THE ORGANIZATION:  ACCESS CREDIT UNION
Access Credit Union (Access) has grown to become Manitoba’s largest credit union and ranks sixth nationally in Canada. With over 205,000 members, more than 925 employees, and assets totaling $13.4 billion, Access offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including personal and business banking, mortgages, loans, property insurance and wealth management solutions. Its extensive network of over 50 branches (plus insurance offices) ensures accessibility for members and communities across the province.

Recognized as one of Manitoba’s top employers for over ten consecutive years, Access fosters a workplace culture centered on empowerment and professional development. Access Credit Union supports a professional and innovative work environment with a corporate culture that embraces accountability, and trust.

Access Credit Union Priorities:

• Serve our clients and members with excellence.
• Invest in our communities for a sustainable future.
• Empower our staff to achieve their full potential.

Values:

• Do Good
• Be Better
• Own it
• Move Forward

Vision:

• To cultivate financial well-being in a changing world through innovation and accessibility.

To learn more, please visit Access Credit Union’s website.

THE OPPORTUNITY:   CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is accountable for executing Access Credit Union’s strategic plan and leading its continued growth and success. This is a unique opportunity to take the helm of a high-performing, fast-growing organization with a strong reputation and deep community ties. With a clear vision and a focus on deliverables, the CEO will inspire teams, create a positive culture, build key alliances, and position Access for continued leadership in the sector and throughout its communities.

The organization has recently undertaken a process to determine the key elements to ensure success and sustainability for the future. The following summarizes the findings and will be the road map for the new CEO:

Business Imperatives & Success Factors
Strategic and Innovative Leadership for Access:

• Develop and Execute Key Strategic Initiatives: Oversee the realization of the vision for Access and its long-term success. Develop, socialize, and execute a strategy to deliver on the future;
• Realize on the Value of the Mergers: Effectively integrate the mergers, leverage the strengths of each, and realize on the economies of scale that will boost profitability. Determine the best path for Access to leverage its post-merger capabilities to optimize internal process and position the organization for continued growth;
• Secure Long-Term Sustainability of the Model: Attract a younger demographic to the credit union’s membership, while retaining existing members;
• Continue to Leverage Technological Solutions: Assess and implement technology that will enhance operational efficiency, provide competitive digital products and service, and ensure readiness for trends such as open banking and AI.

Develop Strategic Partnerships:

• Develop Business Partnerships: Develop business partnerships with organizations and businesses to bring capacity and expertise to advance Access’ strategic vision;
• Foster Regulatory Relationships: Maintain open communication and positive working relationships with relevant regulatory bodies;
• Lead and Facilitate System-wide Collaboration: Encourage a collaborative environment within the credit union system in Manitoba and beyond to ensure the long-term success and resilience;
• Collaborate with and Leverage the Board: Engage with the Board and realize on the power of a cooperative Board that represents diverse views. Work closely with the Chair of the Board to support the facilitation of Board alignment and engagement on strategy.

Create and Integrate a Culture of Excellence:

• Build and Lead a Culture of Excellence: Establish an excellence-focused and service-oriented culture for the organization. Unify the leadership team, empower the workforce, and create an environment that generates and expects excellence;
• Lead a High-Performing Executive Team: Build and empower a cohesive leadership team that is connected, cohesive, and working together to deliver on the strategic vision of the organization;
• Steer Through Transformational Change: Leads the organization through change with clarity, courage, and adaptability;
• Enhance Employee Satisfaction: Cultivate a supportive workplace that values open communication, recognition, and professional development to boost engagement. Foster trust through transparency, consistency, opportunity for growth and advancement, delivery and respect.

Engage Members and Drive Organic Growth:

• Establish a Prescence within Community: Build strong, meaningful relationships within the community to enhance Access’s visibility and foster local support;
• Grow Reputation as Differentiator: Strengthen the organization’s brand and market positioning by highlighting its focus on community relationships, to further differentiate from competitors;
• Develop a People-Centric Organization: Build a seamless, integrated system that provides a personalized experience for Access clients and meets their financial needs at every touchpoint, that resonates with diverse communities across Manitoba.

THE PERSON
Education and Experience:

• A business degree, MBA, or equivalent level of education in a relevant field of study;
• Several years of progressive experience in an senior executive capacity (ideally CEO level) at a similarly complex organization, overseeing multiple functional areas;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Other Requirements:

• Proven success delivering profitable growth and transformational change in a competitive marketplace;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans at the organizational level;
• Advanced understanding of complex operations that are geographically dispersed;
• Solid understanding of board and corporate governance and a proven ability to work effectively with a board of directors;
• Advanced understanding of complex regulatory environments, legislative controls, enterprise risk management and functions within Canada;
• Exceptional financial acumen;
• Good understanding of the opportunities and risks associated with technological advancements within business, and
• Full time permanent residency in the province of Manitoba is required.

Key Personal Competencies and Behavioural Indicators:

• Strategic Visionary and Proven Execution: Can articulate a clear and compelling vision. Has experience in leading the development and execution of an enterprise-level strategy as a P&L owner;
• Technologically Adept: Recognizes and embraces the opportunities technology offers. Shows a sense of urgency to adapt quickly to technological changes and a willingness to lead the organization beyond traditional operational methods;
• Decisive Strategist: Fully appreciates that strategy is choices of what will be done and what will be traded off. Has demonstrated experience in making difficult strategic decisions and can stay committed through change;
• Collaborator and Relationship Orientation: Has demonstrated ability to do business through collaboration and partnership. Is known for being a connector and integrator of ideas and is known for being a strong relationship builder;
• Governance Experience: Deep understanding of corporate governance principles and practices; experience partnering with a Board to drive value creation for the organization;
• Cooperative and Values-Forward Leader: Understands and honours the collaborative nature of the credit union system and embodies the values of a cooperative system in how they conduct business;
• Transparent and Self-aware: Forthright and honest with humility and willingness to engage the Board and the Management team. Is described as genuine, fair, and empathetic;
• Diplomacy and Empathy: Navigates complex situations with tact and discretion, effectively managing different group interests and resolving conflicts while maintaining positive and professional relationships.

COMPENSATION
A competitive compensation package will be provided including salary, an incentive plan, and benefits. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.

To apply, please visit our website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nick Lay or Greg Longster
LEADERS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH
#880—609 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5
Phone: (604) 688-8422
Email: vancouver@leadersinternational.com