Scotiabank

Director, AI Native SDLC

Scotiabank • $150K — $180K *
Toronto, ON M3C 0E3In-Person
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of hands-on software engineering experience including senior technical leadership roles.
  • Proven experience defining and scaling SDLC frameworks at an enterprise level.
  • Hands-on experience with LLM APIs integrated into development workflows.
  • Strong programming expertise in TypeScript/JavaScript or Python; shell scripting is an asset.
  • Experience designing or integrating MCP servers with strong security controls.

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and deploy core AI-Native SDLC capabilities including tooling and standards.
  • Lead development of end-to-end RAG systems from ingestion to evaluation.
  • Define and evolve the AI-Native SDLC framework covering architecture and operations.
  • Establish enterprise-level SDLC policies, standards, and AI usage guidelines.
  • Develop enterprise-grade SDLC documentation like playbooks and implementation guides.
  • Shape and deliver a modern AI-enabled developer experience across the bank.
  • Act as a technical thought leader in AI-driven software engineering.

Benefits

  • Upskilling through online courses, cross-functional development opportunities, and tuition assistance.
  • Competitive Rewards program including bonus, flexible vacation, personal and sick days starting on day one.
  • Dynamic ecosystem with free tea & coffee, universal washrooms, and collaborative spaces.
  • Opportunities for community engagement and belonging with various programs.
Full Job Description
Requisition ID: 267632

The Director, AI Native SDLC is a hands on technical leader and enterprise capability owner responsible for defining, building, and scaling Scotiabank's AI Native Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).

This role combines deep engineering execution with strategic ownership of SDLC policies, standards, and frameworks, ensuring AI capabilities are embedded safely, consistently, and effectively across all stages of software delivery.

As a Director, the incumbent will lead through implementation and influence, shaping enterprise-wide engineering practices by building production-grade systems, while also establishing the governance, documentation, and rollout strategies required for sustained, large-scale adoption across the Bank.

Is this role right for you? In this role, you will:

Hands-On Engineering & Platform Build
  • Directly design, build, and deploy core AI-Native SDLC capabilities, including:
    • Enterprise guidelines, standards, and procedures embedded in tooling
    • CLI-based developer platforms (e.g., GitHub Copilot harnesses and extensions)
  • Lead development of end-to-end RAG systems (ingestion → retrieval → grounding → evaluation).
  • Provide deep technical direction and contribution to MCP server design and integration, ensuring enterprise-grade security (authentication, authorization, auditability).
  • Oversee and contribute to secure GitHub Actions implementations, enabling AI agents with controlled permissions and governed artifact handling.
  • Maintain hands-on coding involvement (TypeScript/JavaScript or Python) in critical platform components and reference implementations.


Enterprise AI-Native SDLC Ownership
  • Define, own, and evolve the enterprise AI-Native SDLC framework, covering:
    • AI-assisted requirements, architecture, development, testing, and operations
    • Standardized IDE tooling, agent skills, and devContainer environments
    • AI integration patterns across CI/CD pipelines and developer workflows
  • Ensure all frameworks are practical, scalable, and grounded in real engineering implementations.
  • Drive consistency across business lines through reusable patterns, templates, and reference architectures.


Policy, Standards & Governance
  • Establish and own enterprise SDLC policies, engineering standards, and AI usage guidelines.
  • Define enforceable guardrails for AI-enabled development, including:
    • Secure and responsible use of LLMs and agents
    • Data privacy, access control, and model interaction boundaries
    • Traceability, auditability, and explainability of AI-generated outputs
  • Develop and maintain:
    • Enterprise engineering standards documentation
    • Approved AI patterns and reference architectures
    • Secure coding and review standards specific to AI workflows
  • Partner with Risk, Security, Compliance, and Architecture to embed regulatory and enterprise controls.


Process Definition, Documentation & Rollout
  • Lead creation of enterprise-grade SDLC documentation, including:
    • Playbooks, engineering patterns, and implementation guides
    • Reference architectures (C4 models, ADRs)
    • Sample pipelines, templates, and reusable assets
  • Define and execute enterprise rollout strategy, including:
    • Phased adoption models across engineering teams
    • Developer enablement, training, and workshops
    • Hands-on support for priority and early adopter programs
  • Establish scorecard-based governance models to measure:
    • Adoption and compliance
    • Engineering quality and risk reduction
    • AI effectiveness and productivity impact


Developer Experience & Platform Enablement
  • Shape and deliver a modern, AI-enabled developer experience (DevEx) across the bank.
  • Oversee development and packaging of reusable components:
    • Agents and agent skill libraries
    • SDKs and internal frameworks
    • CLI tools and automation
    • CI/CD templates and pipelines
  • Drive adoption of standardized development environments (e.g., devContainers, codified environments).


