The Company
Peace Hills Trust is Canada’s largest and oldest First Nations-owned federally regulated financial institution and is also Canada’s only independent trust company. Driven by a vision to fulfill the unique financial needs of the Indigenous community, their sole shareholder, the Samson Cree Nation, incorporated Peace Hills Trust in November 1980.
Peace Hills Trust is a full-service, federally chartered trust company that provides financial services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, businesses, and individuals across Canada. With a network of eight regional offices, Peace Hills Trust has $4.43 billion in total combined assets under administration.
Peace Hills Trust’s corporate office is located in Edmonton, with its head office on the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta. The company is widely respected for its relationship-based approach, community focus, and long-term commitment to the communities it serves.
Peace Hills Trust works in partnership with Businesses, Individuals and Indigenous communities delivering Trust, Credit and Banking services to meet their unique needs. Focused on custom and personalized services, the Three Services Streams are,
To review the publicly available Annual Reports visit – Corporate Profile
Testimony to its commitment to supporting Indigenous Culture, Peace Hills Trust holds an annual Art Contest for Youth and Adult Indigenous Artists. Some prior winners are featured in this Profile. For more information visit, PHT Indigenous Art Contest.
The Opportunity
The Assistant Vice President, Financial Services reports to the President & Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for overall success of the Financial Services division. The AVP Financial Services will evaluate and recommend strategies for the short-term and long-term success of the Company’s retail banking and consumer lending activities and will oversee the branch network but will also be responsible for the Company’s payment operations.
Based in Edmonton, this role is central to advancing the organization’s Mission of providing financial services to Indigenous communities and their people, organizations and businesses.
At Peace Hills Trust we take great pride in our First Nations culture. As a key member of our Executive Team, the AVP, Financial Services is expected to be an advocate for and promote our core beliefs, mission and vision in the fulfillment of duties.
The Ideal Candidate
As the ideal candidate, you are a determined financial services professional with a passion for continuous improvement and organizational excellence. You understand the regulated financial services sector. You are a collaborative problem-solver and exceptional communicator, you have a strong commitment to providing superior service to both internal and external stakeholders. Direct experience, exposure and appreciation for indigenous culture and the support and advancement of indigenous people and business.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead with best practices that promote transparency, accountability and responsibility.
- Provide competent, independent and strategic advice to the CEO and Board of Directors.
- Liaison with key Department Heads and Executive Leadership Team to support and work together in Strategic Plan delivery of new products and services as it relates to Financial Services products and the Company’s suite of services.
- Develop, recommend and implement strategic opportunities and performance standards that effectively support the Company’s profitability, deposit growth, asset growth goals and Financial Services presence in various regions.
- Develop, recommend and implement short-term and longer-term strategies for the retail lending portfolio, including portfolio concentrations, growth strategies and market concentrations.
- Work closely with the Board and Executive Team to establish and review strategic priorities for partnerships.
Financial Services
- Establish, lead and manage customer service standards for all branch network operations. Ensure that all aspects of customer service, deposit, lending and payments maintenance handled through the branches and other alternative delivery channels are managed effectively and expeditiously.
- Oversee the operations of the Financial Services Division and support supervisory activities of the Financial Services Personnel and collaborate on the establishment of performance standards and objectives and monitor the results for these staff members and, where applicable, review the same for their staff.
- Lead product development and implementation to provide profitable and competitive service offerings.
- Partner with Information Technology to explore, develop and deliver competitive digital banking customer solutions.
- Oversees branch marketing activities.
- Develop and execute a digital channel strategy aligned with organizational objectives, focusing on digital transformation and automation that enhances customer experiences. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve targeted project results and ensure alignment with business strategy, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining security standards.
- Leads Payment Services team and oversees the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the payments system, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, drive innovation, and manage relationships with financial institutions and other key stakeholders.
- Develop policy, procedure and product development for the Financial Services area accurately and in a timely manner.
- Provides direct supervision to the Manager Consumer Credit overseeing management of the Consumer Credit portfolio by assessing credit submissions, approving or producing a recommendation after undertaking a thorough analysis of all relevant credit and risk factors in relation to PHT credit guidelines and sound lending practices.
- Discuss lending parameters such as loan structure, debt servicing, collateral, character or other relevant credit matters with the originating Regional Office lending team, utilizing sound credit analysis techniques to ensure a profitable portfolio.
Business Development
- Develop, implement and direct the branch network’s financial services, business development and cross-selling programs as it relates to building customer loyalty, adding additional products and services as appropriate, and building a knowledgeable and confident Financial Services division.
