Senior Underwriting Director

The Opportunity:

The Director, GHNW Underwriting provides guidance to more junior staff. Assists Underwriting Management with research and training of Underwriting Staff. Takes the lead role on the high scope and complexity Underwriting department projects.

Position Responsibilities:

• Oversee risk selection and classification in alignment with company standards, including high-value cases and reinsurance coordination.

• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to underwriters at all levels, acting as a key resource for complex cases and consultations.

• Ensure underwriting decisions are made within approval limits and supported by thorough analysis of medical, financial, and non-medical data.

• Maintain consistency and quality through effective referral processes and adherence to departmental guidelines.

• Manage preferred mortality blocks and flex guidelines to meet pricing and risk expectations.

• Drive operational efficiency by balancing underwriting requirements with expense management.

• Collaborate on strategic initiatives, including new business development and departmental projects.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, field personnel, and reinsurers.

• Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and estate/insurance planning strategies to inform underwriting practices.

Required Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education or equivalent experience, with a minimum of 15 years in underwriting.

• Strong knowledge of underwriting principles, including medical, financial, and non-medical risk assessment.

• Familiarity with estate, business, and insurance planning strategies, as well as regulatory and legislative impacts.

• Deep understanding of reinsurance practices, insurance contract law, and product pricing principles.

• Proven ability to balance risk assessment with expense management and client-centric decision-making.

• Professional designations in underwriting or insurance preferred; commitment to ongoing learning and industry awareness.

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 hr@manulife.com.