Looking for more than just a job? At Sydney Credit Union, you’ll find a career with purpose. As part of a member-owned financial cooperative, you’ll play a direct role in supporting local businesses, strengthening our community, and living the values of cooperation and trust. On top of that, we offer outstanding perks: from a strong retirement plan and comprehensive health coverage to extras like a Healthy Lifestyle Credit, employee banking perks, and even an interest-free clothing line of credit. Here, your professional growth is supported, your contributions are valued, and your well-being always comes first.

About The Role The Head, Commercial Banking is responsible for leading Sydney Credit Union’s commercial and business banking function, driving prudent portfolio growth, deepening member relationships, and ensuring strong credit quality and risk management. Reporting to the Vice President, Growth & Member Experience, the role oversees a team of three and plays a key role in executing the Credit Union’s growth strategy while maintaining a strong member-first culture.

This role combines people leadership, relationship management, credit adjudication oversight, and business development, with a strong emphasis on community presence and long-term member success.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of commercial banking professionals to achieve portfolio growth, service excellence, and risk objectives
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and member-focused culture
• Establish clear performance expectations and support ongoing training and development

Commercial Portfolio Growth & Relationship Management

• Manage and grow a diversified commercial loan portfolio in line with the organization’s risk appetite
• Build and maintain strong relationships with business members, centers of influence and community partners
• Identify opportunities to expand member share of wallet through lending, deposits, and treasury solutions

Credit & Risk Management

• Oversee commercial credit underwriting, structuring, and renewals in alignment with policy and regulatory standards
• Provide sound credit recommendations and approvals within delegated lending authority
• Monitor portfolio performance, proactively managing risk, concentrations, and early warning indicators

Strategy & Collaboration

• Contribute to development and execution of the commercial banking strategy and annual business plans
• Collaborate closely with Retail Banking, Wealth, and Member Experience teams to deliver integrated solutions
• Support new initiatives, products, and programs aligned with Sydney Credit Union’s strategic priorities

Governance, Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure adherence to internal policies, regulatory standards, and best practices
• Prepare portfolio reporting, forecasts, and insights for senior leadership as required
• Support audits, regulatory reviews, and internal risk management processes

The Ideal Candidate

Education

• Post-secondary education in business, finance, or a related field
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in commercial or business banking, preferably within a credit union or financial institution
• Demonstrated experience managing commercial credit and business relationships
• Prior people leadership or supervisory experience is strongly preferred
• A background in relationship management within the personal lending sector will be considered a strong asset

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of commercial lending, credit analysis, and risk management practices
• Proven ability to build and maintain long-term business relationships
• Strong leadership, coaching, and performance management skills
• Excellent communication, judgment, and decision-making abilities
• Knowledge of the Cape Breton / Nova Scotia business environment is a strong asset

Compensation & Other Information This is a full-time Permanent position. Remuneration will be paid in accordance with Sydney Credit Union’s Management Salary Structure Level 7: $89,171.88 - $104,908.10

As with all positions at Sydney Credit Union, this role could be expected to work in any of our locations.

If this sounds like an opportunity for you and you meet the qualifications, please submit your resume and cover letter, quoting the competition number: SCU-260203-O.

• This position will remain open until vacancy is filled.

Why Sydney Credit Union

Sydney Credit Union is a community-based financial cooperative committed to helping members, businesses, and communities thrive. This role offers the opportunity to lead a high-impact portfolio, mentor a dedicated team, and contribute directly to the economic vitality of Cape Breton.

This critical leadership role offers significant runway to grow Sydney Credit Union’s commercial portfolio as a core strategic priority.