Director, Underwriting Research Asia

We are seeking an experienced and intellectually curious underwriting professional to support the modernization and ongoing maintenance of the Manulife Underwriting Manual (MUM) . This role will play a critical part in conducting medical and mortality research, evaluating emerging evidence, and translating findings into practical underwriting guidance for use across Asia. The successful candidate will combine deep underwriting expertise with strong analytical and research capabilities. They will work closely with underwriting, medical, actuarial, and data experts to ensure that MUM remains medically current, commercially competitive, and aligned with evolving mortality experience and market practices. This position is ideal for a senior underwriter who enjoys research, evidence-based decision making, and influencing underwriting philosophy beyond individual case assessment. Position Responsibilities: Medical and Mortality Research • Conduct comprehensive reviews of medical literature, epidemiological studies, clinical guidelines, and mortality research. • Assess emerging medical advances, treatment outcomes, diagnostic technologies, and their implications for life insurance underwriting. • Evaluate the mortality impact of medical impairments and risk factors commonly encountered in retail and High Net Worth (HNW) underwriting. • Develop evidence-based recommendations for underwriting requirements, classifications, ratings, and exclusions. Underwriting Manual Development • Support the review, enhancement, and maintenance of the Manulife Underwriting Manual (MUM). • Research and update underwriting guidelines for priority impairments, incorporating the latest scientific evidence and mortality experience. • Document underwriting rationale, supporting evidence, assumptions, and references to ensure transparency and regulatory defensibility. • Assist in the localisation of underwriting guidance to reflect Asian populations, healthcare systems, and mortality experience where appropriate. Mortality and Risk Assessment • Understand and evaluate the relationship between underwriting decisions, mortality assumptions, and overall portfolio performance. • Assess the potential impact of adverse mortality selection on pricing, profitability, and risk management. • Collaborate with actuarial teams to understand mortality assumptions and emerging experience studies. • Support the development of risk philosophies that balance competitiveness with sustainable profitability. Stakeholder Collaboration • Work closely with Chief Underwriters, Medical Directors, Actuarial teams, Claims leaders, and external experts. • Participate in working groups focused on underwriting innovation, risk assessment, and manual modernization. • Present research findings and recommendations to underwriting leadership and governance committees. • Contribute to the development of AI-enabled and digital underwriting knowledge assets. Required Qualifications • Minimum 10 years of life insurance underwriting experience , of which minimum 2 year of High Net Worth (HNW) underwriting. • Demonstrated expertise in mortality underwriting and medical risk assessment. • Experience reviewing complex medical, financial, and lifestyle risks. Strong understanding of: • Medical impairments and mortality risk factors. • Evidence-based underwriting principles. • Mortality rating methodologies. • Underwriting philosophy and risk selection. Working knowledge of: • Mortality experience studies. • Basic actuarial concepts and pricing assumptions. • Adverse selection and anti-selection risk. • Impact of underwriting decisions on mortality outcomes and profitability. • Ability to critically appraise scientific and medical research. Research & Analytical Skills • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. • Ability to synthesize complex medical and statistical information into practical underwriting guidance. • Excellent technical writing skills with an ability to develop clear and concise underwriting documentation. • Comfortable working with data, research databases, clinical publications, and evidence reviews. 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,…