Associate Manager, Strategy Chief of Staff

Position: Associate Manager, Strategy, Performance & Chief of Staff
Location: Toronto

Join Manulife’s Audit and Advisory Services Professional Practices team in a high-impact role supporting function strategy, performance management, financial coordination, leadership governance, and executive engagement.

The role works closely with senior leadership to translate strategic priorities into coordinated plans, measurable outcomes, and effective leadership routines. The successful candidate will support Audit Leadership Team coordination, performance and KPI reporting, finance activities, strategic initiatives, engagement activities, and town halls.

Position Responsibilities:

Strategy and Performance Management Support the development, refresh, and execution of the Audit function’s strategy and annual priorities.

Coordinate strategic planning activities, leadership discussions, implementation roadmaps, and progress updates.

Develop and maintain KPI reporting, scorecards, and management information that provide clear visibility into performance and outcomes.

Analyze performance trends, identify emerging themes, and translate findings into concise insights and recommended actions for leadership.

Monitor progress against strategic commitments and support timely follow-up on risks, decisions, and dependencies.

Chief of Staff and Leadership Governance Coordinate Audit Leadership Team routines, agendas, pre-read materials, decisions, action items, and follow-up activities.

Support the Chief Audit Executive and senior leaders in advancing strategic priorities and high-visibility initiatives.

Prepare executive presentations, briefing notes, speaking points, and communications for leadership and governance forums.

Facilitate cross-functional collaboration, ensuring clear ownership, alignment, and accountability for key deliverables.

Manage sensitive and time-critical requests with sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail.

Engagement and Organizational Effectiveness Plan and coordinate employee engagement activities, leadership events, town halls, and related communications.

Support leadership offsites and working sessions by developing agendas, materials, and action-oriented outputs.

Identify opportunities to simplify governance, improve information flow, and strengthen execution across the function.

Coordinate special projects that support organizational effectiveness and employee experience.

Required Qualifications:

4+ years of experience in audit, risk management, strategy, governance, performance management, consulting, financial services, or a related field.

Strong experience preparing executive-level materials and supporting senior leadership or governance forums.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information into clear and concise messaging.

Strong analytical, critical-thinking, planning, and problem-solving capabilities.

Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate across stakeholders, and deliver against competing deadlines.

High degree of judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential or sensitive information.

Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to use generative AI responsibly to improve efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in Chief of Staff, corporate strategy, finance, governance, transformation, or performance reporting role.

Experience supporting an executive leadership team, Board, Audit Committee, or comparable senior governance forum.

Knowledge of internal audit, enterprise risk management, or the financial services industry.

Professional designations such as MBA, CPA, CIA, CFA, FRM, or an equivalent credential is an asset.

Key Capabilities Executive communication and storytelling

Strategic thinking and execution

Financial…