AVP, Global People Services (Payroll & Rewards

About the Role

The AVP, Global People Services (Rewards) is a senior leader responsible for the global delivery of payroll and rewards operations, ensuring services are accurate, compliant, efficient, and employee centered. The role oversees global payroll, regional benefits administration, and rewards-related operations supporting approximately 40,000 Manulife employees worldwide. Leading a global team of approximately 75 professionals across North America, Europe, and Asia, this leader sets the strategic direction for payroll and rewards operations, builds organizational capability, and drives operational excellence across a complex global environment.

As a key member of the Global People Services leadership team, the AVP will define and execute the payroll and rewards operations strategy, strengthen governance and vendor partnerships, and lead transformation initiatives that improve scalability, resilience, employee experience, and business outcomes.

• Lead Global Payroll & Rewards Services Lead – Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery across global locations. Oversee payroll operations, benefits administration, and rewards-related services. Partner with People & Communications, Finance, Tax, Legal, Risk, and Technology teams to deliver high-quality employee services and meet regulatory requirements. Support complex employee matters, escalations, and global operational priorities.
• Drive Strategy & Transformation – Define and execute the global payroll and rewards services strategy. Lead operating model improvements, process simplification, automation, and service modernization initiatives. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance the employee experience. Support organizational changes, acquisitions, business expansions, and other strategic initiatives.
• Strengthen Governance & Risk Management – Enable strong controls, policies, and operational standards across payroll and rewards services. Ensure readiness for audits, regulatory requirements, and compliance obligations. Manage business continuity and resiliency planning for critical payroll and rewards processes. Use operational metrics and insights to identify trends, manage risks, and drive performance improvements.
• Manage Strategic Vendor Relationships – Lead relationships with payroll and rewards service providers. Establish performance expectations, governance routines, and accountability measures. Drive service quality, cost effectiveness, and continuous improvement across vendor partnerships.
• Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams – Lead a global organization of leaders and team members across multiple regions. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Build organizational capability through coaching, talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement.
• What Success Looks Like – Reliable, accurate, and compliant payroll and reward service delivery globally. Strong employee satisfaction with payroll and rewards services. Improved operational efficiency, automation, and service performance. Effective vendor management and measurable service improvements. Reduced operational risk and strong audit outcomes. Successful execution of payroll and rewards transformation initiatives. High-performing, engaged teams operating within a consistent global service model.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field or equivalent work experience; advanced degree in Human Resources or International Business a plus
• 10+ years of demonstrated experience leading HR leaders and specialists in payroll, benefits administration, data management and other HR operations functions
• Cross-cultural experience gained from working in culturally diverse environments; experience working in an international organization is an advantage
• Strong expertise in business process improvements; lean & six sigma skills are an advantage
• Demonstrated ability to create a compelling vision for the future and inspire commitment

• Extensive leadership experience in global payroll,…