Senior IT Contract Manager

The Senior Manager - Contract Specialist is a pivotal role within Manulife, responsible for ensuring that vendor contracts meet stringent IT security standards to protect the company's data and information. This position requires a strategic negotiator and expert in contract language, capable of advising stakeholders and vendors on necessary clauses to mitigate risks. Leading a team of contract managers, the Senior Manager will collaborate with internal business units to review and negotiate contracts, support procurement efforts, and maintain compliance with evolving legal and regulatory requirements, all while effectively communicating complex concepts in straightforward terms.

Position Responsibilities

• Contract Compliance: Rigorously review contract clauses to ensure they meet Manulife's standards and compliance requirements.
• Negotiation Leadership: Skillfully negotiate contract terms with vendors, clearly communicating required concepts and associated risks to secure optimal outcomes.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with internal stakeholders and the Legal team to deliver high-quality client service and thoroughly assess supplier risks.
• Vendor Contract Oversight: Initiate and manage reviews of vendor contracts across various business units, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Metrics and Reporting: Develop and maintain teams metrics, and reporting.
• Inquiry Management: Respond promptly and accurately to contract-related inquiries, providing expert insights and solutions.
• Procurement Support: Assist the Procurement team by advising on contract clauses and exceptions, offering strategic guidance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed of new laws and regulations, ensuring that contractual language is updated and compliant.
• Effective Communication: Translate complex concepts into clear, actionable language for vendors and internal stakeholders, facilitating understanding and agreement.
• Team Management: Supervise and develop a team of three employees, aligning their efforts with organizational goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience. Law degree would be an asset.
• IT Contract Experience: Demonstrated experience in IT contract management, including reviewing and negotiating terms.
• Extensive Contracting Background: At least 5-10 years of experience in contracting, with a focus on reviewing and negotiating third-party contracts or related third-party risk management, specifically addressing IT and cybersecurity requirements.
• Communication and Negotiation Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication skills, coupled with strong negotiation abilities.
• Cybersecurity Knowledge: Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles, with exposure to the information security field and an understanding of data flow processes.
• Technical Proficiency: Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel), Power BI, and other risk management tools such as Archer and ProcessUnity.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Strong critical thinking skills, with the ability to solve problems effectively and escalate issues when necessary.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact to Manulife.
• Teamwork and Independence: Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team member.
• Multitasking Ability: Proven ability to effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Third-Party Risk Management: Knowledge of third-party risk management concepts or a solid understanding of IT controls and information security principles.
• Regulatory Understanding: Familiarity with regulatory requirements for third-party contracts, including OSFI B-10, OCC, and privacy laws such as PIPEDA, GLBA, GDPR, and CCPA.
• Compliance and Risk Frameworks: Understanding of industry-recognized compliance and risk frameworks, such as NIST 800-53, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), and ISO 27001.
• Vendor Security Assessments: Experience or familiarity with conducting vendor information security assessments.

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

Referenced Salary Location
Toronto, Ontario

Working Arrangement
Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between
$86,250.00 CAD - $155,250.00 CAD

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact for the salary range for your location. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.