The Head of Underwriting Innovation will lead the strategic modernization of underwriting operations, aligning with enterprise-wide manufacturing and insurance goals. These transformation initiatives will be powered by advanced AI technologies, including GenAI, predictive analytics, and automation platforms. The successful candidate must be comfortable working with AI-driven solutions and championing their adoption across underwriting workflows.

This role handles driving innovation, digitization, and operational excellence to enhance risk selection, improve efficiency, and support scalable growth. This position works closely with cross-functional teams across Operations, Technology, Product, and Distribution to ensure seamless execution of transformation efforts. The role leads a high-impact team of R&D underwriters, actuaries, and subject matter experts, focused on designing and implementing next-generation underwriting capabilities.

The Head of Underwriting Innovation must have a strong understanding of the life insurance marketplace and the regulatory environment. This ability is essential for ensuring that transformation initiatives are both market-relevant and fully compliant with industry standards.

Position Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive underwriting transformation roadmap.
• Align underwriting initiatives with broader manufacturing and product development strategies.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators to assess progress and impact.

Innovation & Technology Integration

• Lead the adoption of advanced technologies including GenAI, predictive analytics, and automation platforms.
• Oversee implementation of triage models, auto-assessment tools, and digital application enhancements.

Operational Optimization

• Drive initiatives to reduce manual underwriting, optimize flow case handling, and improve capacity.
• Deliver measurable improvements in underwriting cycle time, cost savings, and placement rates.

Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team of R&D underwriters, actuaries, and subject matter experts.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Ensure effective knowledge sharing and capability development across the team.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Pricing, Actuarial, Technology, Distribution, and Risk teams to ensure cohesive execution.
• Lead governance forums such as the UW Transformation SteerCo and cross-functional workstreams.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison with reinsurers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment across all transformation efforts.
  

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in Life Insurance manufacturing leadership positions.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience implementing AI-based initiatives within underwriting or insurance operations, with a high level of proficiency in leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to drive process improvements and innovation.
• Expertise in data-driven underwriting, automation, and emerging AI technologies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong strategic thinking, execution, and change management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams.
• In-depth knowledge of the life insurance marketplace, including key distribution channels, competitive dynamics, and emerging trends.
• Strong familiarity with regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements that pertain to underwriting and insurance operations.

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.

If you are applying to this role in Massachusetts, please note the salary range is $156,700- $290,900USD. Additionally, employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

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.

Know Your Rights I Family & Medical Leave I Employee Polygraph Protection I Right to Work I E-Verify

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