Manulife

Senior Event Planner

Manulife

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Waterloo • Canada

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Salary

💰 CA$70,500 - CA$117,500 per year

Job Level

Senior

About the role

  • 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

Requirements

  • 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)
  • 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
  • Strong proficiency with Office 365, event registration platforms (e.g., Cvent), and mobile event apps
  • CMP designation is an asset
  • Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset
Benefits
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Mental health benefits
  • Vision insurance
  • Short-term disability insurance
  • Long-term disability insurance
  • Life and AD&D insurance coverage
  • Adoption/surrogacy benefits
  • Wellness benefits
  • Employee/family assistance plans
  • Retirement savings plans including pension and global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions
  • Financial education and counseling resources
  • Generous paid time off including holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days
  • Full range of statutory leaves of absence
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
event managementbudget managementcontract negotiationsite selectionevent sustainabilityproduction designAV coordinationvendor managementcustomer servicedelegation
Soft Skills
interpersonal skillsnegotiation skillsleadershipteamworkresiliencepositive mindsetmentorshipcommunicationdiplomacygoal setting
Certifications
CMP designation