Asia Underwriting Data Insights Lead

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Underwriting Transformation Strategist to lead in the Underwriting Disruption project which aims to revolutionize underwriting through the use of innovative data. This is a unique opportunity to drive transformative change by integrating advanced data analytics and technology into the core of our insurance underwriting operations. The successful candidate will lead efforts to enhance our long-term mortality and morbidity predictive capabilities, streamline the customer buy journey, and engage with cutting-edge platform providers for health data capture.

Collaboration across the various functions of operations, pricing, risk, proposition marketing, advanced analytics and distribution will be key in forming the approach.  This role will require frequent interfacing with country level COOs and functional executives and getting "on the ground" to better assess and drive success.

Additionally, she/he will be expected to engage with external parties to capture developments on market trends, customer needs, new data sources linking to mortality and morbidity trends, new technology partnerships and competitor offerings in the industry.

Position Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:

  • Develop and implement strategies for embedding advanced data analytics and AI into underwriting processes.

• Predictive Capabilities:

  • Identify and evaluate data sources to enhance long-term mortality and morbidity predictions.

  • Collaborate with data scientists and actuarial teams to develop predictive models and algorithms.

• Data Analysis and Process Improvement:

  • Analyze complex data sets to uncover patterns and insights to provide meaningful narratives and strategic recommendations that can simplify and improve the underwriting process.

  • Deliver an approach to using various data streams (e.g., health data, bank and credit card behavior, transactional and demographic data) in the underwriting decision framework.

• Health Data Integration:

  • Research and assess platform providers capable of capturing and integrating health and behavior data to direct the underwriting process.

  • Lead the integration of selected platforms and technologies, ensuring they meet business requirements and regulatory standards.

• Cross-functional Collaboration:

  • Collaborate with operations, pricing, risk, proposition marketing, and distribution teams to drive project success.

  • Build strong partnerships with functional leaders to drive innovative solutions and build out the underwriting operating model to support local business growth goals.

• Technology Implementation:

  • Work with IT and engineering teams to ensure seamless implementation and data flow.

  • Ensure compliance with all data privacy and regulatory requirements in technology integration.

• Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Innovate based on product and customer needs, synthesizing requests and feedback across key stakeholders to develop advancements in underwriting.

• Market Engagement:

  • Engage with external parties to stay abreast of market trends, customer needs, and competitor offerings.

  • Identify and form partnerships with new technology providers and data sources related to mortality and morbidity.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven expertise in life and health insurance, with strong operational and analytical capabilities

• Demonstrated success in leading change management and transformation initiatives

• Strategic thinker with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational alignment

• Skilled in anticipating business needs and translating strategy into actionable plans and capabilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; fluent in English

• Strong negotiation and influencing abilities, with a track record of building effective internal and external partnerships

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience, including reinsurance and insurance underwriting & operations

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred

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

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.

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