Lending Program Manager (Project Management Focus)

Job Type: Full-Time

Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy

Target Salary Range: $77,000 - $87,000

Scope of Position

Reporting to VP, Retail Credit, the Lending Program Manager plays a critical role in driving strategic initiatives within the Retail Lending division while supporting broader lending activities, including Commercial and Community Impact Lending.

This position provides leadership and oversight for lending-related programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and delivering maximum value through effective resource management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder collaboration.

Major Responsibilities

Program Management

• Lead the full lifecycle of retail lending programs—from design and development to implementation and ongoing oversight.


• Support Commercial and Community Impact lending initiatives by contributing to program design, implementation, and performance tracking.


• Develop and manage detailed project plans including scope, objectives, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.


• Define deliverables, milestones, success criteria, and risk mitigation strategies of lending programs.

Process Optimization

• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline lending processes and enhance member/client experience.


• Promote consistent application of lending procedures across retail and commercial segments.


• Provide guidance on regulatory compliance, process exceptions, and best practices.


• Continuously assess and improve processes to align with legislation and organizational goals.

Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies across all lending programs. I.e. OSFI, FSRA, etc.


• Identify and mitigate risks within retail, commercial and community impact lending programs in collaboration with the VP of Retail Lending, VP Commercial Lending and Director Community Lending.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product, operations, sales and compliance.


• Engage with senior leadership to provide updates, manage expectations, and secure necessary approvals.


• Facilitate clear communication among stakeholders to ensure alignment on goals and deliverables.

Performance Monitoring

• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for retail and commercial lending programs.


• Conduct post-program evaluations to identify lessons learned and drive continuous improvement.

Client/Member Experience

• Champion a positive, hospitality first experience throughout the lending journey.


• Identify and address pain points to improve satisfaction and service delivery across both retail and commercial segments.

Expectation/Outcome

• Lead and drive lending program initiatives that are identified through a continuous improvement and change management program;


• Delivery of lending initiatives, programs and projects in a timely manner


• Collaborate with and support cross-functional teams and business stakeholders to drive results and deliverables.

Qualifications

Education / Certifications / Experience

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field – Business Management, Business Administration, Finance etc.


• 3 – 5 years of programs or project management experience within the financial services industry.


• 3 – 5 years of experience in retail credit is required; knowledge of commercial lending is an asset.


• Prior experience with lending documentation and regulatory frameworks across segments is an asset.


• Knowledge of project management methodologies is highly preferred.

Knowledge / Skills

• Strong understanding of retail lending practices and mortgage products.


• Working knowledge of commercial lending principles and business credit products.


• Strong analytical skills to deconstruct complex systems and processes and optimize performance.


• High attention to detail and accuracy.


• Ability to improve processes and maximize program effectiveness.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Adaptability in a dynamic environment.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.


• Self-starter with initiative and follow-through.


• Effective interpersonal and team-building skills.


• Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration under time constraints.


• Commitment to exceptional member/client service.


• A team player with attention to detail and enjoys sharing knowledge.

About Alterna Savings

Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited (Alterna) has delivered The Good in Banking^® for over 115 years creating financial services that transform lives for the better, all while giving back to our community. Alterna is made up of Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary, Alterna Bank.

Alterna is the first full-service, member-owned cooperative financial institution outside Quebec, sharing its expertise with over 210,000 members through a network comprised of 40 branches across Ontario, a call centre and multiple digital channels. Members and customers also benefit from an industry-leading online brokerage and investment management services.

To learn more about Alterna Savings, please visit alterna.ca, X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Working at Alterna

We are incredibly proud of our corporate culture, embodying our core values: Collaboration, Integrity, and Respect, where everyone works together towards a common goal; the financial wellbeing of our employees, members, and customers. This commitment has earned us several prestigious employer awards, including the National Capital Region's Top Employers award for eight years running.

* We appreciate all applicants; however, preference will be given to candidates who most closely meet the qualifications, key skills, and competencies outlined above.

* Alterna is compliant with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act and our team strives to provide an accessible accommodation experience. If you have a disability and require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment Team and let us know how we can accommodate you