Job Type: Full-Time
Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy
Target Salary Range: $170,000- $180,000
The compensation for this position is determined by a combination of skills, experience and is aligned to the market in which the job is posted. Your recruiter will provide additional details about our total rewards package during the hiring process.
Scope of Position
Reporting to the Chief Lending Officer and in close partnership with the VP Commercial Credit and Portfolio Management, the VP Commercial Financial Services is accountable for driving profitable growth through a high‑performance sales organization and a hospitality‑first service culture. The role leads the Commercial Financial Services teams to consistently attract, retain, and deepen member relationships while executing the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) in alignment with Alterna’s corporate strategy and within Alterna’s board approved Risk Appetite Framework.
The incumbent is responsible for expanding commercial markets, strengthening Alterna’s brand presence, and delivering an exceptional, relationship‑driven member experience. Success in the role is measured by revenue growth, portfolio performance, member engagement, service quality, and team productivity, all achieved within the board‑approved risk appetite and a strong ethical and compliance framework.
Major Responsibilities
Sales Leadership & Growth
- Provide strategic leadership and performance oversight for the commercial sales organization and inspire a culture of accountability and execution to drive sustainable revenue and portfolio growth.
- Develop, execute, and continuously refine the Commercial AOP to deliver strong financial performance aligned with corporate priorities.
- Identify, develop, and scale strategic market and segment opportunities—including new products and services—to expand Alterna’s commercial footprint and long‑term growth potential.
- Act as a visible market leader and trusted center of influence, strengthening referral networks and elevating Alterna’s reputation and brand presence across Ontario.
- Ensure appropriate profitability through revenue and fee generation while maintaining disciplined expense and productivity management.
Hospitality‑First Service & Member Experience
- Champion a hospitality‑first service strategy and culture that places the member at the center of all sales growth and service delivery activities.
- Establish, model, and continuously strengthen service standards that build trust, loyalty, and long‑term relationships.
- Maintain executive relationships with key members, prospects, and referral partners to deepen engagement, remove barriers, and role‑model relationship‑based selling and service behaviours.
- Drive retention and increased share of wallet through proactive relationship management and exceptional service execution.
- Ensure seamless cross – functional collaboration across internal teams to deliver responsive, personalized, and consistently high‑quality service experiences.
Leadership, Culture & Talent Development
- Build and sustain a high‑performing, diverse team and talent pipeline aligned with Alterna’s values, culture, and service philosophy.
- Coach and develop leaders, setting clear expectations and accountability for results, leadership behaviors, and service excellence; provide timely feedback and performance alignment.
- Lead organizational design, workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, and performance management for the function, ensuring the right capabilities and capacity to deliver strategy.
- Lead and influence across Alterna to generate referrals, integrate solutions, share expertise, and support enterprise‑wide growth.
Risk, Credit & Operational Discipline
- Establish and oversee disciplined credit adjudication and portfolio management practices that balance growth with prudent risk management.
- Approve credits within delegated authority and provide oversight and guidance on complex or higher‑risk transactions.
- Maintain full knowledge of local market conditions, competitive dynamics and trends, and their impact on members and portfolios.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, audits, and ethical standards.
- Participate in Credit Risk Management Committee (CRMC) meetings to ensure risks are clearly identified, understood, and appropriately mitigated.
Qualifications
Education, Certifications & Experience
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience within a financial institution, including senior leadership experience with direct accountability for sales performance, service delivery, and portfolio results.
- Demonstrated experience in commercial real estate lending, general commercial lending, and business banking.
- Proven experience approving commercial credit and leading teams within a defined risk appetite framework.
- Strong background leading relationship‑based sales teams with a focus on growth, service excellence, and member engagement.
- University degree in a related discipline, typically Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Real Estate Finance, or a related field preferred or equivalent experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Proven sales leadership capability with a strong track record of driving growth through disciplined execution and relationship management.
- Deep understanding of commercial and business banking, including credit structuring, portfolio management, and risk assessment.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to translate strategy into clear priorities, plans, and results.
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a hospitality‑first service culture that delivers exceptional member experiences.
- Excellent knowledge of real estate and business banking analysis, including valuation, underwriting, ownership structures, and portfolio risk management.
- Strong understanding of regulatory, legal, and policy requirements related to commercial lending.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility and trust at all levels.
Leadership Competencies
- Inspirational, hands‑on leader who models accountability, service excellence, and ethical behavior.
- Ability to lead, coach, and develop senior leaders and high‑performing teams in a hybrid work environment.
- Strong judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive personnel and member matters.
- Collaborative mindset with a demonstrated ability to work effectively across functions and business lines.
- High level of integrity, adaptability, and resilience, with a passion for growth and continuous improvement.
About Alterna Savings
Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited (Alterna) has delivered The Good in Banking® for over 115 years creating financial services that transform lives for the better, all while giving back to our community. Alterna is made up of Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary, Alterna Bank.
Alterna is the first full-service, member-owned cooperative financial institution outside Quebec, sharing its expertise with over 210,000 members through a network comprised of 40 branches across Ontario, a call centre and multiple digital channels. Members and customers also benefit from an industry-leading online brokerage and investment management services.
To learn more about Alterna Savings, please visit alterna.ca (https://www.alterna.ca/en/personal), X (https://twitter.com/alternasavings), Facebook (https://facebook.com/alternasavings), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/alternasavingscu/), or LinkedIn (https://ca.linkedin.com/company/alterna-savings).
Working at Alterna
We are incredibly proud of our corporate culture, embodying our core values: Collaboration, Integrity, and Respect, where everyone works together towards a common goal; the financial wellbeing of our employees, members, and customers. This commitment has earned us several prestigious employer awards, including the National Capital Region's Top Employers award for eight years running.
- We appreciate all applicants; however, preference will be given to candidates who most closely meet the qualifications, key skills, and competencies outlined above.
- Alterna is compliant with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act and our team strives to provide an accessible accommodation experience. If you have a disability and require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment Team and let us know how we can accommodate you.
- Alterna does not currently use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants
