AVP, Head of Data Delivery, Asia Data Office

Asia Data Office ("ADO") is a team of Data professionals enabling data as an asset for delivering business outcomes for the various markets in Asia as well as in the Asia segment. The ADO team of Data Analysts, Architects, Engineers and Business Intelligence Analysts are dedicated to ensuring quality data is made available for use cases in all areas that require data provisioning including Business Intelligence, Digital Applications, Advanced Analytics and Generative AI. The position of AVP, Head of Data Delivery, Asia Data Office will report to the Chief Data Officer, Asia Data Office.

Currently, accountability for data delivery is fragmented across multiple data capability pillar leaders, with no centralized ownership or oversight. Establishing a dedicated leadership role for data delivery will enhance operational efficiency, improve delivery outcomes, and alleviate workload pressures on other leaders, enabling them to focus on their respective capabilities and address growing business demands. The anticipated data delivery portfolio is approximately $10M annually, spanning 10+ squads and supporting a diverse range of functions, including Marketing, Operations, Analytics, Distribution, and Technologies, across all 10 Asia markets. The scale and complexity of this portfolio necessitate a senior leadership-grade role to ensure structured execution, strategic alignment, and sustained impact.

The Data Delivery capability pillar of the Asia Data Office will deliver the strategic priorities of the Asia Data Office that power the overarching Manulife IT and business strategies. This pillar coordinates and orchestrates efforts across the other pillars to deliver projects on time and within budget. It involves senior stakeholder management incl. chairing and running project steercos. with ADEC and ELT members as participants. It involves skills in portfolio, program and project management and cross-functional collaboration.

This Head of Data Delivery will manage this Data Delivery Capability Pillar and will ensure the effective implementation of data-driven solutions across the organization. This position provides strategic oversight to ensure that data initiatives are aligned with business objectives, executed efficiently, and deliver measurable value. The Head of Data Delivery will:

• Orchestrate efforts across all pillars to align project execution with strategic business goals.
• Collaborate with Data PMO to ensure project plans are realistic and resources are allocated effectively.
• Work with Data Enablement and Governance to ensure compliance and governance standards are upheld in project delivery.                          

Position Responsibilities:

The Head of Data Delivery is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the delivery of data-driven solutions within the organization. This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring that data initiatives are aligned with business goals, are effectively executed, and deliver measurable value. The Head of Data Delivery will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including data engineering, data architecture, IT, Advanced Analytics Team and business units, to drive the successful implementation of data project in close collaboration with other business functions and stakeholders.

Whilst the role requires a proven foundation on technology and data, information management, information risk, controls and governance, the role also necessitates excellent client relationship and partner leadership skills, intuition for business and proficiency in interacting with various partners across all levels across the organization, including executive level stakeholders.

Accountabilities (Individual / Shared):

Individual Accountabilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Orchestrate efforts across all pillars to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with strategic business goals.
• Lead the development of roadmaps for data solutions and drive their successful implementation
• Collaborate with the Data PMO to develop realistic project plans and allocate resources effectively to meet delivery timelines.
• Lead cross-functional teams spanning Marketing, Operations, Analytics, Distribution, and Technologies to ensure cohesive project execution across all 10 Asia markets.
• Provide strategic oversight to ensure data initiatives are aligned with business objectives and deliver measurable value.
• Establish and maintain centralized ownership of data delivery to improve operational efficiency and alleviate workload pressures on other leaders.
• Manage a data delivery portfolio of approximately $10M annually, ensuring structured execution and sustained impact.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in data technologies to inform strategic decisions.

Collaboration and Governance:

• Work with Data Enablement and Governance teams to uphold compliance and governance standards in project delivery.
• Collaborate with data engineering, data architecture, IT, the Advanced Analytics Team, and business units to drive successful data project implementations.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of data projects, ensuring they meet quality standards.
• Collaborate with project managers to monitor progress, manage risks, and resolve issues.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement across all functions involved in data delivery.

Leadership and Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as a senior leader within the organization, providing guidance and support to teams and stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with senior management and other stakeholders to report on project progress, challenges, and successes.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and partner leadership skills, interacting proficiently with various partners across all levels, including executive-level stakeholders.
• Engage with key stakeholders to understand their data needs and deliver tailored solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with business units to drive collaboration and support.
• Communicate data insights and project outcomes effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
• Represent the data delivery function in executive meetings and strategic discussions.

Key Shared Accountabilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Ensure alignment of data initiatives with business priorities: Requires collaboration with business leaders and stakeholders to ensure data initiatives align with organizational objectives.
• Lead the development of roadmaps for data solutions: Involves working with cross-functional teams to create and drive roadmaps.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work in partnership with other data capability leaders to ensure cohesive and integrated delivery of data initiatives.
• Maintain alignment with business units to ensure projects meet organizational needs and strategic objectives.

Resource and Risk Management:

• Collaborate with other leaders to optimize resource allocation and manage risks associated with data projects.
• Share accountability in maintaining information risk, controls, and governance standards in partnership with relevant departments.

Team Management

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing data delivery team.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that encourages innovation and excellence.
• Provide guidance and support to team members, promoting their professional growth.
• Manage resource allocation and optimize team performance to meet project deadlines.

Project Management

• Collaborate with project managers to monitor progress: Requires working closely with project managers and other team members to track and manage project progress and risks.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with key stakeholders to understand their data needs: Involves collaboration with various stakeholders to gather and assess their requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with business units: Requires ongoing interaction and cooperation with different business units to foster collaboration and support.
• Represent the data delivery function in executive meetings: Involves interacting with executives and other leaders, often requiring shared insights and input from various team members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Mathematics or a related field.
• Certifications in data management, project management, or relevant areas are a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in data delivery, data management, or related fields, preferably in the financial industry.
• Proven track record of leading and managing data-driven projects and teams.
• Experience in strategic planning and execution of data initiatives.
• Hands-on knowledge of Azure data tools and technologies incl. Oracle RDBMS, MS Synapse, MS ADLS, MS Azure Data Factory, MS Cosmos DB, DataBricks, PowerBI.
• Good understanding of emerging technologies like OpenAI or other GenAI products.
• Knowledge of data science and analytics platforms, such as Python, R, and machine learning.
• Good knowledge and experience in project management methodologies and tools.
• Experience with cloud-based data solutions and architectures.

Key Competencies:

Leadership and Communication

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex data concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills to manage diverse stakeholder needs.

Analytical and Problem-Solving

• Strong analytical skills to identify trends, insights, and opportunities from data.
• Problem-solving abilities to address challenges and drive successful project outcomes.
• Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality results.
• Innovative mindset to explore new data technologies and methodologies.

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 recruitment@manulife.com.

Working Arrangement