Founded in 1943, Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU) is a leading Manitoba-based financial institution that has grown into a trusted partner for individuals, businesses, and communities across the province. As a pioneer in values-based banking, ACU delivers innovative and responsible financial solutions while remaining deeply committed to social, economic, and environmental impact. Guided by the principle of “money doing more”, ACU empowers its members to thrive and fosters inclusive, sustainable communities. ACU demonstrates that ethical banking can be both impactful and financially sound - helping members achieve their goals while building a better future for all.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) provides strategic leadership and direction for the Risk Division while serving as a key resource to the Board of Directors and its Committees. This role is responsible for advancing ACU's corporate strategic commitments, delivering business results, and managing organizational risk through the development and execution of strategic plans across enterprise risk management, operational risk management, compliance, credit solutions and loss prevention, privacy, governance, and corporate affairs.

The CRO plays a critical role in fostering strong, strategic relationships within the provincial and national credit union system, ensuring that ACU remains positioned for sustainable growth and innovation. In the context of mergers, this role is instrumental in ensuring a seamless cultural, operational, and structural integration, with a focus on engaging and supporting employees throughout the transition. A strong, united workforce is essential to fully realizing the benefits of a merger, and the CRO is pivotal in achieving this outcome.

Beyond risk leadership, the CRO is a strategic advisor and business partner across the organization, providing guidance that strengthens ACU's long-term sustainability and impact. This role also champions ACU's commitment to rural, agricultural, and Francophone communities, French language services, values-based banking, and triple bottom line accountability—ensuring that people, planet, and prosperity remain at the heart of ACU's mission.

Key Accountabilities:

• Leadership & Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, cross-functional team, fostering a values-aligned culture that supports change initiatives, service excellence, and professional growth.
• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Contribute to executive decision-making, strategic planning, and operational execution. Develop and oversee capital and operating budgets, business cases, and divisional priorities to advance corporate objectives.
• Enterprise & Operational Risk Management: Develop, implement, and oversee ACU's enterprise and operational risk management programs, ensuring a risk-aware culture. Manage fraud prevention, corporate insurance, and business continuity planning (BCP).
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Ensure corporate compliance with regulations, including AML, CRS, and FATCA. Provide frameworks, tools, and policies to maintain agility and operational excellence in a multi-regulatory environment.
• Credit Risk & Loss Prevention: Oversee retail, commercial, and community credit risk adjudication and loss prevention strategies. Serve on the Internal Credit Committee for large credit decisioning.
• Governance & Corporate Affairs: Maintain the integrity of ACU's governance framework and lead the development of corporate policies and protocols. Oversee privacy policies in compliance with PIPEDA and applicable legislation.
• Board & Executive Advisory: Act as a resource to the Board and its committees, advising on risk, governance, and policy development. Provide counsel to the President & CEO and executive leadership on organizational projects and risk-related matters.

Experience Needed:

• Education & Experience: A bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of cross-functional experience, including a minimum of five years in senior leadership. Credit risk experience in financial services and a risk management designation (or equivalent) are required. A graduate degree and additional financial services sector experience are considered assets.
• Leadership & Strategic Thinking: A dynamic and inspiring leader who is energetic, strategic, and passionate about coaching and professional development. Demonstrates success in leading high-performing teams and driving organizational growth.
• Risk Management & Governance Expertise: Proven ability to oversee multiple risk types, including credit, market, operational, investment, regulatory, strategic, and liquidity risk. Deep knowledge of best practices in risk management, governance frameworks, and emerging trends in financial services.
• Regulatory & Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of banking practices, regulatory requirements, and financial sector compliance. Experience engaging with regulators, legislators, and industry partners to ensure alignment with evolving standards.
• Member-Centric Focus: A track record of successfully executing strategies that result in exceptional member experiences, driving engagement and satisfaction across the organization.
• Ethical & Values-Based Leadership: Leads by example, challenges the status quo, and operates with the highest standard of ethical behavior. Embodies ACU's values of integrity, accountability, diversity, inclusion, service, and cooperation.
• Collaboration & Relationship Management: Builds strong, balanced, and reciprocal cross-functional relationships at all levels of the organization, fostering a culture of teamwork and shared success.
• Bilingualism in English and French is considered an asset.

To submit your candidacy for this leadership opportunity, please email your cover letter and resume in confidence to Annette Kohut, Senior Associate, Executive Search at [email protected] or to Karin Pooley, VP, Executive Search at [email protected].