The Director of Commercial Credit Origination will lead efforts to expand the credit union’s commercial lending portfolio across the Golden Horseshoe and Ottawa regions. This role is suited to a seasoned commercial lending professional with a strong network, sound credit judgment, and a strategic approach to business development.

Key responsibilities include sourcing high-quality lending opportunities through established relationships with developers, brokers, real estate professionals, and other industry stakeholders. A deep understanding of traditional, security-based commercial lending and deal structuring is essential to assess opportunities and align them with the credit union’s risk appetite and relationship-driven philosophy.

Once opportunities are structured and pre-qualified, a dedicated internal team will manage underwriting, documentation, and closing. This allows the Director to maintain focus on market engagement, deal origination, and driving sustainable portfolio growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead business development efforts by leveraging and expanding an existing network of commercial real estate professionals, developers, brokers, and investors across the GTA and Hamilton region to generate high-quality lending opportunities.
• Assess and pre-qualify commercial credit opportunities using key lending metrics such as, but not limited to, Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), borrower covenant strength, tenant quality, and property cash flow analysis.
• Guide new opportunities through the early stages of the credit process, including needs assessment, initial structuring, document collection, and pre-qualification, ensuring alignment with the credit union’s risk appetite and policy.
• Prepare and deliver complete, well-organized credit packages to the underwriting team to facilitate efficient analysis and decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with underwriters throughout the credit approval process to ensure clarity, consistency, and fluid member experience, from application to funding.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and local market dynamics, using insights to inform origination strategies while maintaining compliance with internal policies and provincial/federal regulations.
• Foster and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders (credit analysts, branch staff, operations) and external partners (solicitors, appraisers, brokers) to support the timely and effective execution of commercial lending transactions.
• Travel regularly throughout the Golden Horseshoe region (GTA to Hamilton and surrounding areas) to meet with current and prospective commercial members and business partners as part of a hybrid work model.

Requirements:

• Post-secondary education in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in commercial mortgage origination, ideally within the credit union or cooperative banking sector.
• Strong understanding of commercial underwriting principles, including credit risk assessment, deal structuring, and collateral evaluation.
• Proven relationship management skills, with the ability to establish, grow, and maintain a robust network of developers, brokers, and other key commercial contacts.
• Demonstrated experience in credit analysis and risk mitigation strategies across a variety of commercial lending scenarios.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a member-centric approach and the ability to tailor flexible financing solutions.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation: 

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. BCU Financial also offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

Interested candidates are invited to apply for this role exclusively by submitting their application via email to [email protected]. Please note that while we thank all applicants for their interest in a career with BCU Financial, only those chosen for an interview will receive further communication.

BCU Financial Group is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. BCU Financial Group provides accommodation during the recruitment process upon request. Requests received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

About BCU Financial:

BCU Financial is a member-owned financial cooperative dedicated to improving the lives of its members and their community. As part of the growing Ontario-based BCU Financial Group, it provides Ukrainian-Canadians with diversified financial services and products.

BCU Financial Group offers a compelling alternative to traditional banking through its various divisions. BCU Financial provides a no-fee personal chequing account, along with savings accounts, loans, mortgages, credit cards, and online banking to its members. The broader BCU Financial Group also encompasses BCU Wealth Management and BCU Insurance, serving clients with investment and insurance services respectively, and supports the community through BCU Foundation and its donors. BCU Financial, together with its BCU Wealth Management division, currently oversees $1.2 billion in assets.

Underscoring its commitment to building a strong community, BCU Financial Group provides generous sponsorship funding annually to a wide array of Ukrainian community-based projects and activities. The Credit Union and its member-supported charitable institution, BCU Foundation, provide sponsorship funding of over $1 million annually for community organizations, charity fundraisers, student scholarships, cultural events, and educational projects.