Manager, Commercial Credit & Enterprise Risk

Scope of Position

Under the direction of the Director, Enterprise Risk, the Manager, Commercial Credit and Enterprise Risk manages the credit risk program for the commercial arm of Alterna Savings and its subsidiary, Alterna Bank. The Manager, Commercial Credit and Enterprise Risk also develops, recommends changes and maintains Board and management policies for Commercial Credit.

The Manager, Commercial Credit and Enterprise Risk provides leadership and guidance to achieve a balanced approach in assessing and managing commercial credit risk within Alterna and ensuring effective use of Alterna's resources. The incumbent also provides related advice and/or coaching to commercial lenders and management of the real estate, small and medium business, agricultural, and micro-finance lending areas.

In partnership with Commercial Services management, the Manager, Commercial Credit and Enterprise Risk monitors lender compliance with policies and procedures through the Credit Assessment process and recommends actions to be taken to improve compliance levels as required. This position has a major impact on the achievement of corporate commercial lending quality objectives as well as the organization's ability to profitably grow its credit portfolio.

Major Responsibilities

• Supports in the execution of the Enterprise Risk Management program.
• Maintains a high and strong level of understanding of Alterna's business model and structure
• Provides an effective challenge role as the second line of defence within Alterna through the ERM program.
• Creates, develops and maintains ERM policies, procedures, and practices related to commercial credit risk through ongoing industry research, interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements.
• Develops guidelines to evaluate disbursed loans and mortgages in the achievement of commercial lending quality objectives through a Credit Assessment process.
• Maintains, ensures effective execution and enhances the commercial credit assessment process, criteria and parameters for success, to increase productivity while managing risk within the Risk Appetite Framework.
• Assesses and monitors risks and exposures against the Risk Appetite Framework and policies.
• Performs continuous monitoring of the RAF risk limits, and generates reporting for the Senior Management and Board Committees.
• Conducts an annual review of commercial credit authorities: reviews requests and provides recommendations to the Credit Risk Management Committee (CRMC) for granting, amending and revoking authorities.
• Develops and evaluates policies to adhere to the applicable regulatory requirements for both Alterna Savings and Alterna Bank as required by the Executive Leadership Team, the Credit Risk Management Committee, or external regulators.
• Evaluates appropriateness and effectiveness of the internal commercial credit risk rating models and other key lending tools on a periodic basis.
• Monitors commercial credit portfolio risk indicators, trends and migration, including adherence to policy limits, to ultimately generate an outlook on expected losses and provide guidance in portfolio review and strategy, as required.
• Assesses the adequacy of the internal control environment and work with business units to improve controls and risk management frameworks as appropriate.
• Contributes to Risk Management Department's projects and initiatives, as needed.
• Acts in an advisory capacity with the Commercial Services and Finance teams in the determination of specific account expected losses, as required.
• In conjunction with the Corporate Secretary, develops and maintains a process for the adjudication and approval of restricted party commercial loans; reviews and recommends approval of restricted party commercial loans to the President & CEO.
• Provides subject matter expertise to all levels of management and project teams as required; plays an advisory role on commercial credit risk issues and related policy matters; participates in approved projects that impact commercial credit risk for Alterna.
• Responsible for commercial credit due diligence related to partnership opportunities such as mergers and acquisitions.
• Collaborate with the Credit Operations, Business Management Office, Collections, Branch units, Audit, Organizational Development and Marketing departments to initiate activities which manage the risk and credit quality of the commercial credit portfolio within tolerable levels.
• Monitors market conditions, to identify and assess emerging issues and potential impacts to or opportunities for the commercial credit portfolio.
• Oversees the production and coordination of (1) the quarterly commercial credit risk report and (2) the periodic commercial watch list, to the CRMC for both Alterna Bank and Alterna Savings.
• Maintains the stress testing policy and executes the periodic stress testing program.
• Plays an advisory role on the introduction and enhancement of new commercial credit lines of business (digital small business, emerging markets, etc.).
• Maintains contact with peers in the industry to share best practices.
• Supporting the Director, Enterprise Risk Management in other tasks as required.

Expectations / Outcomes

• The commercial credit portfolio is adequately monitored to remain within regulatory limits, policy limits and risk appetite levels.
• The commercial credit portfolio meets targets on delinquency and provision for loss (expected credit losses).
• A balance between risk and reward is achieved and members' assets are protected.
• Support improvement and enhancement of the Enterprise Risk Management program.
• Executive Leadership Team, Board of Directors and regulators are appropriately informed on Commercial credit risk.

Qualifications

Education / Certifications / Experience

• University Degree in a business-related field with relevant work experience
• Professional designation or advanced study is a definite asset
• Minimum 5 years of risk analysis and commercial credit granting experience at a senior level
• 5 - 10 years of progressive business and management responsibilities
• Direct commercial lending applications, account management, and underwriting risk are definite assets

About Alterna Savings

Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited (Alterna) has been the good in banking™ for over 115 years. Alterna is made up of Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary, Alterna Bank.

As the first full-service, member-owned cooperative financial institution outside Quebec, Alterna Savings shares its expertise with over 210,000 members through a network of over 40 branches across Ontario, as well as call centre and digital channels. Members and customers also benefit from an industry-leading online brokerage, investment management services, and have access to over 43,000 surcharge-free ATMs in North America with THE EXCHANGE Network in Canada and the Allpoint Network in the US.

Working at Alterna

Alterna offers a fast-paced, impactful work experience in an organization that cares about doing good. For over 115 years, Alterna has been creating financial services that transform lives for the better, all while giving back to our community.

We are incredibly proud of our corporate culture, where everyone works together towards a common goal; the financial wellbeing of our members and customers. This commitment has earned us several prestigious employer awards, including the National Capital Region's Top Employers award for seven years running.

* Although we appreciate all applicants, 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. If you have a disability, please contact our Recruitment Team and let us know how we can accommodate you.