Business Development Specialist, Group Retirement Savings

As a Business Development Specialist in Group Retirement Savings, you play a key role in responding to partner needs, both independently and in collaboration with the Business Development Manager.

You work closely with intermediaries and internal distribution channels that have complex and diverse needs, representing significant growth potential for the business unit. Acting as the voice of our partners and prospective clients within Desjardins, you provide strategic support to the Business Development Manager by addressing requests and managing projects initiated by these stakeholders. You collaborate effectively with internal partners to manage initiatives and client requests, while also taking the lead in coordinating efforts across teams. Regular meetings with team members ensure alignment, progress tracking, and operational efficiency. Your ability to solve complex problems using deep industry knowledge and expertise in the line of business is essential. Given the high level of coordination required, you frequently interact with stakeholders across multiple fields, making strong interpersonal skills a critical asset. All interactions, whether internal or external, reflect Desjardins’ core behaviors: simple, people-focused, modern, and high-performing-ensuring we consistently act in the best interest of our plan members, clients, and intermediaries. More specifically, you will be required to:

• Provide strategic support to Business Development Managers (BDMs) by assisting with projects, requests, and initiatives involving strategic partners and prospective clients, while identifying opportunities and innovative solutions informed by industry trends and best practices

• Represent Desjardins and Group Retirement Services (GRS) in client meetings, trade shows, and industry events, strengthening relationships, expanding networks, and supporting business development objectives.

• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with clients, partners, intermediaries, internal distribution channels, and Business Development Managers to drive collaboration, growth, and long-term business success.

• Respond proactively to partner and prospective client needs, particularly those with complex requirements and significant growth potential, leveraging extensive knowledge of GRS products, services, and solutions.

• Collaborate effectively with internal partners and cross-functional teams to manage partner and client requests, lead initiatives, resolve issues, escalate potential concerns, and recommend improvements that enhance the client and partner experience

• Serve as the voice of the client and partner within Desjardins, ensuring their perspectives are represented in business discussions, strategic initiatives, and internal projects to support continuous improvement and client-centric outcomes

• Maintain and share expertise in Group Retirement Services by staying current on evolving products, services, market developments, and industry trends, while supporting the promotion of solutions aligned with business objectives

• Contribute to operational excellence and team effectiveness by participating in team meetings, fostering collaboration across GRS and Group Benefits, and providing peer review of communications and presentations to ensure quality, consistency, and professionalism.

What we offer*

• Competitive salary and annual bonus

• 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year

• Defined benefit pension plan that provides predictable, stable income throughout retirement

• Group insurance including telemedicine

• Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment

* Benefits apply based on eligibility criteria.

#LI-Hybrid, #ON09-

What you bring to the table

• Bachelor's degree in a related field

• A minimum of five years of relevant experience

• Please note that other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered

• Proven experience building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders, clients, and external partners to support collaboration and business objectives

• Experience in Group Retirement Savings

• Experience with project management or account management

• Experience resolving complex issues and escalations through effective problem-solving, sound judgment, and timely decision-making

• Experience independently managing competing priorities, coordinating team activities, and ensuring deliverables and deadlines are consistently met

• Experience working in fast-paced environments with minimal supervision, demonstrating initiative, accountability, and a strong focus on achieving results.

• Completion of any of the following Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Canadian Securities (CSC), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Actuarial designation

• Intermediate knowledge of pension industry including pension products and legislation

• Advanced knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Intermediate knowledge of sales process, business development and / or client experience

• Available for limited travel minimal, mostly within Canada and between offices

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility

At Desjardins, we believe in equity, diversity and inclusion. We're committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. At Desjardins, we have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. We believe our teams should reflect the diversity of the members, clients and communities we serve.

If there's something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job you're applying for more accessible, let us know. We can provide accommodations at any stage in the recruitment process. Just ask!

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