Head of AI, Vietnam

The opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic leader to lead our Vietnam AI team through the next phase of data-driven transformation across the organization. Reporting to the Chief AI Officer, Asia and the Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Vietnam, you will work closely with local and regional stakeholders to shape and lead our overall AI ambition within the Vietnam business. The successful candidate will work independently as well as lead a team of data scientists and ML engineers in identifying and qualifying ML/AI opportunities, architecting value-creating models, and building and deploying ML/AI solutions

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop and drive the Vietnam AI and Gen AI strategy, including identifying and prioritizing use cases, capturing data, enhancing data, and cleansing data, while collaborating closely with local and regional data offices.

• Manage a team of Senior Data Scientists, Data Scientists, and ML Engineers to build and support AI services across multiple functional domains for our Vietnam business.

• Collaborate with Data engineers and IT Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to gain a deep understanding of source data and harness large datasets to prepare and optimize data for priority use cases.

• Develop and implement AI / Gen AI models to tackle complex business challenges, utilizing a diverse range of algorithms and techniques.

• Work closely with partners to gather requirements, design data models, and deploy customized solutions.

• Take charge of talent management, coaching, and team building.

• Standardize processes, techniques, and tools as best practices for data scientists within the team and globally through best practice sharing.

• Drive the adoption of use cases to facilitate maximum value realization for the business.

• Maintain alignment to regional and global modeling standards and governance processes to ensure appropriate use and continued performance of solutions.

• Innovate and explore creative methods to source and leverage structured and unstructured data.

• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in AI.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degrees in engineering, statistics, math, economics or business (master's degree would be an asset)

• 12+ years of increasing experience of data science and advanced analytics that directly align to the responsibilities of this position

• Deep expertise in machine learning, data visualization, data analytics and some experience of AI, especially Gen AI development

• Hand-on expertise in advanced analytical solution development using Python, SQL, SAS etc., knowledge BI tools like Power BI, Tableau, Qlik etc.

• Knowledge of cloud service providers like AWS, MS Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, along data platforms like Databricks or Snowflake

• Proven track record of implementing data science solutions at a large organization, collaborating across a matrix organization to achieve buy-in

Preferred Qualifications:

• A demonstrated track record of consistently meeting and/or exceeding performance expectations

• Excellent problem solving, strategic thinking and analytical skills

• Highly collaborative working style with the ability to build strong working relationships and influence.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask and manage priorities.

• Easily resolve complex issues by taking a proactive approach to analyses problems and generate solutions.

• An ability to role model Manulife's core values and embrace these behaviors as part of their work

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

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

Working Arrangement