About this opportunity

The Small Business Account Manager is accountable for taking over the Relationship Management of the highest credit risk Business Credit Members in the Small Business Banking lending portfolio. This involves a transfer in the relationship management from Relationship Mangers in Sales & Relationship Management to the Senior Small Business Credit Risk Manager.

Meridian's capital is at risk of loss in many cases and the primary objective is to build rapport with the Member and establish and understand the key Member issues driving poor financial performance. Thereafter, the plan is typically to work together quickly, in partnership with the Member, to agree and implement an action plan that can hopefully result in the Member improving financial performance and returning the status of the loan from a non-performing loan to performing status.

If it is not possible to turnaround the business of project, after considering all options, the primary objective is to minimize credit losses for Meridian. The Senior Small Business Credit Risk Manager is required to engage specialist legal counsel to implement insolvency strategy, tactics and execution in a timely manner. This can involve complex negotiations out of hours work on occasion.

The role is also responsible for recommending credit applications and Loan Loss Provisions in a timely and efficient manner, ensuring risk is appropriate and Member service is maintained. When all recovery initiatives have been exhausted, the role requires the completion of Government Guarantee Claim forms to be completed for CSBPFL, HASCAP and Accelerator Loans to recover Meridian's capital. Tracking of Impairments and capturing key learnings is also an important aspect of the role.

Regular communication with colleagues in Sales and Relationship Management to regularly share opportunities for improvement with respect to credit applications and due diligence is of paramount importance. In summary, the role requires a specialist combination of relationship management, restructuring and insolvency experience and capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage relationships and partner with Members and insolvency professionals. Provide excellent service and be always professional in challenging scenarios.
• Develop and implement strategies to return high risk loans to performing, wherever possible, and minimize credit losses in situations where there has been a business failure.
• Understand and keep track of market and regulatory changes and developments and incorporate into Member credit recovery strategy.
• Assist with respect to overall regulatory compliance by having responsibility for supporting monthly reporting as required under Board Credit Management policy.
• Maintain Watch List summary reporting, inclusive of action plans and key dates, in an effort to reduce exposure and provide regular disclosure.
• Manage Third Party Demands.
• Provide effective stewardship to the Small Business lending portfolio, contributing to regular monthly reviews of portfolio credit quality through established measures. Proactive risk management and accuracy of Credit Agreement / Forbearance Agreement preparation.
• Enhance the profile of the Small Business Credit team through the organization through open communication, highlighting the role of Small Business Credit in contributing to the credit risk management function, in support of a differentiated brand and contributing to Meridian's overall sustainable profitability.
• Create efficiency in the credit approval process through streamlined applications, refined processes and by leveraging enhanced automation in monitoring borrower default risk.
• Foster a culture of shared, proactive risk management with Delivery partners.
• Build strong relationships and partner with specialist legal, accountants and Trustees (Receivership Accountancy firms) to implement insolvency strategy, tactics and execution in a timely manner.
• Achieve at minimum "Satisfactory" audit results on external and internal audit reviews and act on audit recommendations for enhancements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Relationship Management experience with Members. It is a prerequisite to have experience as a Small Business or Commercial Banking Relationship Manager.
• The ability to distill important information and communicate concisely both verbally and in writing. Communication needs to be tailored to the audience.
• Understanding of estate lending (Residential income producing asset types).
• Understanding of Small Business operating businesses and working capital needs.
• Insolvency / workout experience and ability to build on existing and develop new relationships with insolvency professionals.
• The key technical skills required are analytics, diligence, objectivity, insight, accuracy, flexibility and creativity. A culture of shared, proactive risk management with Sales and Relationship partners is to be fostered.
• Strong understanding of small business structures and excellent analytical skills in the areas of financial statements, cash flow mechanics, and business plans.
• Sound understanding of small business lending security documentation, including work-out techniques and remedies.
• Strong negotiation skills, coupled with a demonstrated ability to initiate action to achieve results and meet deadlines while respecting fundamental corporate values.
• Drive and determination is key. Time management skills and ability to move credit requests forward under pressure is important.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer competency (Word/Excel/Outlook).

Education, Designations, Training, and Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Small Business Credit underwriting, relationship management and risk management in a financial services environment.
• University Degree in Business, Finance, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 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 $$68,800.00to$103,200.00annually.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 forsustainable growth,community impact, andfuture-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.