Commercial Credit Specialist

Description

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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.

The role is within the Business Banking Credit team that has responsibility for credit decisions pertaining to a $9 billion Commercial loan portfolio across all sectors of the Canadian economy, including Land & Construction, Hospitality, Income Producing Real Estate and general industries.

This role is responsible for supporting the in the administration of the Commercial Loan portfolio within the framework of credit management policies that represent acceptable risk and return.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter with drive and determination, helping our Members and colleagues achieve goals through effective communication and the ability to build relationships. A sound understanding of Financial Statements and experience in analyzing lending proposals is very important.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct underwriting / adjudication on commercial credit applications (new, increased, renewal, amendments) in excess of lenders discretionary limits, either within their own limits or by referral to the Senior Manager and / or Management Loan Committee
• Exercise sound and consistent underwriting practices to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures
• Provide consistent, timely and focused value-added service to the Commercial Banking delivery units
• Assist on overall management and control of excesses and delinquency
• Assist in the writing and / or review of credit policies and the Commercial Credit Procedures Manual along with preparing industry profile papers and reports
• Keep abreast of changes within diverse industry sectors and proactively identify opportunities to improve the risk profile within Meridian’s Business Banking portfolio.
• Apply sound credit adjudication based on knowledge and technical acumen, to reach resolution on differences in opinion, approach, policy interpretation with lenders and Credit Management staff
• Address daily technical problems on security documentation questions, systems issues & loan coding issues and errors
• Escalate more complex issues on unresolved matters to the Director and / or VP, Business Credit
• Regular and consistent verbal and/or written communication with Credit Management staff and / or Business Banking lenders and / or Business Banking Operations department on a wide range of portfolio management and administrative issues
• Liaise with external parties (project monitors, lawyers, accountants, appraisers, etc) on an “as-needed” basis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Multidimensional banking professional with a background in all aspects of the commercial credit and banking functions.
• Working knowledge of advanced business sectors (including leveraged finance & private equity, out & in-bound syndications, mortgage / leasing / bulk finance entities) and corporate structures (i.e. Partnerships, LLP, REITS, Trusts) would be an asset.
• Prior experience in income property lending, land, development & construction and hospitality sectors would be an asset.
• Familiarity with acceptable financing options and techniques (i.e. senior, mezzanine, subordinate debt, share and other equity offerings) would be an asset.
• Sound understanding and ability to deeply assess business financial statements, conduct cash flow analysis and work with financial models and their sensitization.
• Knowledge of commercial account operating procedures, cash management services and other banking products (i.e. credit cards, forex, funds transfers).
• Sound understanding and ability to review commercial lending security and related documentation.
• Exposure to collection / work out techniques and remedies would be of benefit.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong but collaborative negotiation skills to find an agreeable position with our Members’ foremost in mind.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with key business partners.
• Able to prioritize and plan workload in order to meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Self-motivated.
• Proficient knowledge of standard office equipment including PC skills with emphasis using MS products including Word & Excel. Familiarity with an on-line loan origination portal would be of great benefit.

Education, Work Experience, and Professional Designations/Certifications

• Minimum 3+ years’ experience in Commercial Credit underwriting and risk management in a major financial institution environment.
• Relevant post-secondary education with an emphasis on business and finance (i.e. Bachelors or Masters in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting).
• 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 $79,100.00 to $118,700.00 annually.

Compensation for this role is based on a combination of skills, experience, and internal equity. Candidates with stronger alignment to the role’s requirements may be placed higher within the range. Your recruiter will share more information about our total rewards package during the hiring process.

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

Meridian has a remote work policy that allows flexibility for employees to work remotely but also requires regular time in the office for purposeful meetings to collaborate, innovate and build effective relationships with your team, your colleagues and your leader which is very important to us.

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

At Meridian, we’re not just adapting to the future—we’re shaping it. We see talent as a catalyst for sustainable growth, community impact, and future-readiness. As the financial landscape evolves, we’re looking for team members who bring:

• Embedding & leveraging technology – Confidence and willingness to learn and integrate AI and emerging technologies into new ways of working. Experience with low/no code tools like the Microsoft Power Platform and generative AI productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot is considered an asset
• 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, ask more questions, explore more options. Continuously learn and grow.

Who we are:

Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, and second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of our more than 380,000 Members. Meridian has more than 80 years of banking history and is 100% owned by its members. With 87 retail branches and 15 Business Banking Centers across Ontario and $ 32B in assets under management, Meridian offers a full range of financial products and services to its retail, business banking and wealth members. With over 2200 employees and corporate offices located in Toronto and St. Catharines, Meridian has a track record of creating and delivering innovative new offerings and is committed to investing in the communities that we serve. Our plan is to build on our momentum as we deliver on our purpose - helping our members achieve their best life.

Find our story here: