Senior Relationship Manager, Commercial Markets

About connectFirst Credit Union

As a credit union, we're different than a bank - and we like it that way.

At connectFirst, we spend our days helping our members achieve their financial aspirations through a community-focused approach to banking that's true to our co-operative principles. You're our member, not a number. We're your neighbours and your partner. Over 80 years ago we started from humble beginnings. Through the years, we've grown to become one of Alberta's leading financial institutions through a desire to connect the dots between your dreams, your goals, your community, and your financial wellness and we echo these desires through our new, consolidated connectFirst brand.

We believe that banking is about more than money - it's a cornerstone of every vibrant community and that our members should expect us to positively impact the financial success and viability of the communities that we call home. We invest meaningfully in the potential and well-being of our employees, and what matters most to our members. We have honest conversations about real things, as real people. Our members are owners, they have a say in how we operate, they earn dividends on common shares and investment shares, and they have access to an extensive array of financial products and services.

• Our mission:Make money make a difference.
• Our vision:Do what's right for every member.
• Our values:Think big, act local, take charge, and make it easy.

We're committed to providing remarkable experiences to our members, our communities, and our employees, and we're proud to be regarded as one of the best:

• Named among Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures by Waterstone Human Capital
• Recipient of Canada's Best Managed Companies award for 21 consecutive years
• $12.3 billion book of business (Deposits=45%, Loans=43%, Wealth Management=10%, Syndicated Loans=2%)
• 750 employees
• $585 million in Member's equity

We are looking for a Senior Relationship Manager - Commercial Markets to join our Business Banking team in Calgary!

This position is primarily accountable for the development and administration of a large, complex full service commercial loan and deposit portfolio including the competent management of that portfolio. Emphasis will be placed on, Portfolio Management, Loan Administration and Underwriting, Coaching and Business Development, Growth and Center of Influence Management.

Working closely with the Director Commercial Services, the individual will implement a proactive approach to sales and business development by cultivating a strong working relationship with the Controllers, CFO's, CEO and owners of Alberta based corporations in the commercial mid target market segment. The individual will build centers of influence with Commercial Mortgage Brokers, Syndication Partners, Industry Experts and members of the professional community.

This position is accountable for the analysis and approval and or recommendation of complex commercial credit applications generally over $5MM, loan syndications and large deposit proposals. The individual will be directly accountable for management of a portfolio of high value, large connections within the unit. Working with the Business Solutions team, this position will be accountable to source and manage large stable and institutional deposit relationships.

Portfolio Management, Loan Administration and Underwriting

• Provide pro-active relationship management and advice to a large and complex portfolio of high value and sophisticated borrowing and non-borrowing members.
• Understand and evaluate complex financial statements of companies generating over $10MM in annual revenues and recommend tailored credit solutions based on that analysis. Lending solutions may include large operating loans, syndicated facilities and complex cash flow based lending structures and may involve collaboration with lending partners including subordinated and mezzanine debt providers.
• Work closely with business solutions to provide expert cash management solutions to commercial members with over 20 employees. Provide tailored solutions to complex business where standard products do not meet the unique needs of the business.
• Understand and evaluate complex commercial real estate opportunities with borrowing requirements general in excess of $10MM. Included are all areas of commercial real estate financing including land development and construction financing.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with counterparts at other Financial Institutions and credit unions to facilitate loan syndications and other shared lending solutions together with the Director Commercial Services.
• Understand the value of member site visits and doing business at the member's place of business.
• Connect and collaborate with internal partners as subject matter experts in large loan pricing, credit structuring and risk management.
• Develop and maintain a close working relationship with Commercial Credit Department to encourage collaboration and an appropriate balance between commercial loan growth and Risk Management.
• Develop and maintain a close working relationship with Treasury Department to encourage collaboration and an appropriate balance between risk and return.
• Assist in the structuring and negotiation of loan syndication and participation agreements with credit union and other Financial Institution partners.
• Ensure review of Commercial and Agricultural credits are completed as required by established lending guidelines.
• Ensure vigorous pursuit to collect problem Commercial and Agricultural loans.
• Understand policy and procedures to support complex applications and relationships

Business Development and Growth

• Generate organic loan growth, deposit growth, fee income, and product referrals by providing proactive advice to our Commercial Members that offers tailored solutions to meet their financial needs.
• Originate new high value loan and deposit relationships that align with Servus Credit Union's risk tolerances and profitability hurdles along with the Director Commercial Services. A focus will be on new full service relationships wherever possible.
• Develop and maintain a network of Centers of Influence including: Commercial Mortgage Brokers,
• Industry Experts, Members of the professional community, and Syndication Partners.
• Maintain a high profile and professional image in business and social communities.

Leadership and Coaching

• Provide coaching and direction to team members relating to credit underwriting, member negotiation, pricing, and evaluation of large loan requests.
• Foster a positive/supportive team relationship with Core Business Banking and Small Business Advisors.
• Mentor and coach Credit Analysts and trainees while being a role model for Commercial and Business Banking employees.

Experience and Education:

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in Commercial and Business lending and Business Development
• Demonstrated ability in all facets of structure, negotiation, and sales of Commercial and Business Banking products. Essential sales skills include business development and deposit/loan origination, product cross selling and referral generation, and exceptional member service.
• Demonstrated ability in all facets of Commercial Credit underwriting and Risk Management. Essential knowledge and skills include strong analytical abilities and a sound knowledge of portfolio management.
• Experience developing relationships with internal partners, members, potential members, centers of influence, and industry experts and partners.
• University degree in a business discipline or sufficient experience in lieu of education

Most importantly, we are looking for candidates with a passion for helping our members and businesses succeed. If you are a driven lender looking for long-term career growth, then we encourage you to apply!

Qualified applicants are invited to apply online.

Posting closes March 31, 2025

We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note applications will only be accepted online and only those applicants under consideration will be contacted.

For more information on Connect First Credit Union Careers, please visit https://www.ConnectFirstCU.com/Careers