We’re looking for a Team Lead, Testing CoE to join our Central Compliance team at MBPS. In this role, you are responsible for leading and actively supporting compliance testing, monitoring, and quality assurance activities. The role involves overseeing testing deliverables, managing team members, and directly participating in the execution of testing activities, including researching regulatory requirements, analyzing data, testing regulatory requirements in accordance with the Canada/Bank Test Plan, preparing concise testing reports, and coordinating testing activities, to ensure regulatory and internal compliance requirements are met.
Position Responsibilities:
Compliance Testing and Monitoring
Support the implementation and execution of the annual compliance testing plan, including oversight of approved test plans, timely issuance of announcement notices, and leadership of testing kick‑off meetings.
Conduct and oversee compliance testing, monitoring, and quality assurance activities across assigned business areas in accordance with the Global Compliance Testing Methodology.
Identify regulatory and control gaps, assess root causes, and provide practical recommendations to improve business processes and strengthen control environments.
Perform testing analysis, follow up on outstanding items, and ensure high-quality working papers and testing evidence are maintained.
Perform control testing within the approved scopes and engagements and document the design and operating effectiveness of key controls in Archer.
Draft clear, accurate, and concise testing reports for management and stakeholders.
Monitor testing activities to ensure accurate completion within planned timelines, proactively identifying, addressing, and escalating issues that may impact delivery.
Provide regular status updates on ongoing and completed testing activities to management and relevant stakeholders.
Review, Reporting, and Quality Assurance
Maintain high-quality standards across AML/ATF, FATCA‑CRS and Bank’s M&T Program, and other testing reviews.
Review and validate testing workpapers, findings, and final reports prior to release.
Ensure all testing activities and deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
Contribute to the preparation of management presentations and compliance-related training materials, as required.
Issue Tracking & Remediation
Work closely with the Assistant Manager, on the management of potential compliance issues and action plans along with business partners.
Enter issues and corrective action plans in Archer and track remediation of issues by coordinating with Business Units.
Communicate weaknesses in key controls to Management and make value added recommendations for improvement to properly manage and mitigate compliance risks
Secure timely updates on corrective actions and monitor completion against target dates.
Regulatory Research and Stakeholder Engagement
Research and monitor relevant regulations by reviewing regulatory issuances, bulletins, and other authoritative sources.
Maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, and business partners through consistent communication and timely resolution of issues.
Coordinate operational activities to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
Process Governance and Documentation
Establish, maintain, and periodically review Service Level Agreements (SLAs), Process Narratives, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure they remain current and effective.
Take charge of or provide support for process improvement initiatives and compliance-related projects.
People Management and Team Development
Leads and nurtures the team by promoting collaboration, professionalism, and a strong performance culture.
Drive and monitor team productivity and efficiency against agreed targets.
Support the continuing personal and professional development of team members through:
Internal and external training and certification programs
Clear communication of job expectations and performance standards
Coaching, counseling, and regular feedback
Performance appraisals, recognition, and corrective actions, as appropriate
Assist in developing and executing training and development plans for team members and monitoring progress against action plans.
Provide timely and constructive feedback on team performance to the Manager
Motivate team members to perform beyond expectations and to pursue improved outcomes.
Drives team performance to the highest possible level through targeted development actions.
Support the implementation and monitoring of team projects and strategic initiatives aligned with the Testing CoE’s objectives.
Provides guidance to others and may serve as a point of escalation for professional advice
Resource and Business Continuity Management
Support workforce and capacity planning to ensure business continuity and effective coverage of testing activities.
Participate in initiatives to enhance team resilience, scalability, and operational efficiency.
Other roles and responsibilities in support of the team/company goals
Required Qualifications:
Minimum 5 years of related financial services experience or compliance experience
Insurance, banking, internal or external audit experience is preferred
With experience in leading a team of professionals
College/University Degree and/or equivalent experience in Accounting, Legal, Finance, Business or related fields
Relevant certifications (e.g. CPA etc.) is an advantage
Preferred Qualifications:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Solid understanding of what internal controls are, including their purpose, design, and how they mitigate risk.
Proven leadership capability that involves coaching and performance management
Strong knowledge in the financial services industry including insurance and/or banking
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify risks and recommend practical solutions
Strong attention to detail when reviewing documentation and evidence to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Quick learner, detail oriented, proven ability in managing dynamic aspects of tasks simultaneously
Good interpersonal skills, flexible and adaptable when dealing with change with a strong awareness and understanding of cultural diversity
Interprets and presents technical data or product information for customers, elaborates where necessary
Advanced communication and diplomacy skills are required in order to exchange complex information
Identifies strategic issues and raises questions to help businesses explore and address challenges
Leverages technology, tools and resources to drive process improvement and efficiency
Capable to collaborate with and manage stakeholders effectively
Applies experience, judgment, guidelines, policies and precedents to analyze situations and complete assignments
Customer‑centric mindset focused on service excellence, stakeholder needs, and end‑user experience
Demonstrates strong business acumen by understanding business functions, challenges, and value propositions
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.
Working Arrangement