Company Name: Manulife
Location: Waterloo, Ontario;Toronto, Ontario;Halifax, Nova Scotia;Montreal, Quebec
Type: Full Time
Salary: $70,500.00 CAD – $117,500.00 CAD
Job Description:
Are you passionate about creating memorable, high-impact events? The Canadian Meetings & Events Team (CMET) at Manulife is an award-winning group known for delivering top-notch event and program management. We’re excited to welcome an experienced corporate Senior Event Planner who’s ready to shape extraordinary experiences across Canada, the US, and international destinations.
Position Responsibilities:
- Manage and craft unforgettable experiences that build brand momentum and deliver on event objectives.
- Lead end-to-end program delivery: sourcing, critical path, budget management, contracting, vendor management, communications, onsite execution, post-event wrap-up, and reporting.
- Own programs such as roadshows, incentives, and multi-day sales conferences, plus other key initiatives.
- Participate and/or lead committees, status updates, and pre/post event briefings.
- Develop, track, and report on budgets; drive efficiencies and savings, ensure timely payments and financial closure.
- Recognize challenges early and troubleshoot with expertise and strong relationships.
- Research and present recommendations for destinations, venues, AV production, formats, and experiential components.
- Collaborate with peers, clients, vendors, and internal teams (procurement, legal, IT, marketing, design, etc.) to influence decisions, establish objectives, and deliver on time.
- Gather post-event feedback from partners, sponsors, and client groups to improve future performance.
- Support and enhance event processes and policies; identify gaps and document improvements.
- Apply industry experience and networks to drive efficiencies, best practices, and new trends.
- Travel up to 25–30% (weekdays/weekends/overnights) by air, train, and car, as program needs require.
- Execute onsite with long hours of standing/walking; serve as the key liaison among clients and vendors.
- Support show flow development and AV coordination with internal and external partners.
- Ensure all program deliverables—theme, creative, locations, travel, activities, entertainment, speakers, meals, mobile app, materials, financials, staffing, registration, and gifting—align with client expectations and business objectives.
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years of corporate meeting/event management experience delivering complex, multi-faceted programs.
- 1–3 years’ experience in Financial Services.
- Strong knowledge of hospitality/hotel operations, travel standards, contract negotiation, site selection, and event sustainability.
- Experience managing third-party vendors (DMCs, speakers, AV, entertainment, décor).
- Passion, creativity, and hands-on excellence in event planning, project management, and onsite execution.
- Proven ability to lead and influence at all levels, including senior leadership.
- Excellent interpersonal, customer service, diplomacy, and negotiation skills.
- Positive mindset and resilience in supporting change.
- Team-first attitude with a commitment to quality and service.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision; set goals, meet expectations, and model strong behaviors.
- Delegation and mentorship skills.
- Proven event budget management.
- Production design experience; confidence with AV for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
- Skilled at problem-solving, multitasking, and thinking on your feet.
- Balanced initiative and accountability when responding to requests.
- Sound judgment to identify and communicate risk within projects.
- Exceptional time management; thrive in fast-paced environments with firm timelines.
- Strong decision-making: analyze problems, weigh options, apply financial/business acumen, and select the best approach.
- Strong proficiency with Office 365, event registration platforms (e.g., Cvent), and mobile event apps.
Preferred Qualifications:
- CMP designation is an asset.
- Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset. If the successful candidate is in Québec, proficiency in both languages will be required to support clients from various provinces outside of Quebec.
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.