- Manage the branch network’s sales activities ensuring timely referrals to other business lines, as appropriate, to meet or exceed annual performance goals.
- Collaborate on RFP pursuits for banking service opportunities.
- Establish business development and cross-selling objectives for new and existing customers with concentration on effective cross-selling and timely referrals to other business lines, as appropriate, to meet or exceed annual performance goals.
- Participate in maintaining PHT’s influence and ensuring connections with First Nations administrations, businesses, and members are maintained.
- Participate in fostering Key Strategic Alliances with Non-First Nation customers.
- Participate in fostering a working environment that is customer centric focused.
Financial Management
- Responsible for comparisons of revenue and expenses for products and services.
- Responsible for establishing standard profit margins for retail and commercial customers, and financial service products, adjusting services fees ensuring competitiveness and profitability.
- Responsible for overseeing Achievement Award Plan “Pool Participant” payouts under the company’s Achievement Award Plan including recommendations for revisions, deletions, changes as necessary to ensure Plan objectives are met.
- Participate in business process improvement exercises: Asset/Liability Management Committee (ALCO) and Enterprise Risk Management Committee (ERM).
Human Resources
- Recruit, train, and mentor the Financial Services management team.
- Participate in establishing Financial Services Credit and Administrative employee performance standards and objectives; identify efficiency issues and propose solutions, including recommendations for restructuring or realignment of Financial Services positions.
- Ensure team delivers service to both internal and external clients that are aligned with the PHT’s Service Promises.
- Participate in Financial Services strategies for employee recruitment, retention and professional development, retention of strong Financial Services Credit and Administrative personnel for transfer and promotions.
- Responsible for Financial Services employee training programs or systems to ensure effectiveness.
- Performs job duties in accordance with company policies, procedures and best practices, regulatory and legislative requirements, and established internal and external service standards.
- Participate in hiring decisions, monitoring performance standards, performance evaluations and annual performance reviews, identify training and development needs, make recommendations to Human Resources concerning appropriate action to take; initiate appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with company policy and procedures.
Regulatory and Contingency Planning
- Ensure full compliance with Peace Hills Trust’s Code of Conduct, operational and employment policies including all applicable employment standards legislation, relevant provincial employment standards and laws, and Human Rights Act.
- Ensure all Financial Services suite of products and services comply with the company’s best practices and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s Framework and Guidelines for Trust and Loans Companies: “Consumer Provisions”.
- Participate in company contingency response teams, including Pandemic, Business Continuity, Cyber Security, and related initiatives.
Core Competencies
Leadership
Demonstrates a passion for PHT’s vision and values.
- Experienced working under a public company / corporate board governance structure.
- Motivates, leads and empowers others to achieve institutional goals and initiatives.
- Respects and upholds PHT’s cultural values and empowers others to embody such values.
- Inspires and leads others towards a high level of performance.
- Demonstrates an intellectual and professional leadership style.
Problem Solving and Analysis
- Demonstrates strong analytical skills and the ability to solve complex problems.
- Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
Communication Skills
- All around seasoned communication skills (oral, written, illustrational…etc.).
- Mature interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate and influence colleagues.
- Listens, seeks information, and asks questions to ensure full understanding.
Technical Skills and Knowledge
- Extensive knowledge in reviewing, drafting, and implementing organization-level policies.
- Accomplished project and budget management skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related industry financial and banking software.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent post-secondary training in Finance, Business Management, Technology, or Accounting preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in retail financial services, with a minimum of 5 years in an executive or senior management position.
- A thorough understanding of personal and business banking products, services, payments, and alternative delivery channels.
- Understanding and familiarity with the obligations of a Federally Regulated Financial Institution under the Office of Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI).
- Extensive experience building, managing, and mentoring teams.
- Strong problem solving and analytical abilities.
- Demonstrated skills in project and budget management.
- Experience reviewing, drafting, and implementing organizational policies.
Compliance
Final candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Records and Financial Background check.
Equal Opportunity
Peace Hills Trust is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and inclusion; applications from all qualified individuals are welcome.
Compensation and Benefits
The competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plan will be shared with candidates during the interview process.
To Apply:
Submit a cover letter and resume in confidence to:
Norine Pike
Director, Executive & Professional Search|
HumanEdge Recruitment and Consulting
Email: norine@humanedgeglobal.com
Website: www.humanedgeglobal.com
