Private Lending Associate

The Private Lending Associate (PLA) plays a critical role in delivering an exceptional advisor and client experience across Manulife Bank’s Specialized Lending Solutions. This role is primarily focused on supporting Advisors with Manulife Bank Specialized Lending programs, while providing additional case support to Regional Directors, Specialized Lending (RDS) on larger and more complex lending solutions.

If you are detail-oriented, collaborative, client-focused, and thrive in a fast-paced lending environment, this role provides an opportunity to build deep expertise in specialized lending while working closely with Advisors, clients, and internal partners.

What We Are Looking For

You are a trusted lending support partner who understands how to balance service excellence with operational rigour. You bring strong lending, documentation, and process knowledge to support Advisors and their clients through the end-to-end lending journey. You are comfortable communicating directly with Advisors and clients, assisting with documentation, and ensuring all files are complete, accurate, and compliant.

The PLA is a key contributor to the Specialized Lending ecosystem, working closely with RDS partners, underwriting, and operations to move cases forward efficiently and professionally.

Position Responsibilities

Advisor & Client Support (ALOC+ Focus)

• Serve as a primary point of contact for Advisors on ALOC+ lending solutions, assisting with case setup, documentation, and follow-ups.

• Work directly with Advisors and their clients to support the completion of lending applications, disclosure documents, and supporting materials.

• Review applications and documentation to ensure files are in good order prior to submission, proactively identifying gaps or deficiencies.

• Educate Advisors and their administrative staff on processes, forms, timelines, and requirements related to ALOC+ solutions.

• Respond to Advisor and client inquiries promptly and professionally, ensuring a high standard of service delivery.

Case Management & Specialized Lending Support

• Provide lending case support to Regional Directors, Specialized Lending (RDS) on larger, more complex Specialized Lending (SL) cases.

• Coordinate with internal partners (Underwriting, Credit, Operations, Fulfillment) to ensure smooth progression of approved cases.

• Maintain accurate tracking, documentation, and status updates for all active files.

• Support escalations and service issues, helping to resolve concerns efficiently while maintaining strong Advisor relationships.

• Participate in regular touchpoints with RDS partners to align on case priorities and territory support.

Administration, Controls & File Quality

• Set up and administer new lending and deposit business by processing financial transactions accurately and efficiently.

• Ensure the quality, completeness, and security of lending files in accordance with audit, compliance, and regulatory standards.

• Maintain accurate records for reporting, tracking, and compliance purposes.

• Identify opportunities for process improvements, efficiencies, and enhancements to improve the Advisor and client experience.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and security over all bank records and client information.

Compliance, Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Adhere to all internal policies, procedures, and best practices, including AML, KYC, and KYA requirements.

• Complete required training and remain current on product, system, and process updates.

• Collaborate and share best practices with teammates across Specialized Lending and broader Manulife Bank teams.

• Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and ongoing improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Post-secondary education or equivalent industry experience.

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in banking, lending, or financial services.

• Strong understanding of lending administration, documentation, and client service.

• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

• Proven ability to manage multiple files and priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting secured lending or specialized lending solutions.

• Familiarity with advisor-supported distribution models.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Salesforce.

• Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to interact directly with Advisors and clients.

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 hr@manulife.com.

Salary & Benefits

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 hr@manulife.com for the salary range for your location.

Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. 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. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact hr@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.

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.