Manager, Global Agency Operations

Description Are you an organized project manager with a passion for problem-solving and building programs from the ground up? The Manager, Agency Operations is responsible for the management of Tier 1, 2, and 3 agency operations and planning, and ensuring the right work is going to the right agency partner. The role also includes team operations, vendor and contract management, and project management for the development of global brand assets and guidelines. As the Manager, you will lead all aspects of the planning, coordination and execution of various corporate programs and events related to Manulife’s sponsorship portfolio. The focus of all initiatives is on satisfying three objectives: • Build the Manulife Brand • Build key relationships • Build sales The primary target groups of these initiatives include: • Sales intermediaries • Customer and Client Groups • Employees • Community Responsibilities: Develop and own a content calendar for the production and distribution of key brand resources, guidelines, logos, and tools. Coordinate the end-to-end brand asset development process, including requirements gathering, competitive reviews, briefing, stakeholder reviews, translation, and publishing. Manage the agency operations plan, including relationship health, ways of working optimizations, and financial deliverables like invoice tracking and reconciliation. Lead annual creative agency planning for corporate teams, oversee retainer utilization and hours management, and deliver agency spend reporting. Work with corporate partners (HR, Comms, Investor Relations, etc.) to nurture agency relationships and effective ways of working, the right stakeholders are engaged at the right time, in the right way. Support questions from corporate teams, as needed. Manage relationships and contracts between the team and our nine current vendors. Lead procurement processes including RFPs and risk reviews and implement vendor onboarding and offboarding plans. Support the development of annual budgets, business continuity and disaster recovery plans. How will you create impact? Reporting into the Director, Global Brand you will be empowered to build operational excellence within the Global Brand team. You’ll be a catalyst in strengthening our brand by developing critical brand materials and ensuring effective ways of working with our creative agencies. What motivates you? You have a passion for operational excellence! You’re always looking for ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This could involve developing new workflows, implementing new tools, or streamlining existing processes. You get excited about resource planning and project management. You want to understand project needs and ensure your team is working effectively to make progress and stay on track with your budget and deadlines. You are a strong communicator, comfortable working closely with many different members of a project team. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. You’re interested in and understand the value of brand. What we are looking for: Prior experience working in an operations role, preferably within a creative agency environment Outstanding project management and organizational skills Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, balancing various priorities concurrently Marketing or brand experience is an asset but not required What can we offer you? A competitive salary and benefits packages. A growth trajectory that extends upward and outward, encouraging you to follow your passions and learn new skills. A focus on growing your career path with us. Flexible work policies and strong work-life balance. Professional development and leadership opportunities. #LI-hybrid   About Manulife and John Hancock Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services group that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across our offices in Asia, Canada, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. We provide financial advice, insurance, and wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions. At the end of 2022, we had more than 40,000 employees, over 116,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 34 million customers. At the end of 2022, we had $1.3 trillion (US$1.0 trillion) in assets under management and administration, including total invested assets of $0.4 trillion (US $0.3 trillion), and segregated funds net assets of $0.3 trillion (US$0.3 trillion). We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges, and under ‘945’ in Hong Kong. Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer Salary & Benefits The annual base salary for this role is listed below. Primary Location CAN, Ontario, Toronto, 200 Bloor Street East Salary range is expected to be between $84,375.00 CAD - $151,875.00 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.