Commercial Credit Specialist

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.

You will be part of the Business Banking Credit team that has responsibility for credit decisions pertaining to a $7 billion Commercial loan portfolio across all facets of the Canadian economy. Key sectors include Land & Construction, Hospitality, Income Producing Real Estate and general and diversified industries.

This position will be responsible for supporting the Director who manages a team of Commercial Credit adjudicators. You will provide credit adjudication, portfolio management and act as a key business partner to the Business Banking Delivery team, within the framework of the credit management policies and ensure the loans represent acceptable risk and return to Meridian. You will help achieve goals in a highly engaged team driven by our Meridian For good strategy.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Conduct underwriting / adjudication on commercial credit applications (new, increased, renewal, amendments), either within your own delegated lending limits or by referral to the Director and / or Management Loan Committee
• Exercise sound and consistent underwriting practices to ensure compliance with established policies, procedures and industry guidelines
• 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.

The ideal candidate will have a: 

• Strong understanding of various business sectors and corporate structures (i.e. Partnerships, co-ventures, LLP, REITS, Trusts)
• 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)
• 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.