Manager, Commercial Real Estate

Fairstone Financial Inc.; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Annual bonus

Health & dental coverage

Retirement plan

Education assistance

Parental leave

Job summary

Fairstone Bank is seeking a Manager, Commercial Real Estate to report to the SVP, Commercial Lending and join a growing team. You will analyze mortgage opportunities, present recommendations, and collaborate with clients and the underwriting team to ensure timely funding and sound risk assessments.

The role emphasizes leadership of analysts, development of workflow for the Large Commercial pipeline, and coordination across ERM, Finance and Compliance in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• University degree in business, economics or related discipline.
• 3–5 years in commercial mortgage lending/underwriting.
• Background in alternative lending is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of commercial real estate and mortgages.
• MBA or CFA is an asset (additional accreditations are beneficial).

Responsibilities

• Analyze and present investment proposals with term sheets (decision-ready).
• Negotiate pricing and loan structures commensurate with risk.
• Present investment proposals to Commercial Underwriting for decisioning.
• Collaborate with borrowers to gather information and issue LOIs/Commitment Letters as needed.
• Maintain consistent risk assessments in a high-volume environment.
• Lead and coach analysts on lending requirements and processes.
• Manage the Large Commercial pipeline and deliver timely reporting to senior management.
• Coordinate with ERM, Finance, Treasury, Compliance and Securitization to facilitate items in the organization.

Skills

MS Office

Excel

Education

University degree in business/economics

Job description

Who we are

Fairstone Bank and its family of brands are united in delivering innovative, accessible and reliable financial solutions that enable Canadians to reach their goals. Over the years, our brand family has grown. In 2024, Home Trust Company, Home Bank and Oaken Financial became part of the Fairstone Bank family of brands, alongside Fairstone, EdenPark and Fig. Together, we are the leading alternative lending bank in Canada. With a diverse suite of products—residential and commercial mortgages, consumer deposits and GICs, credit cards, retail and automobile financing, personal loans and digital lending—we offer financial solutions tailored to all Canadians, including newcomers, small-business owners, smart investors and savvy consumers. Home Trust Company has developed a track record of success as Canada’s leading alternative lender, employing nearly 800 people in our Toronto headquarters and branches across the country. Building on the demonstrated strength of its core residential mortgage lending business, the Company also offers complementary lending services, as well as highly competitive deposit investment products, through Oaken Financial. Our culture has been shaped by the passion and integrity of our people.

About the role

Manager, Commercial Real Estate reporting to SVP, Commercial Lending, and be part of our talented and growing team.

Transaction Analysis

Assist in negotiating appropriate pricing and loan structures, commensurate with loan risk, and present mortgage investment opportunities that meet HTC’s requirements. Analyze and provide written recommendations in Term Sheet format (decision ready) on investment proposals requiring approval in accordance with HTC’s Policy and Guidelines and general investment criteria. Present investment proposals to Commercial Underwriting for decisioning. Work closely with direct client base of borrowers to collect and analyze information to issue Letters of Intent and Commitment Letters on transactions where required. Collaborate with the Underwriting team to ensure timely response and funding achieved to service client expectations. Maintain and evaluate consistent, objective and sound risk assessments in a high volume, quality focused and service-oriented environment. Assist the SVP, Commercial Lending in achieving all business objectives including new business volume, spread, and profitability targets for Large Commercial. Maintain a high level of knowledge of the industry, competition, and market trends.

Workflow Management

Manage the development and maintenance of the Large Commercial pipeline to facilitate workflow and to ensure timely execution of loan approvals. Deliver accurate and substantive reporting to the SVP, Commercial Lending on the commercial mortgage portfolio, pipeline, market trends, competition and cost of funds and provide ad-hoc reporting to senior management, as required. Coordinate with internal business groups including ERM, Finance, Treasury, Compliance and Securitization to assist in facilitating commercial related items in the organization.

Review/Approvals

Maintain and evaluate consistent, objective and sound risk assessments in a high volume, quality focused and service-oriented environment.

