Manager / Senior Manager, AI Model Risk Oversight & Challenge in Toronto

Manulife is seeking an experienced Manager / Senior Manager, AI Model Risk Oversight & Challenge, to provide independent second-line oversight and effective challenge of AI model risk management practices across the enterprise. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the safe and responsible adoption of AI by assessing the effectiveness of risk management, validation, monitoring, and governance activities for medium- and high-risk AI initiatives. The successful candidate will leverage strong AI, machine learning, and data science expertise to identify emerging risks, challenge technical and business stakeholders, and provide actionable insights to senior management and governance committees. Working at the forefront of Generative AI and Agentic AI oversight, this role will help shape how AI risks are understood, monitored, and managed across the organization.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide independent second-line oversight and challenge of AI model risk management practices, validation outcomes, risk assessments, controls, and monitoring activities.
• Review medium- and high-risk AI initiatives to assess whether model risks have been appropriately identified, assessed, mitigated, monitored, and escalated.
• Evaluate AI and machine learning methodologies, model design, data quality, testing approaches, performance metrics, and monitoring practices.
• Assess risks associated with Generative AI, large language models, foundation models, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), third-party AI solutions, and Agentic AI applications.
• Conduct risk-based reviews, thematic assessments, and sampling activities to identify emerging risks, recurring weaknesses, and portfolio-level concerns.
• Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of Line 1 validation, governance, monitoring, and risk management outcomes.
• Develop and communicate independent opinions, recommendations, and challenge positions supported by evidence and risk analysis.
• Produce executive-ready risk assessments, management reporting, thematic reviews, and governance committee materials.
• Translate complex technical findings into clear business, governance, and risk implications for senior stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continuous enhancement of AI model risk management policies, methodologies, training materials, and oversight practices.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience for Manager-level candidates or 10+ years for Senior Manager-level candidates.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Risk Management, Business, or a related discipline.
• Experience in AI, Data Science, Machine Learning, Model Risk Management, Model Validation, Technology Risk, Analytics Risk, or related disciplines.
• Experience reviewing technical documentation, model validation results, testing evidence, monitoring outcomes, and risk assessments.
• Strong understanding of AI model lifecycle management, model risk concepts, governance practices, and control frameworks.
• Experience working with AI and machine learning solutions within financial services or another highly regulated industry.
• Demonstrated ability to challenge technical stakeholders and influence senior leaders.
• Bilingualism (English and French) is a strong asset. If the successful candidate is in Québec, proficiency in both languages will be required to support clients from various provinces outside of Quebec.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced understanding of AI Model Risk Management frameworks and model lifecycle governance.
• Experience assessing risks associated with Generative AI, large language models, foundation models, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and Agentic AI.
• Practical familiarity with Python, SQL, R, machine learning environments, or analytical tools.
• Experience conducting model reviews, validation activities, independent challenge, or technical risk assessments.
• Knowledge of responsible AI principles, explainability, fairness, bias management, robustness, and model monitoring practices.
• Familiarity with emerging regulatory requirements and industry standards relating to AI, model risk, and technology risk management.
• Experience preparing executive reporting, governance committee materials, or portfolio-level risk insights.

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.