Manulife Financial Corporation

Technical Program Manager - Strategic Initiatives

Manulife Financial Corporation$92K — $160K *
Finance & Insurance
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3-5 years of technical program management expertise in a related field
  • 3+ years delivering technology solutions in the life & annuity insurance industry
  • Experience with administration platforms like Verisk FAST and Hexure FireLight/Foresight
  • Familiarity with L&A insurance regulatory concepts and operational cadence of product changes
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Ability to influence without direct authority and effectively manage stakeholder communications
  • Proven track record managing complex releases and coordinating business readiness.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) for initiatives supporting insurance priorities
  • Ensure comprehensive technology delivery from initiation through post-launch support
  • Implement technology strategies and facilitate effective software delivery
  • Lead cross-functional efforts and synchronize actions across IT service areas
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks impacting project success
  • Collaborate closely with Business Initiative leads to build schedules and align technology aspects
  • Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among team members.

Benefits

  • Customizable health, dental, mental health, and vision insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • Life and AD&D insurance
  • Generous paid time off including up to 11 holidays, 3 personal days, and 150 hours of vacation
  • Retirement savings plans including pension and 401(k) with employer matching
  • Financial education and counseling resources
  • Employee and family assistance plans.
Full Job Description
The Technical Program Manager (TPM) will lead strategic initiatives that deliver integrated technology solutions across John Hancock Insurance. This role offers the opportunity to shape complex, high-impact programs spanning product enablement, distribution, policy administration, servicing, and operations. The TPM will partner with business initiative owners, product owners, and technology leaders to align capabilities, capacity, and investment with commitments across the insurance value chain. The role will translate business, product, regulatory, and customer needs into coordinated development, testing, implementation, and business-readiness plans while ensuring delivery on schedule, within budget, and with strong risk management. Success requires someone who can connect business outcomes with technology execution, navigate effective-date-driven product changes, and lead across multiple platforms and stakeholder groups.

Position Responsibilities:

Initiative management: Overseeing the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) for initiatives that support John Hancock Insurance priorities, from initiation and delivery through implementation, stabilization, and post-launch support across policyholder, producer, and operations journeys. Initiative Delivery: Responsible and accountable for all aspects of technology delivery, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, closure, and post-initiative evaluation, to meet scope, budget, schedule, regulatory, operational-readiness, and customer commitments. Technical expertise: Using their background in understanding software engineering and technology to implement technology strategies and ensure effective software

delivery

Cross-functional leadership: Providing cross-functional leadership and building alignment for efforts such as product architecture and synchronizing the ask with the IT organization service areas to deliver services. Technical risk management: Identifying and mitigating technical risks that could impact project success Value Creation: works closely with Business Initiative lead to build schedule, milestones, goals, and scope by aligning and incorporating technology aspects from components, solutions, feasibility and delivery. People & Culture: Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, while actively driving alignment and productivity for aligned Team

Required Qualifications:

3-5 years of technical program management expertise in related field

3+ years delivering technology solutions in the life & annuity (L&A) insurance industry (required), with direct exposure to policy administration and supporting policyholder, agent/producer workflows (new business, underwriting, illustration, application submission) and downstream capabilities (preferred).

3+ years experience with administration platforms including but limited to Verisk FAST and Hexure FireLight/Foresight.

Familiarity with L&A insurance-related regulatory and business concepts and the operational cadence of product changes.

Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities to manage through creative tension

Influencing and execution the work without direct management of resources

Strong verbal and communication skills with the ability to effectively articulate and communicate technical vision and the ability to translate the outcomes into possibilities, options and execution

Comfortable with leading communications including presentations to senior leadership, sponsors and stakeholders for business cases and roadmaps

Demonstrated experience managing complex releases that include product/rate/assumption updates and effective-date driven changes, coordinating business readiness and producer communications.

Preferred Qualifications:

Project management skills with proficiency in project/initiative management software tools and methodologies including Agile and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Understanding of Agile metrics, scrum, and similar agile methodology to track progress, measure team performance, and identify areas of improvement

Working knowledge of the data, integration, and platform capabilities required for AI solutions, including secure access to approved enterprise data.

Proven track record of delivering complex and large-scale IT solutions, including modernization and integration work (APIs, data pipelines) in regulated environments.

Working knowledge of insurance regulatory/compliance considerations that impact ability to partner with Compliance/Legal to ensure controls and evidence are in place.

Experience with test governance (test-driven development (TDD), parallel testing, defect triage with business SMEs, and sign-off processes).

Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate with peers and leaders.

Ability to manage execution plans to a budget and to provide regular updated financial forecasts for labor and non-labor expenses

Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance short-term and long-term objectives and trade-offs.

Highly adaptable, flexible, and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

The role being advertised is an existing vacancy.

Referenced Salary Location

Boston, Massachusetts

Working Arrangement

Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between
$92,475.00 USD - $160,290.00 USD

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 [redacted] for the salary range for your location.

Manulife/John Hancock 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/401(k) savings plans and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in the U.S. includes up to 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 150 hours of vacation, and 40 hours of sick time (or more where required by law) each year, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence.

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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