Event Planner

Manulife Insurance Malaysia; Waterloo; Hybrid; CAD 57,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading financial services company as an Event Planner within the dynamic Meetings and Events Team. This role involves planning and executing high-quality events, managing budgets, and ensuring all aspects are aligned with business objectives. If you have a passion for creating memorable experiences and are skilled in project management and event logistics, we'd love to hear from you!

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Customizable benefits package

Retirement savings plans

Paid time off program

Qualifications

• Experience managing third-party vendors for events.
• Strong knowledge in managing virtual and hybrid events.
• Ability to handle multiple initiatives at one time.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute meetings and events for the Canadian Segment.
• Manage logistics and contracts with vendors.
• Collect feedback after each event for continuous improvement.

Skills

Project Management

Negotiation

Customer Service

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

Education

1-3 years of experience in corporate event planning

Knowledge of meeting planning industry

CMP designation

Tools

Cvent

Office 365

Job description

time left to apply End Date: July 15, 2025 (21 days left to apply)

job requisition id JR25060261

Join Our Team as an Event Planner!

Are you passionate about creating memorable events? Our Canadian Meetings and Events Team at Manulife is known for delivering top-notch event and program management, and we're excited to welcome an experienced corporate event planner to our award-winning team.

What You'll Do:

• Craft Unforgettable Experiences: Plan and execute high-quality meetings and events for our Canadian Segment, including both internal and external programs. You'll handle everything from pre-meeting planning and budget management to selecting venues, formats, food and beverage, décor, and more. Your goal is to ensure smooth, efficient, and consistent events.
• Organize Roadshows and Meetings: Take charge of planning roadshows and small to medium-sized meetings, managing all aspects from start to finish.
• Collaborate and Connect: Work closely with clients, colleagues, and vendors to build strong, effective working relationships that make every event a success.
• Gather Feedback and Improve: After each event, collect feedback from clients to assess what worked well and where we can improve. Share your insights with your manager to enhance our practices.

Event Scope:

• Variety of Events: You'll plan roadshows across multiple cities and events of all sizes, from single to multi-day, focusing on business, education, and incentive/rewards.
• Diverse Formats: Manage live, virtual, and hybrid events.
• Wide Reach: Events host anywhere from 25 to over 500 attendees, with overnight accommodations and both national and international travel.

If you're ready to bring your expertise and creativity to our dynamic team, we'd love to hear from you!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program coordination, planning and execution

• Engage with internal partners and business stakeholders to determine complete needs analysis of program including business objectives, venue requirements and budget parameters. Make recommendations on location and venue.
• Coordinate and support all aspects of program including sourcing, pre-planning, logistics, execution, and financial accountability.
• Ensure all program deliverables including overall theme, creative look, locations, travel requirements, activities, entertainment, speakers, meals, mobile app, marketing materials, registration management and gifting are consistent with client expectations and business objectives.
• Participate in all committee meetings required to execute events.
• Support show flow development and coordination of AV requirements with internal and external partners.
• Ensure budget requirements are defined, described, communicated and approved.
• Solicit post event feedback from partners to improve performance/efficiencies on future projects.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors to ensure best possible rates and fees are achieved on behalf of Manulife.
• Onsite meeting execution and travel are required.

Physical and Mental Effort

• Travel by air, train, and car including weekends and overnight. A valid passport is required, as well as a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to manage long hours onsite, as required.
• Always present a business-like and professional image.
• Project responsibility and onsite demands can result in high pressure situations including tight time frames, various presenters, attendee needs, long hours and responsibility for many deliverables. This position is high profile within Canadian Segment and requires working with management of all levels and diverse audiences.

Education & Experience

• Knowledge of the meeting planning industry including hospitality/hotel knowledge, travel industry standards, industry terminology, sourcing and contract negotiation.
• Experience managing third party vendors including destination management companies, speakers, AV providers, entertainment, and décor.
• 1-3 years of experience in corporate event planning and /or financial industry is preferred.
• Experience in the service industry is an asset.
• Strong project management and consultation skills.
• Excellent organizational, negotiation, customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. French language/bilingualism is an asset.
• Ability to problem solve and "think on your feet”.
• Proven ability to handle multiple initiatives at one time.
• Proven ability to be flexible, adaptable and resilient in the face of changing conditions, processes and policies.
• Ability to take initiative and assume responsibility when acting on requests for service and assistance.
• Ability to properly identify and communicate risk within meeting and conference projects.
• Strong team player with a high commitment to quality work and service.
• Highly motivated and driven, able to work with minimal supervision, ability to set challenging personal objectives and drive to achieve them, understand performance and behavioral expectations, demonstrate personal awareness to operate within an effective team environment.
• Strong knowledge of Office 365 is mandatory.
• Strong knowledge and experience managing virtual and hybrid events and related digital platforms – including platform design, show flows, tech checks, engagement, etc.
• Experience with Cvent or similar event registration platforms, as well as managing event mobile apps, is highly valuable and is a requirement for this role.
• CMP designation is an asset.

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 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 [e-mail] .

Referenced Salary Location

Waterloo, Ontario

Working Arrangement

Join Our Team as an Event Planner!

