Manulife Financial Corporation

Senior Data Scientist

Manulife Financial Corporation$129K — $179K *
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field; or Bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, or AI.
  • Advanced programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages; strong SQL skills preferred.
  • Deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and analytical storytelling.
  • Experience leading complex data science projects from discovery to implementation.
  • Working knowledge of generative AI concepts, including LLMs and prompt engineering.
  • Strong ability to communicate complex technical concepts to senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Lead complex analytics, machine learning, and generative AI projects from start to finish.
  • Define analytical strategies, model evaluation methods, and success metrics for AI initiatives.
  • Guide AI experimentation and workflows in collaboration with technology teams.
  • Apply advanced statistical methods and AI techniques to solve real business challenges.
  • Translate complex findings into clear recommendations for non-technical stakeholders.
  • Prepare detailed business cases outlining benefits and risks of initiatives.
  • Develop a strong understanding of the business context and culture to drive effective outcomes.

Benefits

  • Access to a wide range of customizable health and wellness benefits, including mental health support.
  • Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days.
  • Retirement savings plans with employer matching contributions.
  • Flexible working environment that emphasizes well-being and inclusion.
  • Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
Full Job Description
As a Senior Data Scientist supporting our Canadian AI team, you will play a key leadership role in developing analytics, machine learning, generative AI, and emerging agentic AI solutions that generate business insights, improve decision-making, and advance strategic priorities across the organization. You will lead and deliver complex data science initiatives, guide experimentation with new AI capabilities, and transform large, diverse datasets into actionable recommendations and scalable AI-enabled opportunities.

Beyond technical expertise, you'll mentor junior data scientists, champion best practices in Responsible AI and AI evaluation, and collaborate with business, product, engineering, and platform partners to drive meaningful business outcomes.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Lead complex analytics, machine learning, and generative AI initiatives from problem framing through implementation.


  • Define analytical approaches, model strategies, evaluation methods, and success measures for high-impact AI use cases.


  • Guide experimentation with AI assistants, copilots, RAG solutions, and agentic workflows in partnership with Agentic Engineers and technology teams.


  • Apply advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, experimentation, and AI evaluation techniques to solve business problems.


  • Translate complex analytical findings and AI outputs into clear, implementable recommendations for business stakeholders and leaders.


  • Prepare business cases for assigned initiatives, including expected benefits, adoption considerations, risks, and lessons learned from related business contexts.


  • Develop an intimate understanding of supported business areas, including value chains, customer journeys, operating context, and company culture.


  • Anticipate and proactively address peer review, governance, and model risk management considerations through clear documentation and defensible analytical choices.


  • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior data scientists, facilitate best-practice exchange, and share technical expertise across the team.


  • Contribute reusable approaches for experimentation, model validation, and AI solution assessment within assigned initiatives and the broader data science practice.


  • Build a strong internal network across business, data science, engineering, platform, and governance partners, and share lessons learned to advance practice maturity.


Required Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related field; or Bachelor's degree with equivalent technical experience.


  • Minimum of 5 years of applicable experience in data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, or AI solution development.


  • Advanced programming capability in Python, R, or similar analytical programming languages; strong SQL experience preferred.


  • Advanced understanding of programming, statistics, machine learning, exploratory data analysis, data visualization, model production, insight generation, and data wrangling.


  • Deep knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, experimental design, model evaluation, and analytical storytelling.


  • Experience leading complex data science initiatives from discovery through implementation.


  • Working knowledge of generative AI, LLMs, prompt engineering, embeddings, RAG, AI evaluation, or agentic AI concepts.


  • Ability to influence stakeholders, develop business cases, and communicate complex technical concepts to senior audiences.


  • Experience mentoring data scientists and promoting technical best practices.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Azure, Databricks, Git, MLflow, model monitoring, or cloud-based AI/ML development environments.


  • Familiarity with LLMOps, MLOps, model governance, Responsible AI, privacy, security, and model risk management.


  • Experience with vector databases, semantic search, embeddings, RAG pipelines, or knowledge retrieval architectures.


  • Exposure to LangChain, LangGraph, Semantic Kernel, AutoGen, CrewAI, or similar agentic AI frameworks.


  • Experience supporting AI product development, experimentation portfolios, proof-of-concepts, MVPs, or scaled enterprise deployments.


  • Experience in financial services, insurance, or another regulated environment.


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
Toronto, Ontario

Working Arrangement

Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between
$129,400.00 CAD - $179,400.00 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.

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

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