Founded in 1900, Desjardins Group has grown to over 55,000 employees globally with almost $500 billion of assets. Desjardins is North America's largest financial cooperative and the sixth largest cooperative in the world. For the past 125 years, Desjardins has been committed to enriching the economic and social well-being of individuals and communities, offering a full range of products and services to individuals, businesses, and corporations through its extensive distribution network, online platforms, and subsidiaries across Canada. The Managing Director & Market Lead for Central Canada will lead the Central Canada region of the Real Estate Financing Group, operating from its offices in Toronto and covering major urban markets across Ontario and Manitoba. As part of Desjardins’ national real estate financing platform, the team provides commercial real estate clients with access to development, construction and term financing for all major real estate asset classes, including residential multi-family rental, residential market condominium, industrial, retail, office and alternative assets such as student residences, self-storage and hospitality accommodations. You will be responsible for leading and growing a team of business developers and underwriters to prospect, solicit, develop and maintain business relationships with large Tier 1 privately and institutionally owned development and investment organizations, as well as managing the existing client base, in the real estate sector, with the objective of generating term, development and construction debt financing opportunities. As Managing Director & Market Lead for Western Canada, you will be responsible for overseeing a team that manages the loan portfolio through its life cycle: from initial screening, debt structuring, underwriting, documentation to funding, and managing major amendments during the debt term. Drawing on your extensive client relationships management skills and technical skills, you will supervise and mentor your team members to represent, engage and negotiate on behalf of the organization with respect to financing agreements, and navigating the legal and documentation process towards the closing of these financing agreements. You will ensure consistency and balance between sales objectives, sound and prudent risk management, portfolio profitability and client and partner satisfaction. You will also play a leading and influential role with various stakeholders and provide expert advice to members of the national team, as needed. Key Responsibilities: Create a business plan and establish strategies and solutions for achieving objectives of the unit, including increased business volume, sound risk management, portfolio profitability and stronger business relationships. Provide guidance and leadership to business developers and assist them with achieving their objectives of initiating, developing and maintaining business relationships with current clients and potential Tier 1 clients. Oversee the work of business developers, underwriters and analysts to deliver competitive financing solutions to clients and where needed, assist them to identify and analyze client needs, develop customized solutions, negotiate applicable conditions with clients, prepare the credit application, co-ordinate with legal counsel on the preparation of loan documentation, negotiate loan documents with clients and conduct all due diligence required for closing and funding of the financing agreement. Adhere to all policies, practices and standards in effect, as well as the various laws governing the distribution of financial products and services. Provide sound and prudent risk management for all portfolios under their responsibility. Participate actively in the real estate community and proactively identify business opportunities. Use market intelligence to identify opportunities for business development that will increase the competitiveness of the products and services offered. Monitor the market environment and the competition. Qualifications: At least 10 years of direct experience in commercial real estate lending for construction, development and income producing properties. Additional banking or lending experience in other sectors is a plus. Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field. An MBA or CFA designation is a plus. Leadership: Ability to lead effectively in a collaborative team environment and build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports and presentations for both internal and external stakeholders. Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex transactions and develop practical solutions. Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment Financial Analysis Skills: Proficiency in financial analysis, and the ability to evaluate and interpret financial statements and credit risk. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those under consideration for the role will be contacted. Desjardins believes in equity, diversity and inclusion. Desjardins is committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. At Desjardins, there is zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. Desjardins believes teams should reflect the diversity of the members, clients and communities served. If there's something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job you're applying for more accessible, let us know. We can provide accommodations at any stage in the recruitment process. Action oriented, Business insight, Customer Focus, Develops talent, Differences, Drive results, Engagement, Networks, Nimble learning, Strategic mindset Trade Union (If applicable) At Desjardins, we believe in equity, diversity and inclusion. We're committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. At Desjardins, we have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. We believe our teams should reflect the diversity of the members, clients and communities we serve. If there's something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job you're applying for more accessible, let us know. We can provide accommodations at any stage in the recruitment process. Just ask! Job Family Management (FG) Unposting Date 2025-11-29 Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in North America. We're the choice for over 52,000 employees and we're named one of Canada's top employers by Mediacorp and Forbes. We offer a full range of financial products and services and share our expertise in personal services, business services, wealth management, life and health insurance, and property and casualty insurance. Pursuing a career at Desjardins means being part of an organization that puts people first. The jobs you found aren’t the right fit? Introduce yourself: we want to know you!
