SVP Mortgage Investments | Great West

The Canada Life Assurance Company • Toronto, ON

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Canada Life Assurance is seeking a senior commercial mortgage executive to oversee the origination, underwriting, and funding of the Canadian commercial mortgage program, which exceeds $2 billion annually for both general account and segregated funds. The SVP will be responsible for ongoing portfolio and risk management, as well as the daily administration and mortgage servicing of the commercial mortgage portfolio, valued at approximately $16.0 billion. This role involves leading a team that originates over $2 billion annually in investment-grade commercial mortgages and manages a $16 billion portfolio. The executive will directly manage five leaders responsible for origination, underwriting, portfolio management, and administration, lead the mortgage investment committee, and make investment decisions. Collaboration with senior leaders in Canadian investments and counterparts in the US and UK businesses is expected. The role also includes presenting to the Board for investment approvals or portfolio issues, providing input on Investment Policies, and establishing/updating departmental policies and business processes. Additionally, the SVP will be responsible for a staff of 40 across Canada, including training, development, promotion, hiring, team building, and all HR matters.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree required.
• Over 20 years in a senior leadership role with a successful track record at a major Canadian financial institution, or a public/private real estate company with responsibilities for the mortgage financing of commercial real estate across Canada.
• Thorough understanding of real estate values and valuation techniques.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Canadian commercial mortgage market.
• Fully knowledgeable in all real estate sectors, real estate markets and emerging trends that impact real estate and mortgage lending.
• Excellent negotiation skills, both internal and external with respect to approving/declining/committing mortgage proposals.
• Fully knowledgeable in all legal, and real estate laws applicable to commercial mortgages.
• Excellent analytical and negotiating capabilities.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities.
• Excellent presentation skills at the senior management/board level.
• Attracts, motivates and develops talent to build the right team to meet strategic direction and tomorrow’s needs

Nice To Haves

• MBA and/or CFA / AACI preferred.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for a team that originates more than $2 billion annually of investment grade commercial mortgages and manages a $16 billion portfolio
• Directly manage five leaders responsible for origination, underwriting, portfolio management and administration
• Lead the mortgage investment committee and be responsible for its investment decisions
• Collaborate with other senior leaders in Canadian investments as well as counterparts in the US and UK businesses
• Make presentations to the Board for investment approvals or on portfolio issues as required
• Provide input and guidance with respect to Investment Policies, establish and update departmental policies and business process.
• Be responsible for a staff of 40, across Canada with respect to training, development, promoting, hiring, team building and all HR matters.

Benefits

• Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement.
• Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being.
• Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.
• Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options.
• Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
• Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior