Chief Operating Officer

at  Massey Henry

Massey Henry is pleased to support the recruitment for a Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) on behalf of Ukrainian Credit Union Limited (“UCU”), a full-service, member-owned financial institution servicing over 29,000 members across Ontario.

ABOUT UKRAINIAN CREDIT UNION LIMITED

Founded in 1944, Ukrainian Credit Union Limited (“UCU”) is a full-service, member-owned financial institution servicing over 29,000 members across Ontario. Through its 16 branches and service points, call centre, and digital banking, UCU provides an extensive range of services, including mortgages, small business loans, personal and commercial banking, wealth management, and financial advice.
UCU is recognized as the largest credit union in Canada operating under an ethnically based charter, by membership, branches, and assets. Although membership is not restricted to individuals of Ukrainian descent, UCU is dedicated to its founding purpose to serve the Ukrainian Canadian community, preserve Ukrainian cultural identity, while contributing to a strong, multicultural Canadian society. It welcomes everyone sharing its objectives and cooperative values.
UCU is committed to providing its members with innovative and flexible financial products, driving a strategic vision focused on growth, while upholding the organizations’ founding mission.

Mission

• To provide exceptional member-driven financial services, based on integrity and sound stewardship;
• To support the cultural, educational, religious, charitable and recreational activities of the Ukrainian community as well as the broader communities of which we are a part;
• To be the employer of choice for those seeking a rewarding career helping others achieve financial well-being.

Vision
To be the financial institution of choice for Ukrainian Canadians and others who share our values and aspirations.
Products and Services

UCU provides a broad range of services and resources to its members, including:

• Personal banking through various account types, including chequing, savings, and youth accounts.
• Digital banking services
• Personal lending and investing services
• Business accounts
• Wealth management
• Mortgage lending
• Commercial banking

Community Investment
Every year UCU donates and/or sponsors many youth, cultural, educational, church groups, charitable, and community-based organizations and events. Additionally, through the UCU Scholarship Program, UCU has helped many student members achieve their educational goals.
The credit union’s employees volunteer their time and talents to a wide range of community initiatives. Among them is UCU Helps Ukraine, established in 2015 to provide financial aid to wounded Ukrainian soldiers and their families impacted by Russia’s war against Ukraine, and to supply front-line soldiers with essential equipment such as protective gear. It’s fund raising events like folk art workshops and bakesales and donor campaigns raised over $256,000 in 2023.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE

Technical Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in financial services; minimum of 5 years of experience in senior management roles or equivalent senior operations leadership experience.
• Financial services experience in a leadership role at scale, managing multiple lines of business in an organization operating in a highly competitive environment.
• Proven ability to manage and enhance core banking functions for efficiency and profitability.
• Proven experience in leading digital transformations and identifying and implementing IT innovations.
• Strong understanding of digital banking platforms and enhancing member experience through technology.
• Hands-on approach to leadership, balancing strategic oversight with active involvement in day-to-day operations.
• Experience managing relationships with government and financial regulatory bodies, along with knowledge and sound understanding of applicable federal and provincial legislation and regulatory requirements is an asset.
• Strong track record in leadership development, mentorship, and managing HR functions to foster a positive culture.
• Collaborative leader with extensive experience in managing branch operations and aligning them with digital strategies.
• Proven ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and ensure cohesive execution across teams.
• Ability to build and lead high-performing teams with a focus on talent development and employee engagement.
• In-depth knowledge and demonstrated expertise in people and culture; experience in a values-driven business a definite asset.
• Skilled in driving large-scale organizational changes and optimizing business processes.
• Experience with strategic transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, is an asset.
• Ukrainian and English bilingualism is an asset.
• Knowledge of the Ukrainian-Canadian community is an asset.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Visionary: Able to see the big picture and anticipate future trends, positioning the credit union for long-term success.
• Decisive and Action-Oriented: Makes informed decisions quickly and takes hands-on initiative to implement strategies that drive results.
• Innovative: Develops new ideas and embraces technologies, continuously seeking ways to improve processes and deliver value to the organization and its members.
• Driven by Excellence: Holds themselves and their teams to high standards, consistently striving for outstanding performance and results.
• Resilient and Adaptable: Thrives in a fast-paced, changing environment, and remains calm under pressure while navigating challenges.
• Ethical: Demonstrates integrity, honesty, and a commitment to ethical practices in all aspects of leadership.
• Excellent Communicator: Articulates ideas clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, to inspire and align teams.
• Collaborative: Works well with others, encouraging teamwork and open communication to achieve collective goals.
• High Emotional and Cultural Intelligence: Navigates interpersonal relationships with sensitivity and awareness, effectively managing conflict and building strong, positive relationships with an emphasis on cultural awareness.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in business or finance.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Please refer the Job description for details