The Senior Director, Project Management Office is a senior‐level leadership role responsible for the end‑to‑end strategy, governance, and delivery of large and small scale internal construction projects across Canada and the United States. This role combines enterprise program management discipline with hands‑on construction project leadership, ensuring complex internal build‑outs, renovations, and workplace transformations are delivered safely, on time, on budget, and in alignment with corporate standards.
This position has direct leadership accountability for a team of professionals (Project Managers and Coordinators) and acts as the senior internal owner for construction delivery process.
- Provide executive leadership over a portfolio of internal construction projects, including office build‑outs, renovations, relocations, space reconfigurations, and tenant infrastructure upgrades.
- Own end‑to‑end delivery from early planning and concept design through working drawings, construction execution, commissioning, and post‑occupancy stabilization.
- Accountable for scope clarity, constructability, sequencing, and delivery outcomes.
- Establish and enforce program governance, delivery standards, controls, and reporting across all capital initiatives.
- Lead and oversee Construction Project Management activities, including:
- Development and review of working drawings
- Coordination with architects, interior designers, electrical consultants, and specialty vendors
- Direct management of construction companies and general contractors
- Drive resolution of site issues, change orders, and delivery risks while maintaining productivity, safety, and schedule.
- Stay current with industry trends, regulatory requirements, and internal workplace standards to continuously improve delivery quality.
- Partner internally with Design, Operations and Customer Relationship Management colleagues to execute on delivery of workplace and space needs.
- Act as a senior advisor to executive leaders on construction feasibility, cost optimization, phasing, and delivery strategy.
- Own accountability for capital budgets, forecasts, financial controls, risk management, and executive reporting.
- Identify and proactively mitigate risks including cost escalation, schedule slippage, construction safety concerns, and operational disruption.
- Maintain accountability for post‑construction deficiencies, warranties, and close‑out activities.
- Lead, coach, and develop a cross‑border team of direct reports across Canada and the U.S.
- Set clear expectations, performance objectives, and development plans to build a high‑performing team.
- Foster a culture of strong communication, accountability, safety, and collaboration.
- 10+ years of progressive experience leading internal construction projects within large, multi‑site organizations.
- Proven experience as a Construction Project Manager leading working drawings, contractor execution, and on‑site delivery.
- PMP designation required.
- Strong experience managing architects, designers, electrical consultants, and construction firms.
- Demonstrated success leading teams across multiple geographies.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing capital budgets, forecasts, and vendor costs.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence executive stakeholders and external partners.
- Strong, visible people leader capable of managing large, cross‑functional and cross‑border teams.
- Confident, hands‑on construction leader with the ability to balance strategic oversight and practical execution.
- Clear, persuasive communicator with contractors, consultants, and senior executives.
- Decisive problem solver with a proactive approach to risk, safety, and delivery challenges.
- Results‑driven leader committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
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.
If you are applying to this role in Massachusetts, please note the salary range is $128,550 - $222,820 USD. Additionally, employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.
The role being advertised is an existing vacancy.
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 [email protected].
Referenced Salary Location
Toronto, Ontario
Hybrid
Salary range is expected to be between
$125,100.00 CAD - $175,100.00 CAD
Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. 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. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [email protected] for the salary range for your location.
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 [email protected] for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.
We use data and analytics technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and automated processing tools, to analyze and process the information you provide to us or third parties in the application process. For more information, please refer to our personal information collection statement.
