Manager, Events

Sun Life Financial; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Sun Life Financial is seeking an experienced Manager of Events in Hong Kong to lead end-to-end incentive trip planning and on-site execution. You will coordinate with regional offices and local teams, manage budgets and vendors, and ensure brand standards across all event delivery.

The role requires strong stakeholder management, cross-market collaboration, and proficiency with event platforms like Cvent. Travel may be required, with a focus on delivering seamless, brand-aligned experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in event management, hospitality, marketing, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5–8 years of relevant experience in corporate events, incentive travel, meetings and conferences, or destination management.
• Proven experience independently managing event logistics, vendors, budgets, travel arrangements, guest management, and on-site operations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver end-to-end incentive trips, from design to on-site execution.
• Act as on-site coordinator, managing run-of-show, vendors and guest experience.
• Maintain relationships with hotels, DMCs, airlines and production teams while ensuring brand standards.

Skills

End-to-end event management

Stakeholder management

Vendor management

Budgeting & invoicing

Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel)

Cvent

English proficiency

Asian language capability

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in event management or related

Tools

Cvent

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. At Sun Life, we're driven by our Purpose: helping our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Our values shape how we work: caring, authentic, bold, inspiring, and impactful. When you join Sun Life, you'll work with passionate colleagues and empowering leaders who support your growth and celebrate your contributions, so you can make a meaningful difference in our Clients' lives. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description

Job Purpose

The Manager, Events is responsible for the end-to-end planning and delivery of assigned regional incentive trips, from program design through post-event closure. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Events, Asia, the role serves as the primary liaison between Regional Office and local market teams, leading stakeholder engagement, vendor and destination management, budget oversight, compliance administration, travel logistics, and on-site event execution. The role is accountable for delivering seamless, brand-aligned event experiences while ensuring operational excellence across all phases of event delivery. In addition, the role contributes to the success of the broader Asia Events function by supporting regional events and priority projects as business needs require.

Stakeholder Liaison and Program Communication

Act as the primary bridge between Regional Office, local market teams, and internal stakeholders to provide clear and proactive updates on program status, qualification milestones, requirements, and key decisions. Coordinate stakeholder inputs, manage follow-ups, and elevate risks or changes in a timely and professional manner to support smooth decision-making.

End-to-End Incentive Trip Execution

Independently manage assigned incentive trip logistics from initial planning through guest departure, including destination research, project timelines, vendor negotiations, travel arrangements, rooming lists, activities, functions, and guest management. Build and manage detailed run sheets, working decks, checklists, travel manifests, and event communications to ensure accurate and timely execution.

On-Site Operations and Issue Resolution

Serve as lead on-site coordinator for assigned programs, manage the run-of-show, oversee local vendors and destination partners, and resolve operational issues autonomously within agreed guidelines. Coordinate guest arrivals, transfers, functions, activities, setup, rehearsals, and readiness checks to deliver a seamless attendee experience.

Vendor, Destination and Brand Standards Management

Maintain day-to-day relationships with external suppliers, hotels, airlines, destination management companies, production teams, and other service providers. Monitor service quality, negotiate practical solutions, and ensure event deliverables meet Sun Life brand standards and agreed service expectations.

Financial, Compliance and Team Support Administration

Manage assigned event budgets, track expenses, process invoices, support payment follow-up, and ensure event activities align with corporate finance, procurement compliance, risk, and data-handling requirements. Provide flexible support to other Events team projects, contribute to post-event reviews, and share learnings to improve future event delivery.

Specialized knowledge

• Strong end-to-end event management experience, preferably with regional incentive trips, overseas programs, executive meetings, or large-scale corporate events.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to work across Regional Office, local markets, senior stakeholders, vendors, and destination partners.
• Solid vendor management, negotiation, budgeting, invoice processing, and expense tracking skills.
• Good understanding of corporate compliance, procurement, data privacy, travel risk, security, and financial control requirements related to events.
• Excellent project management, organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple time-sensitive workstreams independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially PowerPoint and Excel; experience with registration/event platforms such as Cvent is an asset.
• Excellent written and spoken English; additional Asian language capability is an advantage.

Problem solving

The role will regularly handle varied and interdependent event issues across markets, destinations, vendors, logistics, budgets, and compliance requirements. Problems may include last-minute changes to attendee numbers, travel disruptions, supplier performance issues, budget constraints, dietary and accessibility requirements, security concerns, or changes in local market priorities. The role is expected to assess options quickly, make practical decisions within approved parameters, communicate implications clearly, and elevate significant risks to the Senior Manager when needed. The role must balance attendee experience, brand standards, cost control, compliance, and operational feasibility.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in event management, hospitality, communications, marketing, business administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5–8 years of relevant experience in corporate events, incentive travel, meetings and conferences, destination management, hospitality, or agency-side event delivery.
• Proven experience independently managing event logistics, vendors, budgets, travel arrangements, guest management, and on-site operations.
• Experience working with regional or cross-market stakeholders and international vendors is preferred.
• Willingness to travel and work outside standard office hours during event planning peaks and on-site delivery periods.

Job Category: Marketing

Posting End Date: 27/12/2026

Shine together At Sun Life, you can be your most brilliant self. Our supportive, flexible, and inclusive work environment is one where you – and your career – can thrive. Whatever your aspirations, collaborative leaders and colleagues are ready to help you learn, grow, and succeed. Make life brighter We’re a global company with a passion for people. Our purpose is to help Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. As a team of 30,000 across 26 countries, our impact is far-reaching, and locally relevant There’s power in numbers. As part of Sun Life’s growing team, you have an impact on people in your community and around the world. Shape the future With an optimistic eye on a brighter future, we drive to innovate. Be part of leading change, push boundaries and try new ways of working. Use data to drive bold actions. Be agile and pivot as we test and learn. At Sun Life, we’re driving transformation, sustainability and innovation for our Clients, employees, partners, and communities. Join us. Together, we can make the future brighter. Join a top employer for a brighter future. Visit Sun Life Careers