AVP, Head of Global Capital Formation Legal

Manulife Investment Management’s Private Markets business is seeking a highly experienced AVP, Head of Global Capital Formation Legal to lead its Global Capital Formation legal team, supporting a diverse range of private markets strategies including private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, timberland and agriculture. This role serves as the lead legal advisor on global fund formation, capital raising, investor negotiations, product structuring, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of private fund formation experience, deep technical knowledge of U.S. securities laws, extensive experience negotiating with institutional investors, and proven leadership capability within a global asset management environment.

Position Responsibilities:

Fund Formation & Product Structuring

• Lead and manage the Global Capital Formation legal function supporting all aspects of private fund formation across private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate, timberland and agriculture.

• Oversee the structuring, launch, and administration of global funds with  co‑investment vehicles, parallel structures, and feeder vehicles as well as funds of one and separately managed accounts.

• Draft, negotiate, and supervise preparation of core private fund documents, including: Limited partnership agreements, Private placement memoranda, Subscription agreements, Investment management agreements and Side letters

• Engage directly with senior leadership and investment teams to resolve complex structuring, operational, and investor-related matters.

• Provide strategic legal guidance on development of new global private markets products and customized investor solutions and partner closely with investor relations and distribution teams on fundraising for global private markets strategies.

Regulatory, Governance & Compliance Oversight

• Advise on regulatory matters involving the Investment Advisers Act, Securities Act, and Investment Company Act, including development and maintenance of fund-related policies and procedures.

• Review and approve investor communications and marketing materials to ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.

• Oversee preparation and updating of Form ADV and other regulatory filings for private markets entities.

Cross‑Functional Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with investment, finance, compliance, tax, operations, and investor relations teams on capital formation strategy, product development, fund closings, and ongoing fund governance.

• Manage external counsel engagements to ensure efficiency, cost‑effectiveness, and consistency across global fund launches.

• Serve as the principal legal advisor to the Global Capital Formation function and a strategic partner to business leadership.

​Leadership & Team Management

• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing team supporting global private fund formation activities.

• Drive continuous improvement across legal processes, documentation standards, and fundraising workflows.

• Contribute to strategic planning for the long-term growth of the Private Markets platform.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with strong academic background.

• 10+ years of experience with a focus on private fund formation at an asset manager or leading law firm.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and team as well as cross-functional initiatives, with effective communication with senior stakeholders.

• Strong business judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

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.

#LI-JH
 

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