About the Role
The VP, Head of Commercial Sales is responsible for leading the organization's commercial real estate lending sales strategy, driving sustainable revenue growth, expanding market share, and strengthening the company's presence across key markets and client segments. This executive leader will develop and execute sales initiatives, build and lead high-performing sales teams, and foster strategic relationships that generate new business opportunities and long-term client value. Working closely with Executive Leadership, Credit Risk, and other key stakeholders, this role ensures growth strategies align with organizational objectives, risk appetite, and commitment to delivering high-quality lending solutions.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of the commercial sales strategy to drive profitable revenue growth, market share expansion, and customer acquisition across the commercial real estate lending portfolio.
- Establish and execute annual and multi-year sales plans, including territory optimization, pipeline management, forecasting, and performance targets to achieve organizational objectives.
- Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing commercial sales team, fostering a culture of accountability, coaching, collaboration, continuous development, and results.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, brokers, developers, investors, industry partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen market presence and generate new business opportunities.
- Partner with Marketing, Product, Operations, Credit Risk, and Customer Success teams to deliver integrated lending solutions and an exceptional client experience.
- Serve as the primary liaison between Sales and Credit Risk, ensuring alignment on deal structuring, underwriting expectations, portfolio objectives, and efficient execution of lending opportunities.
- Drive the acquisition of high-quality new loan business by working closely with sales teams to identify target client profiles, property types, and transaction structures that align with the company's growth objectives and risk appetite.
- Collaborate with Executive Leadership and Credit Risk to establish and refine go-to-market strategies, portfolio growth priorities, target market segments, and overall risk appetite frameworks.
- Leverage deep commercial real estate and CMHC Multi-Unit expertise to identify emerging opportunities, provide market insights, and support strategic decision-making across the organization.
- Drive sales effectiveness and sustainable portfolio growth through disciplined performance management, data-driven decision making, and a balanced focus on revenue generation, profitability, and portfolio quality.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Finance, Economics, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
- 12+ years of progressive experience in commercial sales, business development, financial services, or related industries, with at least 5 years in a senior sales leadership role.
- Proven track record of consistently achieving revenue growth targets and leading high-performing sales teams across multiple markets or regions.
- Strong knowledge of commercial real estate lending, including underwriting fundamentals, financing structures, income-producing properties, and market dynamics.
- Deep understanding of CMHC Multi-Unit financing programs, insured lending structures, underwriting requirements, and eligibility criteria.
- Demonstrated commercial real estate credit and risk management expertise with the ability to balance growth objectives, portfolio quality, and profitability.
- Extensive knowledge of the commercial real estate industry, including key asset classes, market trends, investment strategies, and stakeholder relationships.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively across Sales, Credit Risk, Operations, and Executive Leadership, building alignment and driving strategic business outcomes.
- Experience developing and executing go-to-market strategies, market segmentation approaches, and business development initiatives aligned with organizational objectives and risk appetite.
- Exceptional leadership, relationship management, communication, negotiation, and strategic decision-making skills.
Skills
- Commercial real estate lending
- CMHC Multi-Unit financing
- Sales strategy development
- Revenue growth
- Market share expansion
- Sales team leadership
- Relationship management
- Credit risk management
- Financial services
- Business development
- Underwriting
- Forecasting
- Performance management
- Data-driven decision making
- Negotiation
- Strategic decision-making
Location
- Toronto
Work Type
- Hybrid
- Remote
- In-office
Experience Level
- Senior leadership
- 12+ years experience
- 5+ years in senior sales leadership
Education Level
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Finance, Economics, or related field
- MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred
Benefits
- Competitive salaries
- Profit sharing
- RRSP matching
- Benefits from day one
- Generous paid time off
- Commitment to well-being (Financial, Physical, Social, Career, Community)
About the Company
- Peoples Group is a trusted financial services company for the innovators at the forefront of Canada’s economic future.
- With offices in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto, we are driving change by working alongside challenger banks, fintechs, brokers, and merchants to foster a dynamic and competitive financial ecosystem.
- Our culture is built on four core behaviors: Grit to Grow, Connect to Collaborate, Putting Clients First, and Owning the Outcome.
- We believe people do not simply choose a company to work for—they choose a company that makes a positive impact in the lives of Canadians.
- Above all, we value people, build meaningful relationships, focus on individual strengths, and approach our work with passion.
Equal Opportunity
- Peoples Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
- We value and celebrate individuality while fostering an inclusive workplace for everyone.
- If there's any way we can support or accommodate you during the selection process, please don't hesitate to let us know.
