The Director of Distribution Licensing leads and directs a team of seven (7) Licensing Officers responsible for monitoring and processing licensing applications for Agency. This senior-level position requires strategic oversight and management of the company's licensing processes to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls. The Director plays a critical role in collaborating with various Business Units and Distributors, ensuring the delivery of timely and relevant data, reports, and solutions for all licensing-related matters. 

In this capacity, the Director works closely with the Sales Management Team to maintain an up-to-date understanding of agency movements and licensing regulations. They evaluate agency movement processes and oversee the timely issuance and renewal of licenses, maintaining the integrity of both physical and digital records. The Director also analyzes licensing trends, recommending strategic improvements to enhance company processes.

This role involves providing comprehensive manpower reports to Sales, regulators, and regional teams, analyzing agency movements, and making informed recommendations to the approving committee. The Director is responsible for ensuring the efficient turnaround time of licensing processes, supervising the submission of licensing applications, and managing documentation to meet Insurance Commission standards.

The Director of Distribution Licensing offers expert guidance to internal and external customers on agency licensing, requiring a professional with exceptional analytical skills, a deep understanding of licensing regulations, and an ability to foster collaboration across departments to ensure seamless licensing operations. This senior leadership role demands a visionary approach to process improvement and strategic alignment with corporate objectives.

Position Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance and Oversight

Analyze company regulations to ensure full compliance with all internal controls and external regulatory requirements.

Monitor the submission and processing of licensing applications, ensuring all documentation meets Insurance Commission standards and other regulatory criteria.

Collaboration and Coordination

Coordinate with the Sales Management Team (SMT) to maintain comprehensive knowledge of agency movements and current licensing rules.

Collaborate with SMT and Agency Leaders (AL) to evaluate and improve agency movement processes, ensuring they align with company objectives and regulatory standards.

Process Management and Efficiency

Monitor the turnaround time for all licensing processes and steps, identifying areas for efficiency improvements and implementing necessary changes.

Oversee the issuance and renewal of licenses, ensuring that all conditions attached to licenses are met prior to approval. Supervise the team responsible for these processes to ensure timely and accurate execution.

Data Integrity and record-keeping

Maintain the integrity of both physical and digital records related to licensing, ensuring all records are accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible for review.

Provide detailed and accurate manpower reports to Sales, regulators, and regional teams, supporting strategic decision-making with reliable data.

Analyze agency movements and provide strategic recommendations to the approving committee, ensuring decisions are data-driven and aligned with company goals.

Stay informed on licensing trends and developments, recommending changes to company processes to remain competitive and compliant in the industry.

Guidance and Advisory

Offer expert advice and information to internal and external customers on licensing matters, serving as a key resource for guidance and support.

Foster a culture of compliance and continuous improvement within the licensing team and across related departments, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned with best practices.

Strategic Analysis and Recommendations

Individual Accountabilities:

Regulatory Compliance Management

Ensure the company's licensing procedures comply with all regulatory requirements and internal controls.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

Coordinate with the Sales Management Team and other relevant stakeholders to keep everyone informed about agency movements and licensing rules.

Work collaboratively with Agency Leaders to evaluate and enhance agency movement processes.

Process Efficiency and Oversight

Monitor and improve the turnaround time for licensing processes to ensure timely execution.

Oversee the issuance and renewal of licenses, ensuring all necessary conditions are met.

Data Integrity and Record Management

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all licensing applications, ensuring ease of access and review.

Provide comprehensive manpower reports to stakeholders, supporting data-driven decision-making.

Strategic Analysis and Recommendations

Analyze agency movements and propose informed recommendations to the approving committee.

Stay abreast of licensing trends and suggest improvements to company processes.

What motivates you?

You obsess about customers, listen, engage and act for their benefit.

You think big, with curiosity to discover ways to use your agile approach and enable business outcomes.

You thrive in teams and enjoy getting things done together.

You take ownership and build solutions, focusing on what matters.

You do what is right, work with integrity and speak up.

You share your humanity, helping us build a diverse and inclusive work environment for everyone.

What we are looking for

Graduate of a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, or a related field. An advanced degree (e.g., MBA or a master's in a relevant discipline) is preferred but not mandatory.

10+ years of relevant experience in agency licensing operations or a related field. This should include experience in managing complex licensing processes and ensuring regulatory compliance.

5+ years in a leadership or management role, preferably within the insurance or financial services industry, where the candidate has demonstrated the ability to lead teams and influence organizational strategy.

Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

Strong sense of business ethics and professionalism, demonstrating integrity in all aspects of work.

Excellent business and financial acumen, with the ability to understand and analyze complex financial data and trends.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and build strong relationships with stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to analyze regulatory trends and make strategic recommendations to improve company processes and compliance.

Experience in using data to drive decision-making and process improvement initiatives.

proficient in using relevant software and systems for licensing and records management.

Familiarity with regulatory requirements and standards specific to the industry.

Leadership and Influence

Proven ability to lead and develop a team, fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.

Capacity to influence and guide senior management and other key stakeholders on licensing matters.

How will you create impact?

The role will directly report to the Head of Agency Onboarding & Performance Management.

What can we offer you?

A competitive salary and benefits packages.

A growth trajectory that extends upward and outward, encouraging you to follow your passions and learn new skills.

A focus on growing your career path with us.

Flexible work policies and strong work-life balance.

Professional development and leadership opportunities.

Our commitment to you

Values-first culture
We lead with our Values every day and bring them to life together.

Boundless opportunity
We create opportunities to learn and grow at every stage of your career.

Continuous innovation
We invite you to help redefine the future of financial services.

Delivering the promise of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We foster an inclusive workplace where everyone thrives.

Championing Corporate Citizenship
We build a business that benefits all stakeholders and has a positive social and environmental impact.

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.

Working Arrangement