Job Description

Description :

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\xe2\x80\x99s true to our co-operative principles. You\xe2\x80\x99re our member, not a number. We\xe2\x80\x99re your neighbours and your partner. Over 80 years ago we started from humble beginnings. Through the years, we\xe2\x80\x99ve grown to become one of Alberta\xe2\x80\x99s 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\xe2\x80\x99s 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\xe2\x80\x99re committed to providing remarkable experiences to our members, our communities, and our employees, and we\xe2\x80\x99re proud to be regarded as one of the best:

• Named among Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Most Admired Corporate Cultures\xe2\x84\xa2 by Waterstone Human Capital
• Recipient of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s 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

Key Accountabilities:

• Accountable for the individual and collective performance of the Agriculture team including its team member experience, member experience, financial performance, operating efficiency, quality and effectiveness of sales and service delivery.
• Promotes an environment that champions employee engagement through trust, accountability, innovation, and development to create high performing passionate teams.
• Collaborates with leaders across the organization, to develop and execute business plans, targets, and budgets that aim to grow revenue, profitability, and increase market share through the maturity of our capability and differentiated member experience.
• Develops and executes a market plan to drive specific behaviours and activities that maximize business growth, wallet share, member advocacy, retention and acquisition objectives, alongside financial results.
• Ensures a high level of employee capability by setting individual goals and objectives, developing and coaching direct reports, continually assessing and improving levels of performance, supporting ongoing employee development and career planning, providing ongoing feedback and guidance, and taking action to close any identified gaps.
• Guides and supports the development and execution of skill development programs, team member onboarding, upskilling and accountability coaching required to ensure industry leading expertise and know-how.
• Provides mentorship and expertise on more complex member accounts and loans.
• Encourages collaboration with Business Solutions, Consumer & Concierge Banking, Wealth, and other areas of the business to provide full-service solutions and new products and services for members with a goal of becoming their primary financial services partner.
• Achieves and sustains a balanced approach to managing the department\xe2\x80\x99s risk profile in accordance with sound credit-granting principles ensuring risk and compliance controls and processes are integrated into sales, retention, and operational activities.
• Acts as a business partner across the organization by building positive and supportive relationships that enable and encourage cross-functional collaboration, innovation, and operational efficiency.
• Responsible for monitoring, identifying, and adapting business objectives and strategies in response to changes in the business environment; recommends action plans to both capitalize on emerging business opportunities and effectively manage member impact and evolving risks.
• Partners with appropriate sales teams to provide/solicit introductions as appropriate.
• Acts as the escalation point for complex member concerns.
• Maintains a high market profile and leads business development activities by engaging with key centres of influence to attract new business opportunities and relationships; assesses and identifies local competition and represents the credit union as an industry expert.
• Actively engages in representing the Credit Union in the community through regular business development, partnership curation and corporate volunteerism.

Experience and/or Educational Requirements:

• 10 years\xe2\x80\x99 experience in Agriculture Banking.
• Minimum 5 years\xe2\x80\x99 experience in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead a high-performing team.
• Completed a relevant diploma, degree, or designation program with specialization in agriculture and/or finance, accounting, or law.
• Personal experience in agriculture/farming or ranching is an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent understanding of agriculture, farming and/or ranching industry.
• Excellent computer skills; able to pick up new and existing programs related to the job quickly.
• Continuous learner.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; presents complex information in a straightforward, easy to understand manner.
• Excellent credit analytical skills.
• Excellent influencing, negotiating, consulting, and leadership skills.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Superior critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent business development skills with high levels of business acumen.
• Advanced knowledge of risk management and the regulatory framework that governs Credit Union activity.

Qualified applicants are invited to apply online.

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

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