VP, Commercial Financial Services

Alterna Savings•Ottawa, ON

3d•Hybrid

About The 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.

Requirements

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
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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.