Head of Banking Operations

About Vancity

Vancity is a globally recognized, purpose-driven credit union committed to transforming the economy by placing people and planet at the core. As a values-based financial cooperative, Vancity sees itself, its 2600+ staff, and its more than 570,000 members as a financial force for change, working together for a fair and clean world.

Founded in 1946, Vancouver City Savings Credit Union, known simply as Vancity, is Canada's largest community credit union, with $35.5 billion in assets plus assets under administration. Its offices and 52 branches are in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Squamish and Alert Bay, within the unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples. Vancity is the largest private sector Living Wage Employer in Canada and has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Employers in Canada. Vancity’s vision is transformational—both organizationally and systemically

About the workplace

Vancity’s head office is situated on the territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations in Vancouver, British Columbia. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic banking leader to lead the transformation of banking operations at one of Canada’s most esteemed and values-based financial institutions.

Reporting directly to the Chief Technology and Administration Officer (CTAO), the Head of Banking Operations is a senior leader at Vancity, entrusted with optimizing and transforming the operational functions that power the organization’s banking back-end functions. You will ensure streamlined, effective, and progressive banking operations that align with Vancity’s vision to be a financial force for change, delivering equity for all. You will champion operational efficiency, leverage cutting-edge technologies, and lead innovative strategies to support the organization’s growth and its transformative economic vision of sustainability and equity.

Your key responsibilities involve:

1. Strategic Leadership in Banking Operations

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive operational strategy that ensures banking systems and processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with Vancity’s organizational priorities.
• Pioneer initiatives that integrate operational best practices with technological advancements.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance performance, reduce complexities, and strengthen operational resilience.

2. Operational Efficiency and Excellence

• Oversee critical banking functions, including payments processing, loan servicing, deposits, and treasury operations, ensuring these functions operate at peak efficiency and accuracy.
• Design and implement workflows that eliminate redundancies and enhance speed, accuracy, and member satisfaction.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance, benchmark success, and drive accountability.

3. Digital Transformation and Technology Integration

• Drive efficiency by adopting innovative tools, automation, and advanced technologies to modernize banking operations.
• Partner with IT to implement integrated solutions that streamline workflows, optimize processes, and improve scalability.
• Leverage data analytics and hyper-scale cloud solutions to deliver fact-based, real-time decision-making and operational insights.
• Foster a culture of digital-first thinking.

4. Risk Management and Compliance

• Ensure all banking operations meet or exceed regulatory requirements, internal policies, and risk management standards.
• Collaborate with Risk, Audit, and Compliance teams to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks.
• Lead readiness for audits and examinations, ensuring compliance and swift resolution of findings.

5. Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of high-performing professionals, instilling a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build organizational capabilities by investing in professional development and fostering expertise in operational efficiency and digital transformation.
• Drive inclusivity and collaboration within the team, aligning efforts with Vancity’s mission and values.

6. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with leaders across Member Experience, Finance, IT, Risk and Product teams to ensure operational alignment with organizational goals and member needs.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the CTAO, offering insights on optimizing banking operations and advancing digital strategies.
• Be known as a thought leader in this space and represent the banking operations function in executive forums.

7. Operational Innovation and Equity

• Leverage operations to advance equity and accessibility, ensuring that systems and processes support Vancity’s four impact pillars: co-operatives and community; climate; equity and reconciliation; and affordable housing. Coordinate with the VP Impact Strategy to ensure alignment in these areas.
• Implement forward-thinking operational strategies that position Vancity as a leader in progressive banking practices.
• Promote agility and innovation in workflows to respond to evolving member needs and market demands.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

Core Competencies:

• Operational Expertise : Deep understanding of end-to-end banking operations, including payments, lending, and treasury functions, with a proven ability to drive efficiency.
• Strategic and Digital Vision : Strong capability to align operational strategies with digital transformation goals and emerging market trends.
• Leadership Excellence : Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire diverse teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Technology Proficiency : Expertise in implementing automation, cloud-based solutions, and data analytics to modernize processes and workflows.
• Risk and Compliance Acumen : Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory requirements and operational risk management in financial services.

Qualifications:

• Education : Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Operations, or a related field. An MBA or equivalent advanced degree is preferred.
• Experience : 10+ years of progressive experience in financial operations, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles driving operations transformation and efficiency.
• Proven track record of leading digital transformation and operational optimization in a financial institution.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead, support, and guide teams through periods of change.
• Experience in cooperative financial institutions or credit unions is an asset.
• A strong background working with Lean, Six Sigma, or other optimization methodologies.
• Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Certification, Scrum Master, Scaled Agile Framework Expert (SAFe).

In accordance with BC’s Pay Transparency Act, the expected base salary range for this role is $242,000 – $328,000 plus bonus and benefits commensurate with experience.

Posting Deadline: Posted until Filled

Please note that all shortlisted candidates for this role will be required to complete a background check which includes employment verification, credit check, and a criminal record check. Vancity is an inclusive and equitable employerand actively seeks to advanceracial equity,inclusion and belonging across the organization.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates. If you require any accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at recruitment@vancity.comfor confidential support.In-person assistance is also available. We will collaborate with you to ensure your needs are met promptly and effectively.