Director & Legal Counsel, Corporate Governance Asia

Company 180 - Manulife Life Insurance Company (Japan)

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Hong Kong Until 10/4/2026 H-1B sponsor history First posted August 5, 2026 Last posted August 5, 2026
Job description

Director & Legal Counsel, Corporate Governance Asia

We are seeking a motivated governance professional to join our Asia team. This role is suited to someone with a solid foundation in corporate governance or company secretarial work who is looking to build broader regional exposure and grow into a more strategic governance role over time.

Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will support the delivery of governance frameworks, board operations and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, while gaining exposure to more complex governance and advisory matters.

Position Responsibilities:

Governance

  • Support the implementation and ongoing maintenance of governance frameworks, policies and procedures across the region.

  • Monitor regulatory developments and assist in assessing implications for governance practices.

  • Prepare and review governance documentation, including board resolutions, subsidiary records and attestations.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Support governance-related compliance across Asia, including coordination of statutory and regulatory requirements.

  • Assist with regulatory interactions and ensure timely and accurate submission of required materials.

  • Where necessary, liaise with regulatory bodies, either directly or with the support of the local corporate governance team, and ensure timely and accurate reporting.

Board & Stakeholder Support

  • Support board and committee processes, including preparation of agendas, materials and minutes.

  • Assist with director onboarding, ongoing administration and maintenance of governance records.

  • Build relationships with key stakeholders and provide practical support on governance matters.

Technology & Process Improvement

  • Contribute to digital transformation initiatives aimed at improving governance processes, including the use of governance platforms and shared resources.

Required Qualifications:

  • Relevant experience in corporate governance, company secretarial, legal, risk, or a related field.

  • Company secretarial experience in Hong Kong is highly desirable.

  • Legal experience is beneficial but not required.

  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

  • Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and develop.

  • Ability to operate strategically while delivering hands-on solutions.

  • Pragmatic, solutions-focused approach with strong problem-solving skills

  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

  • Demonstrated interest in developing broader governance expertise across jurisdictions.

  • A hands-on operator with a strong execution mindset

  • A curious, proactive learner who is keen to expand into governance advisory and regional work over time

  • Mandarin or another regional language is an advantage.​

When You Join Our Team:

  • You will gain exposure to complex, multi-jurisdictional governance structures

  • You will have the opportunity to develop toward a more strategic governance role

  • You will be supported in a collaborative and flexible working environment

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 hr@manulife.com.

Working Arrangement

Hybrid
About this role

Summary

Support governance frameworks, compliance, and board processes across Asia.

Job title

Director & Legal Counsel, Corporate Governance Asia

Experience level

relevant experience

Industry

financial services

Location requirements

Hong Kong, hybrid work allowed.

Salary

Not specified

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

corporate governancecompany secretarialregulatory compliancestakeholder management

Preferred skills

legal experienceMandarin

Specializations

corporate governancecompany secretarialregulatory complianceboard supportregionally focused
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Hong Kong

Hybrid City