Business Development Specialist – Group Retirement Savings

Desjardins

. Provide strategic support to Business Development Managers by assisting with projects, requests, and initiatives involving strategic partners and prospective clients .

Posted 10/27/2026full-timeToronto • CanadaMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Group Retirement Savings and effective relationship management with clients and partners. Proficient in project management, problem-solving, and maintaining a strong focus on achieving results in fast-paced environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Group Retirement Savings ExperienceProject ManagementRelationship BuildingProblem-SolvingCertified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Project ManagementAccount ManagementPension Industry KnowledgeSales Process KnowledgeClient Experience Knowledge

Soft Skills

InitiativeAccountabilityEffective CommunicationCollaborationSound Judgment

Tools & Technologies

MS OfficeExcelWordOutlook

Certifications & Qualifications

Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)Canadian Securities (CSC)Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)Actuarial Designation

Industry Keywords

Strategic SupportClient MeetingsTrade ShowsIndustry EventsMarket Developments

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic support to Business Development Managers by assisting with projects, requests, and initiatives involving strategic partners and prospective clients
Identify opportunities and innovative solutions informed by industry trends and best practices
Represent Desjardins and Group Retirement Services in client meetings, trade shows, and industry events
Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with clients, partners, intermediaries, internal distribution channels, and Business Development Managers
Respond proactively to complex partner and prospective client needs using knowledge of GRS products, services, and solutions
Collaborate with internal partners and cross-functional teams to manage requests, lead initiatives, resolve issues, escalate concerns, and recommend improvements
Serve as the voice of clients and partners within Desjardins in business discussions, strategic initiatives, and internal projects
Maintain and share Group Retirement Services expertise and stay current on products, services, market developments, and industry trends
Participate in team meetings, foster collaboration across GRS and Group Benefits, and peer-review communications and presentations
Coordinate team activities, track progress, and ensure deliverables and deadlines are met

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in a related field
A minimum of five years of relevant experience
Other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered
Proven experience building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders, clients, and external partners
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

Benefits

Comp & perks

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