Director, Business Development, Real Estate Financing Group, Central Canada

Desjardins Group; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Ontario is seeking a seasoned Director of Business Development to enhance its real estate financing platform. The ideal candidate will have over nine years of experience in commercial real estate financing, strong relationship management skills, and the ability to negotiate complex transactions. This role includes developing strategic client relationships and ensuring compliance with risk management practices. The position offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and flexible vacations.

Benefits

Competitive salary and annual bonus

4 weeks of flexible vacation

Defined benefit pension plan

Group insurance including telemedicine

Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses

Qualifications

• Minimum of nine years of relevant experience.
• Experience in commercial real estate financing.
• Advanced proficiency of English required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strategic client relationships.
• Assess client needs and structure tailored financing solutions.
• Collaborate closely with underwriters and analysts.

Skills

Relationship management

Financial analysis

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Desjardins Group is seeking a seasoned and strategic business development leader to join its national real estate financing platform as Director, Business Development for Central Canada. This role is part of Desjardins’ Canada Real Estate Financing Group, a high-performing unit with origination teams based in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, serving major urban markets across Canada. The Group deploys capital from multiple entities within Desjardins—including Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company and the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec—to deliver tailored financing solutions to a diverse portfolio of national clients. Our mandate spans the full spectrum of real estate financing, including development, construction, and term loans across all major asset classes: multi-family rental, market condominiums, industrial, retail, and office. As a key member of this team, you will play a critical role in identifying and cultivating relationships with large private and institutional real estate developers and investors. You will be instrumental in structuring and managing complex financing transactions from origination through to funding, while ensuring alignment with Desjardins’ risk appetite, profitability goals, and client satisfaction standards. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment within one of Canada’s leading financial institutions, where your expertise in real estate finance, relationship management, and strategic negotiation will directly impact the growth and success of our national platform. More specifically, you will be required to:

• Develop and manage strategic client relationships by proactively identifying, engaging, and maintaining partnerships with large private and institutional real estate developers and investors, promoting Desjardins Group’s full suite of financing products and services.

• Assess client needs and structure tailored financing solutions, including development, construction, and term loans. Lead negotiations, prepare credit applications, coordinate legal documentation, and oversee all due diligence activities to ensure successful closings.

• Collaborate closely with underwriters and analysts to deliver comprehensive and competitive financing packages, working under the guidance of the team leader to ensure alignment with client expectations and internal standards.

• Champion client satisfaction by resolving service issues and navigating internal conflicts across Desjardins components, ensuring a seamless and positive client experience throughout the financing lifecycle.

• Contribute to strategic growth initiatives by recommending business development strategies that enhance portfolio profitability, strengthen risk management practices, and deepen client relationships.

• Leverage market intelligence to identify emerging opportunities and trends, enhancing the competitiveness and relevance of Desjardins’ real estate financing offerings in a dynamic market environment.

• Represent Desjardins in the business community, participating in promotional activities, public relations efforts, and industry events to elevate the Group’s visibility and foster new business opportunities.

• Ensure compliance and prudent risk management by adhering to all applicable policies, standards, and regulations, while monitoring market conditions and executing responsibilities with integrity and professionalism.

What we offer*

• Competitive salary and annual bonus

• 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year

• Defined benefit pension plan that provides predictable, stable income throughout retirement

• Group insurance including telemedicine

• Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment

* Benefits apply based on eligibility criteria.

What you bring to the table

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

• A minimum of nine years of relevant experience

• Please note that other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered

• Experience in commercial real estate financing, including structuring and negotiating development, construction, and term loans

• Experience with financial and market analysis on real estate investments and development projects

• Experience assessing market trends and conduct in-depth real estate market analysis to support business development strategies

• Experience working within cross-functional teams, including underwriters, legal counsel, and credit risk professionals

• Advanced proficiency of English due to the nature of the duties or work tools or because the position involves interactions with English-speaking partners, members and/or clients

• Advanced knowledge of financial, economic, policy, and legislative developments in the real estate and financial sectors

• Advanced knowledge of real estate credit risk, financing structures, loan documentation, and guarantee contracts

• Advanced knowledge of business banking products and credit management practices, including loan authorization, monitoring, and recovery

• Available for travel in the Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec regions

Action oriented, Business insight, Collaborates, Communicates effectively, Customer Focus, Drive results, Financial acumen, Interpersonal Savvy, Persuades, Plans and aligns, Resourcefulness

#LI-Hybrid

Trade Union (If applicable)

At Desjardins, we believe in equity, diversity and inclusion. We're committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. At Desjardins, we have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. We believe our teams should reflect the diversity of the members, clients and communities we serve.

If there's something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job you're applying for more accessible, let us know. We can provide accommodations at any stage in the recruitment process. Just ask!

Job Family

Member/client sales and service (FG)

Unposting Date

2025-08-25