Director, Business Credit

About This Opportunity

At Meridian our aspiration is to integrate our purpose into everything we do for people, the planet, and communities. We believe that our greatest opportunity is to create opportunity and meet people where they are.

Role Overview

As the Director of Business Credit, you will ensure that the Commercial lending portfolio represents an acceptable risk‑return profile as established by approved credit risk management policies. You will lead the mid‑market adjudication team in facilitating credit decisions and providing accurate Credit Agreements on Commercial connections of $10‑$50 million within a regulatory compliant framework consistent with Board policy. You will provide effective leadership and stewardship to the Business Credit management function, contributing to regular monthly reviews of portfolio credit quality through established reporting measures.

Responsibilities

Management

• Provide leadership to direct reports in maintaining sound and consistent credit decisioning.
• Foster a culture of shared, proactive risk management with Business Banking partners.
• Enhance the profile of the Business Credit team, highlighting the role of risk management in supporting a differentiated brand.
• Achieve strong employee engagement scores, leading impactful action planning sessions.
• Maintain a coaching/training/mentoring program for direct reports and new recruits.
• Embed operational transparency principles in all activities.

Adjudication

• Approve, amend or decline Commercial credit applications within delegated authority in a timely manner, ensuring risk is appropriate and service standards are maintained.
• Enhance throughput effectiveness in adjudication through refined processes without compromising on credit risk fundamentals.
• Provide constructive feedback on opportunities for improvement with respect to applications and due diligence.
• Act as an escalation point for credit decision appeals, working to reach resolution quickly by leveraging objective and informed insights.

Strategy

• Guide the Business Credit portfolio toward implementation of target risk profile, identifying opportunities for portfolio diversification.
• Identify new opportunities for portfolio growth within an appropriate credit risk framework. Provide support and insights to the assessment of new products or services under consideration.
• Leverage technology and enhance reporting for continual improvements in portfolio management and monitoring borrower default risk.

Policies & Reporting

• Create and maintain industry analysis and lending guidelines for all relevant industries.
• Continually update credit policies and forms, with regular updates to Business Banking.
• Provide prompt reporting to Senior Leadership regarding compliance with all Board credit policy and internal operating limits relative to portfolio composition, industry segments, risk profile, and concentration measures.
• Ensure that commercial delinquency is minimized through proactive means and collection techniques.
• Continually update the risk rating model, integrating economic and industry insights to appropriately measure risk of default and loss given default.
• Achieve satisfactory audit results on external and internal audit reviews, taking action on audit recommendations for necessary enhancements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of commercial business structures and financing options/techniques including syndication and corporate finance.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of business financial statements, business case and cash flow analysis.
• Thorough knowledge of commercial account operating procedures and banking services.
• Sound understanding of commercial lending security documentation, including collection/work‑out techniques and remedies.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop and administer portfolio analysis techniques/processes to ensure guidelines are maintained and enhanced continuously.
• Strong computer competency (Word/Excel/Outlook).
• Comfort learning and adopting new digital tools, with an openness to using AI‑enabled technology to enhance productivity, accuracy and the Member experience.

This role represents an existing vacancy. Internal candidates are being considered as part of our standard process.

Salary Range: CAD $145,000.00 to $185,000.00 annually.

Office Location: St. Catharines Corporate Office, 75 Corporate Park Drive, St. Catharines, ON. This is a hybrid work opportunity.

What’s in it for you?

• We have an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success.
• We provide you with the tools and technology needed to delight your candidates and clients.
• You’ll get to work with and learn from diverse industry leaders.
• Hybrid work arrangements with in‑person office time to collaborate, innovate and build relationships with your colleagues.
• This isn’t your typical corporate job. We work hard and we have fun!

Build the Future of Banking with Us

• Embedding & leveraging technology – Confidence and willingness to learn and integrate AI and emerging technologies into new ways of working, including low/no code tools like the Microsoft Power Platform and generative AI productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot.
• Critical Thinking – The ability to analyze, evaluate and interpret information from various sources and apply logic and problem solving to make decisions.
• Data Driven – Leverage data and insights to identify, prioritize and improve member experience and business efficiency.
• Curiosity & Flexibility – Comfortable navigating and embracing change and uncertainty, asking more questions, exploring more options, continuously learning and growing.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.