VP Independent Dealer Platforms and Strategic Partnerships

**The Opportunity:**   The VP, Independent Dealer Platforms and Strategic Partnerships is responsible for driving Manulife Investments' distribution strategy and executive relationship management across select independent dealer firms, wealth platforms, and strategic distribution partners. The role is accountable for accelerating business growth, strengthening strategic partnerships, expanding product placement opportunities, thought leadership, and advancing Manulife's position as a preferred investment management partner.  As a senior member within the National Accounts and Platform Distribution team, the VP develops and executes long-term strategic account plans, engages senior executives and decision-makers, influences platform direction, and identifies opportunities to increase adoption of Manulife's investment solutions, practice management and thought leadership. The role serves as a trusted advisor to dealer firms and platforms while coordinating internal resources to deliver client-specific solutions and commercial outcomes.  Working closely with the Co-Head of National Accounts and Platform Distribution, the VP helps shape distribution strategy, drive commercialization initiatives, support product innovation, and identify opportunities to strengthen Manulife's competitive position across the independent wealth channel.  **Position Responsibilities:** **Strategic Relationship Leadership & Executive Engagement** * Lead and deepen executive-level relationships across assigned independent dealer firms, investment platforms, and strategic distribution partners. * Build trusted partnerships with senior executives, research and product teams, investment committees, platform leaders, managed account teams, and other key decision-makers to advance Manulife's strategic objectives and achieve sales targets.  * Serve as a senior representative of Manulife Investments by providing market insights, strategic guidance, and thought leadership while consistently strengthening the firm's reputation and influence within the industry.  **Strategic Account Planning & Business Execution**   * Develop and execute comprehensive account plans that align partner priorities with Manulife's strategic growth objectives. * Establish measurable business plans, monitor progress, identify opportunities and risks, and coordinate resources to achieve commercial results.  * Provide strategic direction for key partnerships while identifying emerging trends, competitive threats, and opportunities within the wealth management landscape.  **Business Development & Growth** * Drive asset and revenue growth by expanding adoption of Manulife's investment capabilities, including mutual funds, ETFs, separately managed accounts (SMAs), alternatives, private markets, retirement solutions, and managed account programs.  * Identify strategic opportunities to expand market share, strengthen platform presence, and increase advisor and client engagement across independent dealer firms.  **Platform Strategy & Product Placement** * Lead Manulife's engagement strategy across dealer platforms, approved product shelves, recommended lists, managed account programs, model portfolios, alternative investment platforms, and strategic distribution initiatives.  * Develop and execute plans to secure new product placements, expand platform access, increase shelf-space penetration, and support the successful commercialization of new investment solutions.  **Client Value Creation & Thought Leadership** * Deliver strategic value through investment insights, advisor education, practice management initiatives, business-building programs, and industry thought leadership.  * Represent Manulife at industry and dealer conferences, due diligence meetings, national events, dealer forums, and strategic client engagements. * Collaborate with practice management, distribution, marketing, and investment teams to develop programs that help partners grow their businesses while enhancing client outcomes.  **Enterprise Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration** * Serve as a key internal advocate for client needs, industry developments, and platform opportunities.  * Drive collaboration across Product, Investments, Marketing, Sales, Operations, Legal, Compliance, and Executive Leadership teams to ensure coordinated execution of strategic initiatives and a consistent client experience.  * Contribute to strategic planning, product commercialization, competitive positioning, and distribution-related initiatives across the broader organization.  **Shared Leadership Responsibilities** * Partner closely with the Co-Head of National Accounts and Platform Distribution to execute strategic priorities and distribution objectives.  * Support national commercialization efforts and product launch initiatives.  * Contribute to the ongoing evolution of Manulife's National Accounts and Platform Distribution strategy.  * Share best practices and mentor team members through leadership, experience, and strategic guidance.  * Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and client-centricity.  **Required Qualifications:** * Undergraduate degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Commerce, or a related discipline.  * CFA, CIM, MBA, or equivalent industry designation considered an asset.  * 10+ years of progressive experience in asset management distribution, National Accounts, platform distribution, wealth management, institutional sales, or strategic relationship management.  * Demonstrated success managing large-scale strategic partnerships and influencing senior decision-makers.  * Proven ability to deliver measurable business growth within complex distribution environments.  * Deep understanding of:  * Canadian independent dealer firms and wealth management distribution channels.  * Platform governance, product shelf management, managed account programs, model portfolio construction, and investment approval processes.  * Mutual funds, ETFs, SMAs, alternatives, private markets, retirement solutions, and managed account offerings.  * Securities regulations, dealer oversight frameworks, and industry compliance requirements, including NI 81-105.  * Competitive dynamics and emerging trends within the Canadian wealth management industry.    **Preferred Requirements** * Experience managing due diligence reviews, RFPs, RFIs, and product approval processes.  * Strong analytical, strategic planning, and business management capabilities.  * Advanced proficiency with CRM platforms, data analytics, and business intelligence tools.  * Exceptional communication, executive presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills.  * Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking capability.  _**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. The role being advertised is an existing vacancy. **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 [https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html](https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html). **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 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). **Referenced Salary Location** Toronto, Ontario **Working Arrangement** Hybrid **The compensation for this role includes salary and sales incentives and is expected to be between** $136,500.00 CAD - $176,500.00 CAD Employees participate in sales incentive programs and earn incentive compensation based on role-specific criteria. Actual compensation will vary depending on individual performance, sales results, local market conditions as well as relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training.   If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) for the compensation range for your location. 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 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions. We use data and analytics technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and automated processing tools, to analyze and process the information you provide to us or third parties in the application process. For more information, please refer to our [personal information collection statement](https://careers.manulife.com/global/en/talentacquisitionprivacystatement).