We are seeking a seasoned product transformation expert to accelerate the evolution of our Product organization. This role is critical in shaping how we deliver solutions by embedding agile principles, optimizing delivery processes, and driving measurable improvements in throughput and velocity. The AVP will assess our current operating model, identify opportunities for improvement, and design a future-ready structure that enables high-performing teams.

In addition to building long-term capabilities, this individual will play a hands-on role in our current enterprise transformation initiative, ensuring we meet critical deliverables this year. This is a unique opportunity to deliver critical outcomes while shaping the future operating model—balancing immediate execution needs with long-term transformation goals. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, can diagnose and solve complex delivery challenges, and influences change across a diverse set of stakeholders.

Key Accountabilities: (100%)

Agile Maturity & Enablement (20%)
Develop and implement strategies to improve agile adoption and effectiveness across the product organization.

Transformation Execution (25%)
Drive execution of the current enterprise transformation initiative, ensuring milestones and deliverables are achieved.

Delivery Optimization (20%)
Analyze throughput, velocity, and capacity planning; implement best practices to enhance predictability and speed-to-market.

Operating Model Design (15%)
Design future-ready structures and processes that enable scalable, efficient product delivery. Continuous Improvement (10%)
Establish metrics and feedback loops to monitor performance and drive ongoing enhancements. Stakeholder Influence (10%)
Build alignment and secure buy-in across product, technology, and business stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience leading agile transformation and delivery optimization in complex product organizations.

• Deep understanding of agile frameworks (Scrum, SAFe, Kanban) and scaling practices.

• Strong analytical skills with ability to diagnose bottlenecks and design solutions.

• Exceptional communication and influencing skills; able to drive change without direct authority.

• 10+ years in product delivery, transformation, or related roles.

Success Measures:

• Increased delivery velocity and predictability.

• Consistent agile practices embedded across teams.

• Successful execution of current transformation milestones.

• Clear, scalable operating model that supports strategic goals.

Job Requirement:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Technology, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

• Proven experience in product delivery and execution with a focus on agile practices and transformational leadership.

• Demonstrated experience in large scale business transformations requiring significant technology portfolio oversight and delivery.

• Strong program management skills with experience in strategy, design, and delivery integration.

• Expertise in capacity planning, throughput management, and process optimization.

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant leadership experience.

Competencies:

• Strategic Agility: Ability to anticipate and navigate complex organizational changes.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize data for informed decision-making and course correction.

• Stakeholder Influence: Effectively communicate and persuade at all organizational levels.

• Operational Excellence: Build efficient and effective processes.

• Talent Development: Foster a high-performing team culture.

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-JH

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.

Referenced Salary Location

Boston, MassachusettsHybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$156,700.00 USD - $290,900.00 USD

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact recruitment@manulife.com 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/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.

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Company: John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.)