Job Description

At , we strive to build value for the people who choose us every day: our people, our clients and our investors. We do this by holding true to the values that guide us. We put people first and build relationships with intention. We seek out and embrace new ideas, knowing that better is always possible. We believe that how we do things is as important as what we do. And we harness the power of inclusion. Our culture is who we are and how we show up - as individuals and as a team - to accomplish our strategy.

Role Specifications

Everyday flexibility. Hybrid work environments. On-site requirements. Collaborative connections.

Put a new spin on your banking career

Canadian Western Bank (CWB) is the only full-service bank in Canada with a strategic focus to meet the unique financial needs of businesses and their owners. Our teams take a relationship-based approach to deliver a uniquely proactive client experience through highly personalized service, specialized expertise, customized solutions, and faster response times. We provide full-service business and personal banking, nation-wide specialized financing in targeted industries, comprehensive wealth management offerings, and trust services.

Our highly engaged teams operate within a client-centric, collaborative, and change-ready culture, with a core focus to achieve our vision to become the best full-service bank for business owners in Canada as we continue to transform our capabilities, united as one.

The opportunity

The AVP Credit Risk Management will be a seasoned Commercial Lender (Diversified) or credit risk professional who will play an important role as a credit leader in CWB and assist the SAVP CRM with management of the credit risk portfolio. The incumbent will be responsible for day-to-day credit risk mitigation (i.e. adjudicate within prescribed policy and risk appetite including the upgrade and downgrade of risk ratings) through delegated lending limits as well as overall Diversified portfolio management within prescribed geographies / industries / business segments. She/he will ensure the credit risk management function is effectively managed.

The successful candidate will be a passionate, committed, and forward-thinking lending professional with credibility with business leaders and branch lenders. A sound communicator, the AVP Diversified CRM will be capable of developing strong relationships with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.

The primary focus of the AVP CRM is to provide direct credit adjudication, leadership, direction / oversight to branches through adjudication across CWB Diversified lending verticals and geography. The position will carry significant influence over CWBs risk appetite under their area of focus. The AVP CRM will monitor and assess the quality of their assigned portfolio on an ongoing basis and ensure action taken to mitigate elevated current or expected risks. The position will be a key individual to ensure risk appetite and credit policy is correctly interpreted and adhered to and overall portfolio is managed according to the CWB risk appetite statements on a day-to-day basis. The incumbent will carry substantial lending limits as well as hold oversight over a group of designated business centre lenders and adjudicators. Limits will exceed that of the branches both direct credit adjudication on large transactions but also first touch on all transaction above team limits.

Areas of focus

Risk Management

Act as one of the key individuals responsible within the Second line of defense framework for prudent underwriting and adjudication through measuring, monitoring and reporting CWB\xe2\x80\x98s risk exposures. Continuously review policies / standards, protocols and procedures, risk appetites and risk metrics to ensure adjudication is completed in accordance with such policies and standards where industry movements are well understood in the context of CWB\xe2\x80\x99s risk appetite.

Ensure business opportunities are maximized through awareness of CWB\xe2\x80\x99s Strategic direction and within CWB risk appetite.

Ensure loan loss experience is minimized through sound lending practices and implementation of policies and procedures and early identification and action on deteriorating credit situations.

Monitor the designated portfolio through oversight of Out of Order, Impaired Loan and Watch List Reports and providing feedback to SAVP / VP CRM, as warranted and escalate to address area where metrics are of concern.

Participant in Policy development (where warranted) as a subject matter expert.

Provide an understanding into our Credit Risk Model methodology and output sufficient to provide direction to CWB end users.

Act as a key member of CRM change as CWB becomes a model enabled bank.

Evaluate and process credit applications from Branch/Business lending units and approve/decline applications within delegated lending limits and/or make recommendations to SAVP CRM.

Act as industry (specific to be assigned) level subject matter expert for the organization within designated industries / sectors with adjudication of exposures to ensure disciplined CWB-wide approach where required. Knowledge of industry strengths / weakness as it relates to credit and standard structure considerations within those industries and geographies.

Present credit applications to the SAVP / VP CRM as required and act as both the industry and geographic subject matter expert for CRM as needed.

As required assist in preparation of quarterly reports on the portfolio composition and prepare insightful commentary on the second line\xe2\x80\x99s perspective on credit risk management for inclusion in reporting.

Act as CRM\xe2\x80\x99s geographic specialist in designated sectors or regions as may be delegated from time to time. Participate in preparation and present second-line perspective for periodic \xe2\x80\x9cdeep dives\xe2\x80\x9d on specific credit risk topics to ERC and RC.