Leadership, Influence & Continuous Innovation
  • Act as a technical thought leader in AI-driven software engineering both internally and externally.
  • Influence senior engineering and business stakeholders on AI adoption strategy and execution.
  • Mentor engineers, senior engineers, and technical leads through hands-on engagement, code reviews, and architectural guidance.
  • Continuously evaluate and introduce emerging AI and engineering capabilities, refining the SDLC based on:
    • Developer feedback
    • Usage metrics and KPIs
    • Risk and compliance insights


Do you have the skills that will enable you to succeed in this role? We'd love to work with you if you have:

  • 10+ years of hands-on software engineering experience, including senior technical leadership roles.
  • Proven success defining and scaling SDLC frameworks, engineering standards, or developer platforms at enterprise level.
  • Hands-on experience integrating LLM APIs into real-world development workflows.
  • Experience building custom agents and agent skills for CLI-based harnesses (GitHub Copilot preferred), including packaging for reuse.
  • Strong programming expertise in TypeScript/JavaScript or Python; shell scripting is a strong asset.
  • Experience building RAG systems end-to-end (ingestion → retrieval → grounding → evaluation).
  • Experience designing or integrating MCP servers with strong security and governance controls.
  • Deep experience with GitHub Actions and CI/CD, including secure execution of AI agents.
  • Demonstrated experience defining policies, standards, and governance frameworks within engineering organizations.
  • Strong understanding of cloud platforms (Azure preferred), APIs, distributed systems, and DevOps practices.
  • Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive enterprise-wide adoption.


Nice-to-Have Qualifications
  • Working knowledge of architecture design artifacts (C4 diagrams, ADRs).
  • Experience implementing scorecard-based governance with measurable, traceable outcomes.
  • Experience with container platforms (Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Hands-on experience with devContainers or reproducible development environments.
  • Experience building or contributing to developer platforms or internal engineering ecosystems.
  • Experience in financial services or highly regulated environments.


What's in it for you?

  • Upskilling through online courses, cross-functional development opportunities, and tuition assistance.
  • Competitive Rewards program including bonus, flexible vacation, personal, sick days and benefits will start on day one.
  • Dynamic Ecosystem - Free tea & coffee, universal washrooms, and lots of space for team collaboration.
  • Community Engagement - No matter where you choose to work from; we offer opportunities for community engagement & belonging with our various programs.


Location(s): Canada : Ontario : Toronto

About Scotiabank

Scotiabankers are committed to helping individuals, companies, and communities to thrive in a changing world. From personal and business banking, brokerage, and insurance, to private wealth, and the most sophisticated commercial, corporate and institutional services, they serve the diverse needs of some 21 million customers in more than 55 countries. Founded in 1832 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, their growth has always been fuelled by the success of their customers and their longevity secured by an unshakable commitment to carefully and expertly managing risk and capital. That focus on doing what's right for customers—short- andlong-term—has made us a global financial services leader. Headquartered in Canada, they are over 86, 000 Scotiabankers strong. Each of us are committed to being the best at understanding their customers' needs and all of us working together to deliver practical advice and relevant solutions that help their customers become financially better off.

Scotiabank Careers

Join Scotiabank, a premier financial institution, and become part of a diverse and inclusive team that’s leading the way in global banking. At Scotiabank, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for professional growth and innovation in the financial services industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Scotiabank, we’re not just filling positions; we’re cultivating leaders. Dive into a workplace where diversity training and leadership development shape the path to your future. Our commitment to professional growth is evident in our robust training programs and continuous learning opportunities that foster innovation and strategic thinking.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Whether you’re looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Scotiabank has a spectrum of opportunities to fit your career ambitions. Our team is composed of individuals who bring a wealth of skills and perspectives to our company, driving us forward with their creativity and strategic insights.

Innovative Work Environment

Scotiabank’s culture is one of collaboration and respect, where each team member’s contribution is valued. Engage in meaningful work that challenges you to leverage your skills and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the banking sector. Our innovative projects not only support the growth of the company but also ensure our position as a leader in the industry.

Benefits and Growth

Choosing a career at Scotiabank means opting for a life of growth and opportunity. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and flexible working conditions, all designed to support your career and personal life. We believe in nurturing our team’s potential by providing them with the tools they need to succeed both professionally and personally.

Join Our Team

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the job opportunities at Scotiabank by searching our open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players.

Networking and Professional Development

Stay connected and advance your career through Scotiabank’s extensive networking opportunities. Participate in events that connect you with other professionals and leaders within the industry. Our career resources will help you prepare your resume, ace your interviews, and land the job that best suits your career goals.

Stay Ahead

Keep up to date with the latest in career tips, industry insights, and company news—all from the people who work here at Scotiabank. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails tailored to your preferences and be the first to know about new openings and exciting developments. Join Scotiabank and be part of a team that values integrity, respect, and accountability. Discover how your career can flourish in an environment committed to your professional development and personal growth.
Learn more about Scotiabank
Size
90,619 employees
Market Cap
$57.5 billion
Industry
Finance & Insurance
5 Year Trend
+7%
NASDAQ
BNS
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Scotiabank

More Enterprise Technology Jobs

Find similar Director, AI Native SDLC jobs:

NationwideToronto, ON