Scotiabank

Director, Head of Strategic Initiatives, COO, GBM

Scotiabank$185K — $310K *
Finance & Insurance
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum 15 years in financial services, preferably at top-tier banks.
  • Experience in financial management with a focus on cost management, budgeting, and forecasting.
  • Knowledge of Banking & Markets products and operational processes.
  • Strong leadership experience with the ability to influence cross-functionally.
  • Proven track record of working with senior leaders (VP+) to drive outcomes.
  • University degree in business, finance, or related field; advanced degree preferred (e.g., MBA).
  • Excellent communication skills for engaging with all management levels.

Responsibilities

  • Advise GBM COO on strategic and organizational matters, managing key objectives and risks.
  • Support timely delivery of confidential issues and executive-ready materials.
  • Manage through influence to fill leadership gaps and drive outcomes.
  • Oversee development and implementation of the COO's strategic agenda within GBM.
  • Ensure accurate management of COO costs and foster accountability in expense management.
  • Coordinate and align GBM with global governance requirements and forums.
  • Lead communication strategy and develop content for GBM COO messaging.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with flexibility in office/remote arrangement.
  • Opportunity to lead in a high-impact role.
  • Access to professional development and career advancement opportunities.
  • Engagement in a customer-focused culture that values relationships.
  • Collaborative environment with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
Full Job Description
Requisition ID: 272217

Salary Range: 185,400.00 - 310,600.00

Please note that the Salary Range shown is a guideline only. Salary offered may vary based on factors, including, but not limited to, the successful candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

Purpose

Leads and oversees the Strategic Initiatives, Business Management, Governance, Communications, and People / Operating Model agenda for the GBM Chief Operating Officer ("COO"); and provides strategic support to the Managing Director, COO, GBM to execute the COO mandate by ensuring strategies, plans, initiatives, costs, governance forums, and organizational priorities are executed / delivered in alignment with GBM and the overall Bank strategy, internal policies, and applicable governance requirements.

Accountabilities

Chief of Staff to the GBM COO
• Advises the GBM COO on strategic, organizational, business management, governance, communications, and operating model matters, identifying and managing key objectives, dependencies, risks, and decision points.
• Supports the GBM COO on timely delivery of confidential and / or time-sensitive issues, including executive ready materials, cross-functional priorities, and leadership communications.
• Fills leadership gaps as responsibilities shift and change by managing through influence, partnering across teams, and driving outcomes for priorities small and large alike.

Strategy & Business Management
• Supports the development and implementation of the COO's strategic agenda in line with GBM and the overall Bank strategy.
• Oversees the coordination and consolidation of the COO annual budget planning submission and quarterly forecasts, including the cost allocation process across COO globally to ensure accurate assignment of costs to the various businesses.
• Ensures COO costs are properly managed within GBM Expense Management policy, driving accountability, cost efficiency, and ownership of incurred costs and associated headcount.
• Oversees the production of management reporting and presentation materials required for multiple forums and purposes.
• Partners across multiple functions and with senior leaders (VP+) to drive execution, resolve barriers, and maintain alignment against strategic priorities.

Enterprise Alignment
• Ensures GBM alignment with global governance requirements from enterprise offices and committees, including Data & AI Committee, Compliance and Operational Risk Committee, Real Estate Committee, and other relevant global governance forums.
• Coordinates with enterprise partners to ensure GBM requirements, messaging, and submissions are consistent, complete, and appropriately positioned for senior management review.

Governance
• Manages GBM global management committees, including the newly established GBM ExCo, GBM COO, and GBM COO direct reports meetings, ensuring consistency across forums, clear messaging, and disciplined follow-through.
• Oversees agenda planning, materials development, decision tracking, escalation, and communication of key outcomes for COO-led governance forums.
• Maintains a strong governance cadence to support transparency, accountability, and timely execution across the COO organization.

Communications
• Partners with Communications to manage the COO communications strategy across GBM and relevant stakeholder groups.
• Develops key content to ensure consistent messaging across the GBM COO, peers, and the COO leadership team.
• Translates strategic priorities, organizational changes, and leadership decisions into clear, audience-appropriate communications.

People & Operating Model
• Designs and optimizes the current organizational structure to achieve strategic, operational, and business management goals.
• Partners with HR to effect organizational adds / deletes / changes both administratively and with a communication lens.
• Designs and maintains the location strategy across the COO organization, balancing business needs, talent considerations, and operating effectiveness.
• Develops Service Level Agreements where appropriate for COO service offerings to clarify scope, expectations, accountability, and service delivery standards.
• Provides leadership support on people engagement, organizational effectiveness, succession, and change management priorities across the COO organization.

General Leadership, Controls & Culture
• Leads and drives a customer-focused culture throughout the team to deepen client relationships and leverage broader Bank relationships, systems, and knowledge.
• Understands how the Bank's risk appetite and risk culture should be considered in day-to-day activities and decisions.
• Creates an environment in which the team pursues effective and efficient operations in accordance with Scotiabank's Values, its Code of Conduct, and the Global Sales Principles, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to, and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational, compliance, AML / ATF / sanctions, and conduct risk.
• Builds a high-performance environment and implements a people strategy that attracts, retains, develops, and motivates the team by fostering an inclusive work environment and using a coaching mindset and behaviors; communicating vision / values / business strategy; and managing succession and development planning for the team.

Reporting Relationships
Primary Manager: Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, GBM
Direct Reports: N/A
Shared Reports: None

Dimensions
• The Director provides advisory and execution support to the Managing Director, COO, GBM, who is responsible for the COO mandate across GBM, including strategic agenda delivery, business management, governance, enterprise alignment, communications, organizational design, and cost / headcount management.
• The Director operates across multiple functions and with senior leaders (VP+) to drive outcomes, coordinate decision-making, and ensure clear messaging and accountability across the COO organization.
• People leadership, direct report scope, and shared / dotted-line relationships to be confirmed based on final operating model.

Education / Experience / Other Information
• Minimum 15 years of financial services industry experience, preferably at global top-tier banks or comparable financial institutions.
• Experience in a financial management role with a cost management focus, including budgeting, forecasting, cost allocation, expense discipline, headcount management, and management reporting.
• Good knowledge of Banking & Markets products and associated operational processes.
• Strong general management and leadership experience, including the ability to lead through ambiguity, influence without direct authority, and mobilize cross-functional partners.
• Proven ability to work across multiple functions and with senior leaders (VP+) to drive outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of wholesale banking, GBM operating models, governance forums, and enterprise committee requirements preferred.
• A university degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred (e.g., MBA).
• Impactful communicator who communicates clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, with all levels including senior management.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills, with demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple competing priorities and escalate as appropriate in a timely manner.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and presentation development skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI) and related collaboration / reporting tools.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining strong judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.

Working Conditions
• Significant amount of information flows through this position requiring the ability to review, assimilate, prioritize, and make decisions.
• Non-physical and requires extended periods of time at the computer.
• Occasional extended hours as needed.
• We are currently on a hybrid office / remote work model, which is subject to change, and the position requires work in the office.
• Location(s): United States: New York: New York City

Location(s): United States : New York : New York City

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
5 Year Trend
+7%
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Scotiabank

More Finance & Insurance Jobs

Find similar Director, Head of Strategic Initiatives, COO, GBM jobs: