Founded in Montreal in 1846, Laurentian Bank is committed to serving its customers and fostering deep relationships with specialized groups. Laurentian Bank runs operations across Canada – primarily in Québec and Ontario – as well as in the United States and competes where it sees market opportunity and has an edge, while harnessing the power of partnerships and collaboration.
This role sits within Laurentian Bank. The position is based in Montreal or Toronto .
Reporting to the Vice President, Commercial and Real Estate Credit, the incumbent leads the Real Estate Credit Group (RECG) and is accountable for the credit risk oversight, adjudication, and credit governance of commercial real estate lending activities across Canada. The role includes credit approval authority, people leadership, and active participation in the evolution of the Bank’s real estate credit strategy.
Responsibilities:
Credit Risk Oversight & Adjudication
- Lead the end‑to‑end oversight of credit risk within the Real Estate Credit Group, ensuring alignment with internal policies, risk appetite, and regulatory expectations.
- Exercise delegated credit approval authority in accordance with authorization limits defined under the Bank’s lending policies
- Analyze, adjudicate, and approve complex loan applications, amendments, restructurings, and annual reviews submitted by Real Estate Banking Centres (REBC), considering sponsor strength, asset quality, market conditions, and risk‑adjusted returns.
Governance & Senior Management Interaction
- Act as a contributing member at the Commercial Credit Committee, contributing to credit decisions and risk governance discussions.
- Provide clear, timely updates and reporting to senior management on portfolio trends, emerging risks, and material credit issues.
- Contribute to the development, review, and interpretation of credit policies, guidelines, and risk frameworks applicable to real estate lending.
- Anticipate the implications of new legislation, regulatory expectations, policies, market conditions and internal initiatives; assess impacts and submit recommendations to senior management.
Strategic & Stakeholder Leadership
- Establish and maintain strong, constructive relationships with the Commercial Real Estate teams, offering clear guidance on credit policies, structures, and risk appetite.
- Support Real Estate Group in achieving the Bank’s annual Commercial Real Estate lending objectives while maintaining disciplined underwriting standards.
- Act as a trusted subject‑matter expert and strategic advisor to senior management on matters related to commercial real estate credit.
- Monitor economic conditions, competitive dynamics, and real estate market trends at the national, provincial, and local levels.
People Leadership
- Directly manage and develop a team of credit professionals; set performance objectives, evaluate results, and foster ongoing professional development.
- Provide input and recommendations on hiring, compensation, performance management, and employee relations matters, in accordance with applicable legislation and internal policies.
- Establish quality standards for services delivered by the RECG and promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and sound risk management.
Representation & Special Mandates
- Represent the Bank with key internal and external partners as required.
- Lead or contribute to strategic projects, mandates, or transformation initiatives that may have a significant impact on the business line.
- Address client complaints or escalations involving credit matters with judgment, diligence, and professionalism.
Qualifications:
Education
- University degree or higher, preferably in finance, business administration, accounting, or commerce with a specialization in commercial real estate finance.
Experience
- Minimum ten (10) years of progressive experience in commercial real estate financing or credit within a recognized financial institution.
- At least two (2) years of experience in a people‑management or leadership role.
Specific Skills:
- Strong judgment and negotiation skills in complex credit and restructuring situations.
- Advanced written communication skills to prepare clear, well‑structured credit analyses and recommendations.
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to assess risk holistically and challenge assumptions.
- Proven ability to build trusted relationships with business partners while maintaining independent risk oversight.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage priorities in a high‑volume, high‑impact environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Assessment of certain competencies may include a psychometric evaluation.
- Bilingual in French and English*
- Professional working proficiency in French and English languages required as position involves frequent written and oral communication on complex matters with internal and external parties in both languages.
What Laurentian Bank has to offer you
The total compensation offered by Laurentian Bank encompasses a comprehensive range of benefits, highlighting our commitment to the well-being and success of our employees.
Here are some of the key points of our offering:
The actual annual base salary offered will take into account internal equity, skills, and experience among other factors.
- Total compensation: Earn a comprehensive compensation package that includes annual reviews and performance-based bonuses.
- Work model: We prioritize a hybrid work model based on business needs.
- Stock purchase plan: Become not just an employee, but a Laurentian Bank shareholder. Employer matching takes your investment even further.
- Time off: In addition to paid vacation, we provide floating days and leave options to accommodate the diverse needs of our employees. Plus, as an extra perk, you also get a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
- Health and wellness: Take care of your health and well-being with access to healthcare professionals, our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and a Stress Management and Well-Being Program.
- Group insurance and pension: We offer a competitive insurance program based on your family’s needs and a defined contribution pension plan to help prepare for your future.
- Financial benefits: As a Laurentian Bank employee, you’re also the best ambassador for our products and services. Take advantage of employee-only offers on a wide range of products. Enjoy exclusive deals and preferred rates on products and services including insurance, hotels, train tickets, spas and many more.
We are committed to creating a fulfilling professional environment where your skills are valued, and your well-being is a priority. Join us for a rewarding career at Laurentian Bank.
Inclusion and Accessibility
At Laurentian Bank, we believe everyone belongs. We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of our customers and our communities and where everyone feels like they belong and can thrive. To this end, we encourage applications from individuals from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous persons, racialized and persons with disabilities, marginalized genders and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
We strive to offer a flexible and accessible work experience that is inclusive of everyone. If at any time you need an accommodation, please let us know.
PIPEDA
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We also use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during parts of our recruitment process to support fair and efficient hiring decisions.
