Communications Specialist I / National Retail Accounts Consultant

Candidate Value Proposition

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a dynamic and multifaceted role, offering a rich diversity of responsibilities across event planning, marketing, communications, and stakeholder management. They’ll work closely with the Head of Retail Accounts while serving as a key liaison to advisor experience teams across external firms. The breadth and variety of this role—from shaping national strategies to executing high-impact initiatives—makes it an exciting and rewarding opportunity for a seasoned professional.

Description:

The National Retail Accounts Consultant is focused on supporting large external Insurance Firm events across Canada and creating and organizing marketing collateral. This is a pivotal role in driving the success of high-profile industry events and enhancing Manulife’s brand presence with our Retail Accounts. This strategic role requires a seasoned professional with expertise in the insurance sector, exceptional event management and communication skills and a knack for creating compelling marketing content. The Retail Accounts National Consultant will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful experiences for external audiences. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, committed to service excellence and building effective relationships across all organizational levels, reflecting Manulife’s values.

Key Responsibilities:

Event Strategy and Planning: Develop and execute a comprehensive event strategy to support National Retail Account business objectives and strengthen Manulife’s market position. Work directly with the Head of Retail Accounts for Insurance to ensure firm strategies are executed and supported. Identify key industry events, conferences, and trade shows across Canada where Manulife’s presence will maximize business opportunities (including but not limited to Advocis, Cailba, Canada Sales Congress, CALU, and other Industry events). Establish relationships with event organizers, industry associations, and key stakeholders to secure prime participation opportunities. Develop and manage National Retail Accounts calendar, ensuring appropriate Manulife support is allocated to each event. Oversee Retail Account Firm reporting to provide Sales Leaders with insights. Oversee National Retail Firm Marketing Allowance process, including communications and spend tracking. Analyze Retail Account Firm sales data to determine trends and provide insights to Sales Leaders to help with Firm relationships.

Communications Strategy: Develops and executes National Retail Account communications strategies based on intended audience (Firms, Principals, Advisors or Internal facing).

Marketing Support and Development: Create, manage and implement a diverse range of digital marketing campaigns and materials, including brochures, presentations, and promotional items, tailored to support National Retail Account initiatives. Execute new and existing marketing campaigns and digital sales rooms, ensuring alignment with targeted business metrics and objectives. Work closely with the marketing team to ensure consistency in branding and messaging across all materials. Design, develop and deliver digital marketing content that highlights our competitive advantages and resonates with target audience based on Manulife’s market strategies. Utilize data and feedback from events to continuously refine and improve marketing and drive sales. Overseeing national sourcing and purchasing of Manulife promotional items to support Retail Account Event strategy.

Event Execution: Lead the planning and coordination of large-scale external National Retail Account events ensuring seamless representation. Oversee all aspects of event logistics, including venue selection, vendor management, budgeting, and on-site coordination (in some instances). Collaborate with internal teams including other Business Units (Bank, Affinity, GWS, Investments, GRS) to develop event themes, agendas, and presentation materials that align with Manulife’s brand messaging and objectives. Ensure all events are executed within budget and on schedule, while delivering high-quality experience for attendees.

National Retail Accounts Team & Longevity Support: Provide sales enablement support to all members of the Retail Account team, including the Director of Vitality, Distribution. Manage marketing, communications, reporting and additional operational responsibilities to support business strategies and key initiatives. Retail Account budget and expense management required, including monthly reporting updates to Head of Retail Accounts. End to end budget management of National Retail Account Events.

Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary point of contact for Sales Leaders and key stakeholders regarding marketing initiatives and event-related activities for Retail Account Firm Events. Provide regular updates and reports on event performance, including attendee feedback, ROI, and strategic insights, and manage post event follow up communications and follow up campaigns. Foster strong relationships with Firm Advisor Experience Team Members and Back-office staff to enhance our reputation and drive business growth. Be a key interface between our Retail accounts and all relevant functional business units in Head Office to ensure delivery of a consistent Retail Account experience for all accounts with respect to operations, IT, training, compliance and contracts. Manage Firm relationship wtih

Market Analysis and Innovation: Conduct market research to stay informed of industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities. Propose innovative ideas and strategies to differentiate Manulife’s Retail Account events and marketing efforts from competitors. Leverage insights to inform strategic decisions recommend new event formats, technologies, and marketing approaches that enhance engagement and impact of Retail Account Events and communications.

Collaboration: Work closely with Distribution Sales Leaders, Marketing & Communications, Product, Training & Development, Operations, Finance and other key stakeholders to ensure a cohesive approach to Retail Account management and satisfaction. Provide strategic support on various committees on key initiatives and projects impacting Retail Accounts. Within a project management framework, act as the business sponsor for Retail Accounts projects

Consultation and Leadership: Act as key training resource and knowledge expert for the Sales Enablement Team with regards to key sales tools and resources (both communication, marketing and reporting). Facilitate team meetings, prepare presentations, provide internal training sessions and represent Retail Accounts and Sales Enablement with key business partners and vendors.

Creative Services Management: Engage and direct creative resources, including partners in Manila and external vendors, to ensure effective brand representation.

Soft Skills

• Superior written, verbal, and facilitation skills.
• Skilled to collaborate and curate communications that satisfy strategic goals of the initiative and organization • Motivated self-starter with high energy level and strong work ethic.
• Team player with the ability to shift priorities and resources based on company direction.
• Demonstrated understanding of superior customer service.
• Strong project management skills, including handling confidential and/or PII.
• Adaptable and flexible with change.
• An understanding of branding and what it means to an organization.
• Excellent relationship management skills

Candidate Requirements/Must Have Skills:

• Background in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• Savvy with technology and a deep curiosity about innovative technologies.
• Ability to act as a liaison and influence key stakeholders across business areas and functions.
• Excellent proficiency in all Microsoft office programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Experienced in interacting with multiple stakeholders, including Marketing & Communications, Product, Operations, Training & Development, Analytics, and IT.

Nice-To-Have Skills:

• Financial industry background preferred.

Education:

Bachelor's degree is required. Open to new graduates with internship experience.