Operational Risk & Control Senior Specialist

Location: Waterloo

The Senior Analyst, Operations Risk & Control provides risk and control guidance to Retirement Operations business units. This role supports the identification, documentation, and monitoring of key risks and controls within the Risk and Control Inventory. The Senior Analyst identifies control gaps, recommends practical remediation plans, and ensures controls are appropriately designed, implemented, and tested.
The role works closely with Retirement Operations and the Risk Management team to ensure issues are tracked, remediated, and closed on time. The successful candidate brings strong retirement industry knowledge, hands-on experience with operational risk and internal controls, and the ability to partner effectively with stakeholders. Strong analytical thinking, sound judgment, and a solution-oriented mindset are essential.

Position Responsibilities:

Support and complete Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) for operational business lines

Identify control gaps and recommend effective, risk-based solutions

Execute control testing per the testing plan, report results, and support remediation with operations

Partner with operational teams to design, implement, and monitor controls

Review, investigate, and manage risk incidents and loss events; ensure timely logging and closure of corrective action plans

Partner with business leaders to respond to audit findings, track remediation actions, and confirm closure within agreed timelines

Build strong relationships with business and support partners; prepare and present materials for senior audiences

Support projects and business changes that impact risk or controls

Develop and maintain risk metrics and reporting

Required Qualifications:

3+ years of audit, risk management, or comparable business experience

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field

Working knowledge of audit standards, control frameworks, and risk management practices

Ability to understand business processes, assess risk, and provide practical recommendations to control deficiencies

Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills

Detail-oriented, results-focused, and committed to quality

Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications:

Professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CIA, Risk certifications) are an asset

Experience with retirement plan services operations

Data analytics experience is an asset

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.

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     .
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…