Vice President, Chief Security Architect

Manulife is seeking a Chief Security Architect (CSA) to lead its state-of-the-art cybersecurity program, aimed at protecting the firm's critical assets. This strategic leadership role is responsible for defining and implementing the enterprise-wide security architecture vision across all global regions and lines of business. The CSA will collaborate closely with Enterprise Architecture to integrate security controls, enabling business innovation while maintaining robust security resilience, particularly in emerging areas such as GenAI and AI.

The CSA will lead the security architecture practice, coordinate with global security service providers, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements across regions including OSFI, the US, and Asia. The role involves developing a comprehensive security architecture framework that supports business objectives and ensures the protection of global assets. The CSA will also engage directly with regulators, lead the development of security architecture patterns, and manage a team of security professionals globally.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop and maintain the enterprise security architecture framework aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

• Integrate security controls into enterprise and solutions architecture and DevSecOps practices.

• Establish security architecture governance processes across all lines of business and regions.

• Lead and manage a team of security architecture professionals across global locations.

• Design and oversee the implementation of security controls for distributed systems across multiple regions.

• Develop security reference architectures for various technology platforms including cloud and mainframe systems.

• Lead the security aspects of data architecture, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of enterprise data assets.

• Implement robust security controls for AI/ML systems and GenAI applications.

• Conduct regular security assessments and audits of AI and GenAI implementations.

• Drive integration of security resilience principles into enterprise security architecture.

• Ensure alignment with OSFI requirements and other regional regulatory frameworks.

• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations on security architecture strategy.

• Collaborate with Risk Management and business stakeholders to identify critical assets and develop strategies for resilience.

• Engage directly with regulators on security architecture matters.

• Maintain documentation of security architecture decisions for audit purposes.

• Lead and design cybersecurity solutions for large and complex programs and products.

Qualifications / Competencies and Experience

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field.

• Recognized industry thought leader in Security Architecture.

• CISSP (or equivalent) certification is mandatory.

• Experience influencing large teams of top-tier architects and engineers.

• Proven track record of addressing enterprise-wide technology and business challenges.

• Solid knowledge of change management and influence at all organizational levels.

• Working knowledge of cybersecurity and privacy legislation and regulations.

• Expert knowledge of cybersecurity-related hardware, software, and vendor solutions.

• Expertise in cloud security architecture and data security/privacy architectures.

• Excellent communication skills, including building and presenting effective business presentations.

• Demonstrated ability to influence, make decisions in ambiguous situations, and drive cross-functional collaboration.

• Proven track record of presenting and defending security architecture solutions at major cybersecurity conferences and financial industry forums.

• Enterprise architecture certification (e.g., TOGAF) is an asset.

• Executive presence and ability to communicate complex security concepts to non-technical audiences.

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.

Primary Location

Toronto, Ontario

Working Arrangement

Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$175,700.00 CAD - $326,000.00 CAD

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 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 and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact recruitment@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.