learning and development opportunities. From leadership training to networking events, we provide the tools to succeed and the platforms to showcase your achievements. Our commitment to career growth ensures that your journey with us will be rewarding and impactful. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the range of job opportunities at Manulife by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for curious, driven, and innovative team players who are ready to make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest company news, career tips, and industry insights—all from the people who work here. Manulife is dedicated to providing you with the resources to thrive in your career. Job Alert Emails Customize your experience by subscribing to receive job alerts and insider information tailored to your preferences. Learn about exciting and rewarding opportunities as they arise and how you can be a part of our transformative team. Join Manulife Financial Corporation today and be part of a leading company where your career is as rewarding as it is impactful. Explore how far your talents can take you in an environment built on respect, integrity, and a desire to achieve the best outcomes for our clients and our team.
Learn more about Manulife Financial Corporation
Size
38,000 employees
Market Cap
$33.4 billion
Industry
Founded
1887
5 Year Trend
+1%
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Manulife Financial Corporation

More Finance & Insurance Jobs

Find similar Affinity Operations - Business Operations Manager jobs: