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.
Position Responsibilities 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.
Required Qualifications 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
Preferred Qualifications Extensive leadership experience in global payroll, rewards operations, benefits administration, shared services, or HR operations within a large, complex organization
Deep understanding of payroll compliance, controls, governance, and vendor management
Experience leading global teams and large-scale operational or transformation programs
Knowledge of benefits administration, compensation operations, employee rewards programs, and service delivery models
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills
Ability to operate effectively in highly regulated and control-focused environments
Experience with Workday, ADP, ServiceNow, or comparable HR, payroll, and case management platforms is preferred
Professional certifications such as CPP, CPA, or equivalent are an asset
Key Partnerships Global People Services, Total Rewards, People Partners, People Technology, Finance, Tax, Treasury, Legal, Risk, and external service providers
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.
If you are applying to this role in Massachusetts, please note the salary range is $156,700 - $290,900 USD. Additionally, employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.
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 [email protected].
Salary & Location Referenced Salary Location: Toronto, Ontario. Working Arrangement: Hybrid. Salary range is expected to be between $129,800.00 CAD - $241,200.00 CAD. 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 [email protected] for the salary range for your location.
Benefits Health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D; insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness perks, and employee/family assistance plans.
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.
Paid time off provisions in the U.S. can be found by contacting [email protected].
Data & Analytics 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.
Future & Culture 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
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Our Mission & Vision Our ambition is to be the most digital, customer-centric global company in our industry. Learn more at https://www.manulife.com/.

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📌 AVP, Global People Services (Payroll & Rewards) (Ontario)
🏢 Manulife Insurance Malaysia
📍 Ontario