Manager, Distribution Strategy & Advisory

We are seeking an experienced legal professional, ideally with 3-5 years of post-qualification experience, who is looking to broaden their career beyond traditional legal practice and apply their expertise in a commercial, business-facing environment. Reporting to the Head of Recruitment & Distribution Strategy, this role supports key initiatives across recruitment transformation, distribution governance, compensation frameworks, distribution agreements, and business growth initiatives.

As Manager, Distribution Strategy & Advisory, you will partner closely with Distribution, Legal, Compliance, and Operations teams to help navigate regulatory requirements, strengthen governance practices, and support the successful execution of strategic projects. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop broader business and strategic advisory capabilities while contributing to initiatives that impact a salesforce

Distribution Governance & Regulatory Enablement

• Provide practical guidance on regulatory requirements impacting recruitment, distribution compensation, and salesforce management.

• Support the implementation of governance practices to ensure recruitment and distribution activities remain aligned with regulatory requirements, industry guidelines, and internal standards.

• Translate regulatory developments into practical business recommendations, operating procedures, and implementation plans.

• Support Fit & Proper assessments, compliance reviews, exception management, and governance-related matters.

• Contribute to the enhancement of compliance frameworks, documentation standards, audit readiness, and operational processes.

Strategic Advisory & Distribution Frameworks

• Provide legal, regulatory, and governance support relating to recruitment, distribution agreements, and strategic business initiatives.

• Assess commercial, regulatory, and operational risks associated with recruitment programs, compensation frameworks, partnership arrangements, and distribution strategies.

• Support the drafting, review, implementation, and maintenance of distribution agreements and partnership arrangements.

• Assist in the development and enhancement of governance frameworks that support sustainable business growth.

• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Operations, and business stakeholders to facilitate effective decision-making and execution.

Strategic Projects & Business Transformation

• Support the design, implementation, and rollout of strategic initiatives relating to recruitment transformation, compensation changes, strategic partnerships, and business growth initiatives.

• Assess legal, regulatory, and governance implications of new initiatives and recommend practical solutions to support implementation.

• Collaborate with business leaders and cross-functional teams to deliver projects from planning through execution.

• Support business case development, governance approvals, and stakeholder engagement activities.

• Provide governance and regulatory input to support the successful delivery of key business priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• Qualified lawyer with approximately 3-5 years of post-qualification experience (PQE).

• Experience in legal, regulatory, governance, compliance, corporate, or commercial advisory work.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and legal drafting capabilities.

• Ability to interpret complex legal and regulatory requirements and translate them into practical business recommendations.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

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 hr@manulife.com.

Hybrid