Risk and Compliance

Evaluate and analyze documentation supplied by clients and brokers to ensure its authenticity and compliance with all aspects of Home Trust Company’s policies and guidelines per delegated authority matrices and applicable compliance obligations including Commercial Underwriting Policies and Commercial Lending Guidelines, Privacy, Anti-Money Laundering / Anti-Terrorist Financing and internal Anti-Fraud Policy requirements. File Unusual Transaction Reports as applicable to fulfil individual employee obligations to detect and deter financial crimes activity. Maintain clean OSFI and Internal Audit reports as required for Commercial Originations.

Team Leadership & Administration / Reporting

Acts as a subject matter expert, to guide and coach other team members (i.e. analysts) on Home Trust’s Commercial Lending requirements. Foster a team environment focused on achieving all departmental objectives and goals in support of the business. Set, report, measure and review own’s objectives as required via the Organizational Effectiveness Program (OEP) and Team Effectiveness Meetings (TEM).

Projects

Work closely with all stakeholders (ex. Commercial Mortgage Projects). Manage special projects or other new initiatives as needed.

What we’re looking for

• Education Requirement: University Degree in business, economics or related discipline
• Years of Experience: 3-5 years in commercial mortgage lending/underwriting
• Background in alternative lending an asset
• In-depth understanding of commercial real estate and mortgages
• Additional Qualifications, Certifications, Skills: Additional relevant accreditation(s) are asset (eg. MBA, CFA etc.)
• Skills: Able to multi-task and flourish in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment
• Proven ability to work within a collaborative team environment
• Excellent written / verbal communication and professional maturity
• Strong organizational, time-management and analytical skills to work effectively with established guidelines
• Effective leader who motivates and engages others through fostering a collaborative team environment
• Understands Home Trust Company’s lending criteria and risk appetite
• Strong knowledge of MS Office, especially Excel

What you’ll love about working here

• Award-Winning Culture: We’re proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work Canada 2025 and one of Montreal’s Top Employers 2025 by Canada’s Top 100 Employers.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexibility with our hybrid work model designed to support your lifestyle.
• Time to Recharge: Generous vacation based on your role, statutory holidays, plus 6 wellness days to prioritize your well-being.
• Compensation Package: Competitive base salary plus an annual incentive bonus tied to performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Robust health and dental coverage through Manulife, as well as virtual healthcare through Dialogue.
• Future-Ready Savings: Group Retirement Savings Plan with up to 7% employer match.
• Exclusive Perks: Discounts from top retailers via WorkPerks, plus location-based perks like gym memberships and Toronto Bike Share.
• On-Site Fitness: Gym access at our London and Montreal offices.
• Continuous Growth: Education Assistance Program and Fairstone Academy for training and skill development.
• Family Support: Parental leave top-up program to help you during life’s big moments.

What you can expect - pay & process

Expected base salary range is $90,000 - $120,000 , plus the opportunity to earn an annual incentive bonus tied to performance.

This posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization.

Artificial intelligence may be used in parts of the recruitment process.

All candidates considered for hire must successfully pass a criminal background check, credit check, and validation of their work experience to qualify for hire.

Learn more: https://www.fairstone.ca/en/about/canadian-lender

Fairstone is an equal opportunity employer. Accordingly, we will make reasonable accommodations to respond to the needs of people with disabilities. Individuals who view themselves as Aboriginals, members of visible minorities, and disabled are encouraged to apply in confidence.

Time Type: Full time Job Type: Permanent RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF MONTREAL'S TOP EMPLOYERS (2025) Fairstone Bank of Canada and its subsidiaries, including Fairstone Financial Inc. and Home Trust Company, deliver innovative, accessible and reliable financial solutions that enable Canadians to reach their financial goals. Collectively, we offer residential and commercial mortgages, consumer deposits and GICs, retail and automobile financing, credit cards and digital lending, in addition to unsecured and secured personal loans online and at more than 255 branches coast to coast. With a long-established history, we are proud to be Canada's leading alternative lending bank. More at FairstoneBank.ca