AVP Government Relations

Position: AVP Government Relations )
Do you have a passion for business, strategy, and public policy? Do you want the opportunity to work for one of Canada’s most internationally successful companies to solve challenges and find solutions that will improve the lives of millions of Manulife customers in Canada and around the globe?

Manulife’s Government Relations team is looking for an AVP Government Relations to join us in Ottawa. The Director will join a global, multi-disciplinary team that coordinates across business lines and jurisdictions to engage on public policy and regulatory issues to ensure that Manulife continues to deliver on our commitments to customers, employees, shareholders and stakeholders.

Based in Ottawa, this role will serve as Manulife’s primary advocate and liaison with Canadian federal government officials, working to advance policy outcomes that support the company’s business objectives while reinforcing our reputation as a constructive, solutions-oriented public policy partner.

The successful candidate will operate at the intersection of public policy, regulation, and business strategy, with a deep understanding of federal decision‑making processes and a strong professional network across Parliament, key departments and agencies.

This role requires strategic thinking, strong written and verbal communications skills, advocacy and negotiation experience, an ability to lead and achieve, tact and curiosity. An ability to build strong, collaborative relationships internally and externally is essential.

Position Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive government relations strategy aligned with enterprise priorities across health benefits, insurance, retirement savings, wealth management, and financial services.

Build and maintain trusted relationships with ministers’ offices, senators and members of Parliament, senior officials, regulators, and political staff across parties.

Monitor, analyze, and influence federal policy, legislative, and regulatory developments, including budgets, legislation, regulations, and consultations relevant to Manulife’s operations in Canada and key global markets.

Lead advocacy efforts on priority files, including preparing briefing materials, position papers, submissions, and recommendations for senior leadership.

Advise executives and business leaders on political risk, policy trends, and emerging issues, translating complex policy developments into clear business implications.

Coordinate closely with internal stakeholders, including legal, compliance, communications, marketing, and business units to ensure consistent and integrated advocacy and messaging.

Collaborate with industry associations, coalitions, and external partners to advance shared objectives while protecting the company’s distinct interests.

Support government engagement activities, including meetings, round tables, events, and site visits, and represent the company at external forums when appropriate.

Contribute to crisis and issues management, providing timely government relations insight during sensitive or high‑profile situations.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate must reside in Ottawa, Ontario.

Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in a similar position working in business, government or advocacy work.

Experience working with the Canadian Government at the Federal level.

Excellent verbal and written communication, editing skills and the ability to communicate complex issues into plain language.

Travel within Canada will be required.

Superior relationship and networking skills to build and maintain the strong network of internal and external supporters required for success in this role.

Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment, with hard deadlines and competing, high‑profile priorities.

A demonstrated history of planning and leading initiatives and coordinating across cross functional teams to drive successful outcomes.

Knowledge of the financial services, and/or insurance industries, and related public policy, political and media issues.

Strong team focus. Ability to work closely and cooperatively with teammates. A positive, professional and collaborative personality, a…