Advise and inform SAVP, VP / SVP CRM, on significant loan or portfolio matters as they arise and specific to geography, industry, or business line.

Assist branches through discussions/memoranda in credit related matters and action plans, including dealing with loans in the Watch List categories not managed by SAMU.

Key participant with OSFI during their periodic credit risk management reviews.

Key participant with External Auditors during their quarterly and annual credit risk management review/audit.

Collaborating and Influencing

Collaborates across CWB on key strategic priorities both related to CRM and beyond.

Exemplify CWB\xe2\x80\x99s Values, live our values at work and in the community.

Facilitates discussions and collaborates with each other; promotes collaboration between CRM and all the various business units.

Identifies new processes and/or systems to improve productivity and/or team efficiency.

Adjusts communication style to changing situations and to respond to audience concerns (including culture, background, or style).

Works effectively in cross-functional teams and has demonstrated the ability to collaborate for results.

Builds and maintains key relationships with business partners across CWB with comfort addressing all nature of issue.

Team Leadership and Development

Responsible to maintain a culture that exemplifies CWB values with affected clients and across all CWB team members, recognizing these relationships and negotiations often occur in the midst of pressure and emotion.

Responsible to provide guidance to business leaders (Branch manager / Lenders) and other branch members on the identification and management of risk, provide guidance on early direction / action to proactively find credit solutions.

Work effectively with CRM leaders and other team members to ensure professionalism, productivity and team achievement.

Participate in attracting and retaining high quality team members to meet the ongoing and future needs of CWB.

Actively demonstrates and lives our values within both CWB and trough wider community involvement.

General Management and Administration

Liaise with other teams, as required, ensure CRM\xe2\x80\x99s requirements are met.

Support and assist in the preparation of CWB\xe2\x80\x99s Strategic Direction as requested.

Support the reporting to Board RC.

Participate in and actively engage in ad-hoc committees as required.

Skills and proficiencies that will take you further

Education

Undergraduate degree in Commerce, Economics, Finance or Accounting disciplines

MBA, Professional Accounting designation or CFA

Professional Experience

Minimum seven to ten (7- 10) years working in a professional environment with required experience in Commercial and Corporate (diversified) lending including direct client facing and underwriting positions.

Personal Competencies

Strong understanding and direct experience in origination / adjudication across all geographies of CWB footprint.

Presentation skills within both large and small groups (internal and external).

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written with the ability to work through complex situations and yield solutions.

Ability to provide effective challenge to the 1st line leaders and other executives while maintaining strong working relationships.

Strong organizational awareness, risk analytical skills, and negotiation skills

Prepared to communicate and act on a foundation of integrity, accountability, respect, common sense and caring.

Strong background in and understanding of the AIRB approach to lending with preferable experience in an AIRB environment.

Ability to build effective relationships with various stakeholders and parties (Internal and External)

The ability to travel across the CWB\xe2\x80\x99s footprint as required.

Why work with us?

Your success is our obsession! And our benefits back it up.

Wellness matters. We offer an award-winning benefits package that includes hybrid work environments, everyday flexibility, company-funded health coverage, health care spending account, a flexible wellness program & generous time-away options to unplug, rest & recover. Bring your whole self to work. Inclusion is a journey requiring practice & experience to result in a powerful outcome. Your perspective matters & voice will be heard. Find community within the CWB family in our employee represented groups. Career development. We commit to our employees\xe2\x80\x99 development and help them reach their professional goals with organization wide coaching services, mentorship, education support & training programs. Strategic career design is an investment in our core asset \xe2\x80\x93 our people. Innovation. Learn. Grow. Enhance. At CWB, we play to win. When we fail, we fail forward. Recognition. Peer-to-peer recognition programs for \xe2\x80\x9cin the moment\xe2\x80\x9d and monumental wins. Community giving. Make a difference. Drive economic prosperity in your community. Get involved. Volunteer. Fundraise. All with CWB support. ESG & sustainability focused. Be proud of where you spend, work & invest. Financial rewards. Base salary & pay for performance incentives. Retirement investment strategy. You can\xe2\x80\x99t work forever! So, we\xe2\x80\x99ve got you covered. Company ownership. No greater sense of motivation & empowerment than being an owner.

Find your at www.CWBcareers.com

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As an equitable employer, CWB Financial Group is committed to providing a safe and where a diverse workforce thrives. You are welcomed and encouraged to bring your whole self to work. Dignity, respect and equality are non-negotiables. If you require during any part of the recruitment or selection process, please reach out.

Closing Date:

• Position closes at 12:01am on the close date identified below. 01/16/2024

Canadian Western Bank