Strategic Partnership Manager leading vendor contracting, third-party risk, and performance for Manulife, a global financial services provider. Driving partnerships and commercial outcomes across Canadian business teams.
Responsibilities
Lead initiatives and high-value vendor relationships
Optimize third-party performance and enable business outcomes through strategic sourcing, contracting, partnership management, and governance
Develop, negotiate, draft, and manage high-value contracts end-to-end
Lead contracting activities involving RFIs, RFPs, MSAs, SOWs, amendments, change requests, work orders, and NDAs
Ensure competitive commercial agreements and optimize total cost of ownership
Advise on Procurement policies, sourcing best practices, and enterprise contracting standards
Build partnerships with business stakeholders, Procurement, Legal, Risk, and Vendor Governance teams
Assess, mitigate, and manage third-party risk, including risk assessments, business continuity planning, concentration risk analysis, and exit planning
Liaise between vendors and business units to maintain strategic alignment and improve vendor performance and innovation
Oversee vendor compliance with enterprise risk policies and Vendor Governance requirements
Manage vendor obligations, KPIs, and SLAs
Establish, track, and report on KPIs, SLAs, contractual obligations, and strategic objectives
Conduct performance reviews, operational meetings, working groups, and stakeholder touchpoints
Lead resolution of major service disruptions
Serve as escalation point for complex vendor issues and disputes
Drive root-cause analysis and long-term corrective actions
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent business experience
5+ years of experience in Strategic Partnerships, Insurance, and Contracting
Experience in Vendor Management, Procurement, or Strategic Sourcing is an asset
Strong knowledge of insurance business and operations
Knowledge of procurement processes and sourcing methodologies
Knowledge of contract law
Experience with third-party risk management frameworks and regulations relevant to third-party engagements
Ability to build internal and external relationships and navigate complex stakeholder environments
Collaboration, negotiation, and influencing skills
Communication and presentation skills, including presenting to senior and executive audiences
Analytical, problem-solving, consulting, and conflict-management skills
Ability to achieve results through cross-functional or indirect resources
Ability to collaborate effectively and provide peer support
Demonstrated project management experience
Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset
If located in Québec, proficiency in English and French is required to support clients from various provinces outside Quebec
Benefits
Incentive programs and incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance
Health benefits
Dental benefits
Mental health benefits
Vision benefits
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Life and AD&D insurance coverage
Adoption/surrogacy benefits
Wellness benefits
Employee/family assistance plans
Retirement savings plans, including pension
Global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions
Financial education and counseling resources
Paid holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days
Statutory leaves of absence
Flexible environment
Learning and career growth support
Diversity, inclusion, and reasonable accommodation support
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