Vendor Governance Manager

The Vendor Governance Manager is responsible for overseeing the end to end management of vendor contracts involving Operations and COE Requirements, ensuring alignment with organizational policies, risk standards, and strategic objectives. This role leads contract lifecycle activities—from sourcing and negotiation to performance monitoring and renewal—while partnering closely with Legal, Procurement, Finance, and business stakeholders. The Lead ensures that vendor relationships deliver value, compliance, and long term operational excellence.

Position Responsibilities

Contract Lifecycle Management

• Lead and manage the full contract lifecycle: intake, drafting, approval, signature, aligning with storage and monitoring requirements, and tracking renewal/termination dates.
• Align with a central repository of contracts and ensure accuracy, completeness, and version control.
• Ensure timely renewals, renegotiations, or termination decisions through proactive contract tracking.

Vendor Governance & Performance

• Conduct regular business reviews with vendors to assess performance, service levels, issues, and opportunities.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify vendor risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Act as a liaison between business partners, project teams, and vendors
• Support change management by documenting business impacts and obtaining stakeholder sign-off

Risk & Compliance

• Work closely with Legal and Risk teams to ensure contracts comply with regulatory, commercial, and operational requirements.
• Support audits related to vendor contracts, third‑party management, and procurement controls.
• Ensure data privacy and security clauses meet internal and external standards.

Negotiation & Strategic Sourcing Support

• Lead contract reviews focusing on pricing, service-level agreements (SLAs), deliverables, warranties, and terms to ensure alignment.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives by evaluating vendor proposals and commercial terms.
• Provide recommendations for cost optimization and value enhancement.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary contact for contract‑related questions and escalations.
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, vendor spend analysis, and cost forecasting.

Process Improvement & Systems Management

• Improve contract workflows, policies, and tools to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Implement best practices for contract standardization and vendor lifecycle management.

Qualifications

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of contract law, commercial terms, and risk management.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of vendor management methodologies and compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency with contract lifecycle management (CLM) tools and procurement systems.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Contract cycle time (creation to signature)
• Vendor performance ratings and SLA adherence
• Contract compliance and audit findings
• Cost savings and value improvements
• Renewal/expiration management accuracy
• Stakeholder satisfaction scores

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.

Working Arrangement