Manager, Events

Job description

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. At Sun Life, we're driven by our Purpose: helping our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Our values shape how we work: caring, authentic, bold, inspiring, and impactful. When you join Sun Life, you'll work with passionate colleagues and empowering leaders who support your growth and celebrate your contributions, so you can make a meaningful difference in our Clients' lives. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world. Job Description: Job Purpose : The Manager, Events is responsible for the end-to-end planning and delivery of assigned regional incentive trips, from program design through post-event closure. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Events, Asia, the role serves as the primary liaison between Regional Office and local market teams, leading stakeholder engagement, vendor and destination management, budget oversight, compliance administration, travel logistics, and on-site event execution. The role is accountable for delivering seamless, brand-aligned event experiences while ensuring operational excellence across all phases of event delivery. In addition, the role contributes to the success of the broader Asia Events function by supporting regional events and priority projects as business needs require. Major accountabilities: Stakeholder Liaison and Program Communication Act as the primary bridge between Regional Office, local market teams, and internal stakeholders to provide clear and proactive updates on program status, qualification milestones, requirements, and key decisions. Coordinate stakeholder inputs, manage follow-ups, and escalate risks or changes in a timely and professional manner to support smooth decision-making. End-to-End Incentive Trip Execution Independently manage assigned incentive trip logistics from initial planning through guest departure, including destination research, project timelines, vendor negotiations, travel arrangements, rooming lists, activities, functions, and guest management. Build and manage detailed run sheets, working decks, checklists, travel manifests, and event communications to ensure accurate and timely execution. On-Site Operations and Issue Resolution Serve as lead on-site coordinator for assigned programs, manage the run-of-show, oversee local vendors and destination partners, and resolve operational issues autonomously within agreed guidelines. Coordinate guest arrivals, transfers, functions, activities, setup, rehearsals, and readiness checks to deliver a seamless attendee experience. Vendor, Destination and Brand Standards Management Maintain day-to-day relationships with external suppliers, hotels, airlines, destination management companies, production teams, and other service providers. Monitor service quality, negotiate practical solutions, and ensure event deliverables meet Sun Life brand standards and agreed service expectations. Financial, Compliance and Team Support Administration Manage assigned event budgets, track expenses, process invoices, support payment follow-up, and ensure event activities align with corporate finance, procurement, compliance, risk, and data-handling requirements. Provide flexible support to other Events team projects, contribute to post-event reviews, and share learnings to improve future event delivery. Specialized knowledge Strong end-to-end event management experience, preferably with regional incentive trips, overseas programs, executive meetings, or large-scale corporate events. • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to work across Regional Office, local markets, senior stakeholders, vendors, and destination partners. • Solid vendor management, negotiation, budgeting, invoice processing, and expense tracking skills. • Good understanding of corporate compliance, procurement, data privacy, travel risk, security, and financial control requirements related to events. • Excellent project management, organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple time-sensitive workstreams independently. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially PowerPoint and Excel; experience with registration/event platforms such as Cvent is an asset. • Excellent written and spoken English; additional Asian language capability is an advantage. Problem solving The role will regularly handle varied and interdependent event issues across markets, destinations, vendors, logistics, budgets, and compliance requirements. Problems may include last-minute changes to attendee numbers, travel disruptions, supplier performance issues, budget constraints, dietary and accessibility requirements, security concerns, or changes in local market priorities. The role is expected to assess options quickly, make practical decisions within approved parameters, communicate implications clearly, and escalate significant risks to the Senior Manager when needed. The role must balance attendee experience, brand standards, cost control, compliance, and operational feasibility. Education and experience Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in event management, hospitality, communications, marketing, business administration, or a related discipline. • Minimum 5–8 years of relevant experience in corporate events, incentive travel, meetings and conferences, destination management, hospitality, or agency-side event delivery. • Proven experience independently managing event logistics, vendors, budgets, travel arrangements, guest management, and on-site operations. • Experience working with regional or cross-market stakeholders and international vendors is preferred. • Willingness to travel and work outside standard office hours during event planning peaks and on-site delivery periods. At Sun Life, we cultivate a High-Performance, Caring Culture that empowers our people to achieve outstanding results, embrace continuous growth, and create meaningful impact. We succeed together by fostering an inclusive environment where wellbeing, collaboration, and accountability are equally valued. Job Category: Marketing Posting End Date: 29/09/2026