Head of Investment Counselling Services

The Opportunity: Manulife Private Wealth (“MPW”) provides discretionary investment management to high-net-worth clients across Canada. We believe that strategic thinking, open architecture solutions, and a global investment perspective are integral to helping clients achieve their long-term goals. As part of Manulife, a leading international financial services group, MPW is backed by extensive capabilities across public and private markets, supported by a global investment footprint spanning more than 20 geographies and over 700 investment professionals. We leverage Manulife’s broader platform to deliver integrated solutions, including investment management, banking, and tax planning services. We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated leader to join MPW as Head of Investment Counselling Services.This role is accountable for leading our national team of Investment Counsellors and Private Wealth Consultants, driving exceptional client outcomes, strong business growth, and a high-performance culture. As a member of the MPW leadership team, you will play a key role in shaping strategy, strengthening investment and client capabilities, and ensuring a consistent, high-quality client experience. You will work closely with partners across the organization and externally to build our brand, deepen relationships, and expand our presence in the high-net-worth segment. Responsibilities: Business Strategy and Growth Lead the development and execution of strategic and annual business plans to support MPW growth objectives. Partner with distribution, regional leaders, and internal stakeholders to drive asset growth and client acquisition. Establish clear performance objectives and sales targets aligned with business priorities. Expand referral networks by building relationships with advisors, MGAs, investment dealers, and professional partners. Oversee the development and execution of marketing and client engagement strategies, including direct-to-client initiatives. Leadership and Talent Development Lead, coach, and develop a national team of Investment Counsellors and Private Wealth Consultants. Create an inclusive, high-performing environment that supports engagement, collaboration, and accountability. Oversee talent management practices, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning. Implement structured coaching and development programs to enhance individual and team effectiveness. Investment and Client Oversight Provide oversight of discretionary portfolio management to ensure alignment with client objectives, risk tolerance, and MPW’s investment philosophy. Ensure all investment proposals and Investment Policy Statements meet internal standards and regulatory requirements. Partner with investment teams on platform development and ongoing evolution of investment offerings. Act as a senior representative in key client and advisor interactions, supporting complex and strategic relationships. Governance, Risk and Supervision Maintain strong supervisory practices across the team to ensure compliance with regulatory and internal requirements. Partner with Compliance and Operations to continuously enhance policies, processes, and controls. Promote a culture of risk awareness and operational excellence, balancing client outcomes with regulatory expectations. Drive efficiency and consistency through the Investment Counsel Support team. Enterprise Leadership Contribute as an active member of the MPW leadership team, supporting the overall direction and success of the business. Collaborate across functions, including Wealth Planning, Product, Marketing, and Operations, to deliver integrated client solutions. Serve as a visible ambassador for MPW, strengthening internal and external relationships and enhancing market presence. Qualifications 15 years of progressive experience in the investment or wealth management industry. Demonstrated leadership experience managing investment professionals and business development teams. Deep knowledge of discretionary portfolio management and high-net-worth client needs. CFA designation (or equivalent) preferred; ability to obtain required regulatory registrations. MBA or related business degree 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. 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. The role being advertised is an existing vacancy. 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. Working Arrangement Hybrid Salary & Benefits Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact hr@manulife.com for the salary range for your location. Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact hr@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions. We use data and analytics technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and automated processing tools, to analyze and process the information you provide to us or third parties in the application process. For more information, please refer to our personal information collection statement. We're Manulife. And we’re on a mission to make decisions easier and lives better. Better is what drives us. It’s what inspires us to find new ways to support customers and colleagues in living longer and healthier lives. It’s the reason we’re dedicated to investing in digital innovation and accelerating a sustainable and economically inclusive future. Joining us means you’ll be empowered to learn and grow your career. We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words. And as part of our global team, you’ll help shape the future you want to see – and discover that better can take you anywhere you want to go. We’re proud of our accomplishments and recognitions. Recent awards include: 2024 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Winner Manulife Named one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2023 Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2023 We’ve been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2024) Manulife included in Bloomberg’s 2023 Gender-Equality Index To receive our latest job opportunities directly to your inbox, create an account or sign in and navigate to the ‘Job Alerts’ section located in the top right corner of the page. From there, you can sign up to receive job alerts. Our ambition is to be the most digital, customer-centric global company in our industry. Learn more at https://www.manulife.com/.