VP, Independent Dealer Platforms and Strategic Partnerships
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Commerce, or a related discipline.
- 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.
- Deep understanding of platform governance, product shelf management, managed account programs, model portfolio construction, and investment approval processes.
- Deep understanding of mutual funds, ETFs, SMAs, alternatives, private markets, retirement solutions, and managed account offerings.
- Deep understanding of securities regulations, dealer oversight frameworks, and industry compliance requirements, including NI 81-105.
- Deep understanding of competitive dynamics and emerging trends within the Canadian wealth management industry.
Nice To Haves
- CFA, CIM, MBA, or equivalent industry designation considered an asset.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
