Senior Event Planner

Manulife • Waterloo, ON

1d • CA$70,500 - CA$117,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Canadian Meetings & Events Team (CMET) at Manulife is an award-winning group known for delivering top-notch event and program management. We’re excited to welcome an experienced corporate Senior Event Planner who’s ready to shape extraordinary experiences across Canada, the US, and international destinations.

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).
• Passion, creativity, and hands-on excellence in event planning, project management, and onsite execution.
• 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.
• Skilled at problem-solving, multitasking, and thinking on your feet.
• Balanced initiative and accountability when responding to requests.
• Sound judgment to identify and communicate risk within projects.
• Exceptional time management; thrive in fast-paced environments with firm timelines.
• Strong decision-making: analyze problems, weigh options, apply financial/business acumen, and select the best approach.
• Strong proficiency with Office 365, event registration platforms (e.g., Cvent), and mobile event apps.

Nice To Haves

• CMP designation is an asset.
• Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset.
• If the successful candidate is in Québec, proficiency in both languages will be required to support clients from various provinces outside of Quebec.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• health
• dental
• mental health
• vision
• short- and long-term disability
• life and AD&D insurance coverage
• adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits
• employee/family assistance plans
• various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions)
• financial education and counseling resources
• generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days
• full range of statutory leaves of absence

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed