Compliance Manager

at  Manulife

The Compliance Manager will provide ongoing support to our Group Benefits business. Responsibilities will include handling inquiries and questions from our business partners, providing support on new and existing initiatives, legislation, marketing reviews and other regulatory compliance functions as may be required. The incumbent must have a detailed knowledge of the applicable compliance requirements, industry issues and be familiar with insurance and group benefits generally to develop solutions that meet business needs. In this role, the Compliance Consultant will interact with our business partners, management in the health and dental benefits and disability areas. They will also have regular interaction with our privacy Office, other members of our compliance team and legal counsel.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong compliance and/or legal experience in the insurance industry.
• Law degree or auditing background would be considered an asset, but not required.
• Compliance or Privacy designation or certification would be considered an asset, but not required.
• Keen curiosity about reviewing, analyzing and interpreting legislation is ideal
• Proven track record to think creatively and look for solutions.
• Proven understanding of insurance products and procedures in various operational areas is an asset.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations is preferred
• Ability to readily recognize and evaluate the impact of current or potential compliance issues.
• Ability to quickly understand business processes and their risk implications, analyze sophisticated situations, reach appropriate conclusions, make practical recommendations and exercise good judgment in raising issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complicated messages.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong social skills, influencing and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work with fluid and changing accountabilities.
• Teammate who is willing to assist team members on projects and assist in sharing workloads when vital.
• Can work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to deliver effective training on compliance issues and requirements.
• Interacts optimally with management and counterparts in other business units.
• Ability to interact with regulatory staff to ensure efficient handling of raised licensing issues.
• Maintains collaborative relations with regulatory staff.
• Ability to take ownership for compliance programs and operate ensuring compliance objectives are achieved.
• Professional demeanour and adherence to a high ethical standard.
• Ability to apply LAN and PC applications including: Windows, Microsoft Office, Excel.
• Bilingual fluency in both spoken and written English and French is desirable.

• Develop, implement, and maintain compliance programs, policies, and procedures to ensure that Group Benefits applicable regulatory requirements are met.
• Support the marketing reviews and provide related approvals in accordance with Manulife policies and procedures.
• Investigate situations where a compliance issue has been identified, and either resolve the problem or advance to the Compliance Director and/or the Chief Compliance Officer.
• Investigate privacy issues in conjunction with the Privacy Office to provide advice and direction.
• Respond to sophisticated compliance inquiries from all areas of the business unit and provide timely advice and creative solutions to address the needs of members, advisors, plan sponsors and Manulife, while satisfying regulatory requirements.
• Assist with legislative analysis and impact assessments based on requests from the business relating to projects, initiatives, or new product lines. Develop, monitor, and deliver targeted employee training on compliance matters. Prepare self-assessments and other reports required by Divisional Compliance and Group Benefits management.
• Develop, and carry out, assessment programs to ensure compliance controls are operating optimally.
• Participate as a compliance representative on business initiatives and projects to improve compliance controls within Group Benefits.
• Participate in Divisional discussions regarding compliance programs.
• Draft documentation and supporting materials in support of audits and regulatory examinations and regulatory compliance incidents.
• Participate in any other tasks that may be assigned from time to time.