Manager, Group Benefits, Sponsor Risk Management

Overview This role provides first line of defense oversight in identifying, assessing, and mitigating plan sponsor-related risks and contractual exposures within the Group Benefits business. By leading governance forums and complex service agreement negotiations, the Manager ensures alignment with Manulife’s risk appetite while enhancing operational controls and client experience. Position Responsibilities 1. Plan Sponsor Risk Management & Contract Oversight Conduct initial risk and compliance reviews to reduce downstream impacts and improve internal engagement efficiency. Ensure contractual language aligns with Manulife’s standards and risk appetite, in collaboration with Legal, Privacy, and other internal SMEs. Lead complex negotiations of high‑profile Service Agreements (MSAs, OA, DPAs, NDAs) with large/jumbo plan sponsors. Assert Manulife’s standard practices and policies while balancing client needs and risk tolerance. Support escalations and client interactions with professionalism and clarity. 2. Governance & Stakeholder Collaboration Lead the Client Customization Review Committee (CCRC), a multi‑stakeholder governance forum overseeing client customization requests. Collaborate with stakeholders across Distribution, Legal, Privacy, Underwriting, Product, Operations, Tax, Disability, and IT Risk to ensure alignment and risk mitigation. Continuously improve committee processes, including intake, redirection, and stakeholder engagement. 3. Process Innovation & Systems Optimization Identify process gaps and initiate interdepartmental working groups to reduce inefficiencies. Support the continual improvement and development of tools such as JIRA/JSM to manage and track work requests. Champion automation and GenAI adoption to streamline contract and RFP reviews, and negotiation workflows. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the team, including providing education and guidance on risk standards, contract language, and negotiation strategy. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Risk Management, or related field. 5–7 years of experience in risk management, legal/compliance, or group benefits contracting.Strong understanding of Canadian insurance regulations, privacy standards, and operational risk frameworks. Proven experience leading complex negotiations with external clients. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to simplify complex concepts. Preferred Qualifications Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation or progress toward certification. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with tools such as Power BI, JIRA/JSM, and GenAI solutions (e.g., Copilot). Strong expertise in risk identification, analysis, and mitigation, including control design and monitoring practices. Solid understanding of legal, regulatory, and privacy compliance in the context of plan sponsor risk and contractual obligations. Exceptional organizational skills with a proactive, collaborative approach and ability to manage high‑visibility deliverables under ambiguity. Passion for improving client experience and driving operational excellence through innovation and continuous improvement. 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. Manulife and John Hancock Manulife Financial Corporation is a large international financial services provider committed to making life better by providing financial security and turning dreams into reality. For more information, visit ulife is an equal‑opportunity employer. Manulife/John Hancock welcomes diversity. We are committed to fair hiring, retention, promotion, and compensation. All of our practices and programs are designed to treat all applicants and employees without discrimination based on race, ancestry, national origin, color, ethnic background, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, gender (including pregnancy and related states), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other factor protected by applicable law.We are focused on removing barriers in the hiring process. Our HR team will assist applicants who require reasonable accommodations during the application process. For assistance, contact Location & Working Arrangement Waterloo, Ontario – Hybrid work arrangement. Salary Range $80,700.00 CAD – $145,260.00 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. Benefits 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr