The role of Implementation Specialist is to implement the current business of our mid case clients into Group Retirement Services (GRS) and to project manage any complex amendments or plan changes for our mid case clients as well as simple amendments and fund rationalizations for the large case as required. The role involves relationship management, consulting, and project management.Utilizing a project management approach, the Implementation Specialist is involved during the implementation and warranty process to see the Customer through all aspects of the Implementation. Through a partnering relationship with the Account Executive, Client Relationship Manager and internal teams, the Implementation Specialist will ensure that Manulife is responding to the needs of the Customer as well as Manulife.The Implementation Specialist will have primary responsibility for project managing to ensure a successful implementation with tracking and reporting on the progress of the various implementation stages.Position Responsibilities:Creation of implementation schedulesPrimary contact for the Client and/or Advisor during the implementation phaseWorks with the client and implementation team to obtain plan details, clarify requirements, and establish delivery dates for tasks in the projectCoordinates and leads/facilitates the Client meetingCoordinates, delegates, negotiates, and follows up on all implementation tasks with each internal area involved throughout the process areas to ensure all areas have required information for plan set up and works as liaison with client to resolve issues,
missing informationTracks and reports the status of each project and proactively escalates any significant barriers or issues to Sr. management as necessaryProject manages the implementation schedule, provides status updates to Client and/or Plan Advisor and Account Executive and/or Client Relationship ManagerCoordinates the initial enrolment period (paper enrolment forms, or electronic data) and contacts plan sponsor for missing employee informationCommunicates with internal teams to resolve exceptional situations and problems that arise during the issue processImplementation Specialists are expected to handle between 15 to 20 implementations at any one time: depending on size and complexity and the success of our sales organizationRequired Qualifications:Knowledge of contract provisions and administrative practices of Group Retirement products and systemsGroup Retirement experienceGood knowledge of Window's based software (Word, Excel)Fully bilingual (French/English): The successful candidate will be required to communicate in English and French in order to support clients from various jurisdictions outside of Quebec.Preferred Qualifications:Excellent verbal and written communication skillsExcellent interpersonal skillsStrong negotiation and problem-solving skills with the ability to recognize implications of issues and solutionsAbility to handle fluctuating workloads and multiple priorities within set time constraintsCustomer service focused – ability to effectively negotiate/communicate with internal and external clientsStrong analytical skills