Are you passionate about creating memorable events? Our Canadian Meetings and Events Team at Manulife is known for delivering top-notch event and program management, and we're excited to welcome an experienced corporate event planner to our award-winning team.

What You'll Do:

• Craft Unforgettable Experiences: Plan and execute high-quality meetings and events for our Canadian Segment, including both internal and external programs. You'll handle everything from pre-meeting planning and budget management to selecting venues, formats, food and beverage, décor, and more. Your goal is to ensure smooth, efficient, and consistent events.
• Organize Roadshows and Meetings: Take charge of planning roadshows and small to medium-sized meetings, managing all aspects from start to finish.
• Collaborate and Connect: Work closely with clients, colleagues, and vendors to build strong, effective working relationships that make every event a success.
• Gather Feedback and Improve: After each event, collect feedback from clients to assess what worked well and where we can improve. Share your insights with your manager to enhance our practices.

Event Scope:

• Variety of Events: You'll plan roadshows across multiple cities and events of all sizes, from single to multi-day, focusing on business, education, and incentive/rewards.
• Diverse Formats: Manage live, virtual, and hybrid events.
• Wide Reach: Events host anywhere from 25 to over 500 attendees, with overnight accommodations and both national and international travel.

If you're ready to bring your expertise and creativity to our dynamic team, we'd love to hear from you!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program coordination, planning and execution

• Engage with internal partners and business stakeholders to determine complete needs analysis of program including business objectives, venue requirements and budget parameters. Make recommendations on location and venue.
• Coordinate and support all aspects of program including sourcing, pre-planning, logistics, execution, and financial accountability.
• Ensure all program deliverables including overall theme, creative look, locations, travel requirements, activities, entertainment, speakers, meals, mobile app, marketing materials, registration management and gifting are consistent with client expectations and business objectives.
• Participate in all committee meetings required to execute events.
• Support show flow development and coordination of AV requirements with internal and external partners.
• Ensure budget requirements are defined, described, communicated and approved.
• Solicit post event feedback from partners to improve performance/efficiencies on future projects.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors to ensure best possible rates and fees are achieved on behalf of Manulife.
• Onsite meeting execution and travel are required.

Physical and Mental Effort

• Travel by air, train, and car including weekends and overnight. A valid passport is required, as well as a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to manage long hours onsite, as required.
• Always present a business-like and professional image.
• Project responsibility and onsite demands can result in high pressure situations including tight time frames, various presenters, attendee needs, long hours and responsibility for many deliverables. This position is high profile within Canadian Segment and requires working with management of all levels and diverse audiences.

Education & Experience

• Knowledge of the meeting planning industry including hospitality/hotel knowledge, travel industry standards, industry terminology, sourcing and contract negotiation.
• Experience managing third party vendors including destination management companies, speakers, AV providers, entertainment, and décor.
• 1-3 years of experience in corporate event planning and /or financial industry is preferred.
• Experience in the service industry is an asset.
• Strong project management and consultation skills.
• Excellent organizational, negotiation, customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. French language/bilingualism is an asset.
• Ability to problem solve and "think on your feet”.
• Proven ability to handle multiple initiatives at one time.
• Proven ability to be flexible, adaptable and resilient in the face of changing conditions, processes and policies.
• Ability to take initiative and assume responsibility when acting on requests for service and assistance.
• Ability to properly identify and communicate risk within meeting and conference projects.
• Strong team player with a high commitment to quality work and service.
• Highly motivated and driven, able to work with minimal supervision, ability to set challenging personal objectives and drive to achieve them, understand performance and behavioral expectations, demonstrate personal awareness to operate within an effective team environment.
• Strong knowledge of Office 365 is mandatory.
• Strong knowledge and experience managing virtual and hybrid events and related digital platforms – including platform design, show flows, tech checks, engagement, etc.
• Experience with Cvent or similar event registration platforms, as well as managing event mobile apps, is highly valuable and is a requirement for this role.
• CMP designation is an asset.

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.

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 .

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 [e-mail] .

Referenced Salary Location

Waterloo, Ontario

Working Arrangement

Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$57,675.00 CAD - $96,125.00 CAD

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [e-mail] 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 [e-mail] for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.

About Us

We're Manulife. And we’re on a mission to make decisions easier and lives better.

Better is what drives us.It’s what inspires us to find new ways to support customers and colleagues in living longer and healthier lives.It’s the reason we’re dedicated to investing in digital innovation and accelerating a sustainable and economically inclusive future.

Joining us means you’ll be empowered to learn and grow your career. We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words. And as part of our global team, you’ll help shape the future you want to see – and discover that better can take you anywhere you want to go.

We’re proud of our accomplishments and recognitions. Recent awards include:

2024 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Winner

Manulife Named one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2023

Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2023

We’ve been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2024)

Manulife included in Bloomberg’s 2023 Gender-Equality Index

To receive our latest job opportunities directly to your inbox, create an account or sign in and navigate to the ‘Job Alerts’ section located in the top right corner of the page. From there, you can sign up to receive job alerts.

Our ambition is to be the most digital, customer-centric global company in our industry. Learn more at https://www.manulife.com/ .