Branch Manager

Our Client

Our client is an established, privately held Canadian financial services company with a long-standing presence in the mortgage lending and investment sectors. They are seeking a hands-on Branch Manager to oversee day-to-day operations, lead a team, and drive operational efficiency while maintaining high standards of service, accuracy, and compliance.

The Opportunity

The Branch Manager is responsible for ensuring the operational effectiveness of the Toronto Branch and maximizing the performance of the team. The Branch Manager must possess strong organizational skills and be able to manage day-to-day branch activities including operations, administration and providing instruction to team members. The Manager must have a strong understanding of Residential Mortgages and Investments.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Manage all branch employees in the Mortgage and Investment Departments
• Provide up to date information to team members regarding policy/procedure changes
• Responsible for achieving Branch targets
• Represent the Branch with internal parties such as Compliance, Finance and Internal Audit
• Co-operate and coordinate business functions and best practices with other Branch
• Ensure Branch conforms to all policies, procedures and regulations

People Leadership:

• Provide coaching and direction to team members
• Assist with complex problem solving and develop skills for growth
• Manage vacations and time off for the team
• Handle Branch recruitment efforts and hiring
• Ensure appropriate SLAs are being met by the team with accuracy and thoroughness

Business Units and Support – Investments:

• Provide support on complex issues
• Ensure funds are onboard appropriately
• Build and maintain relationships with dealers
• Ensure file documentation process is being adhered to
• GIC confirmations
• Sign all cheques

Business Units and Support – Mortgage Collections:

• Regular collaboration with Collection team to ensure arrears are managed appropriately such as issuing Demand Letters or beginning Power of Sale proceedings
• Manage Realtor relationships for Power of Sale properties including signing listings and negotiating offers
• Manage Property Managers to ensure property is secured, maintained and all bills are paid

Oversee Mortgage Administration

• Ensure team is completing work within legal and SLA deadlines
• Executing legal documentation on behalf of the company

Business Units and Support – Mortgage Funding:

• Manage the funding of Residential Mortgages
• Reviewing documents to ensure completion and complete
• Review and sign for every wire sent out

Business Units and Support – Servicing:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of mortgage servicing
• Ensure requests are being handled in timely manner
• Provide support for complex issues
• Ensure renewal review and process align with business procedures
• Responsible for maintaining appropriate levels of renewal retention
• Ensure the accuracy of discharge statements and penalty calculations
• Execution of discharge of mortgage documents
• Manage the payment of property taxes including tax adjustments

Business Units and Support – Underwriting and Fulfilment:

• Manage team and provide support for all mortgage applications
• Review approved and declined applications
• Provide support with mortgage conditions
• Assist in the setting of interest rates for the mortgage commitment
• Review every mortgage file before funding
• Review applications, appraisals, pre-funding conditions, fees, special conditions before funding

Additional Responsibilities:

• Collaborate and contribute to special projects and process improvements as required
• Work closely with Compliance on regulatory requirements and improvements
• Manage audits from the business side, respond to audit findings and implement change as required

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years experience at an OSFI regulated financial institution (i.e. Bank or Trust Company)
• Strong knowledge of Mortgages and Investments (GICs, RSPs and RRIFs)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail
• People management experience