Royal Bank of Canada

Director, Programs - AI & Digital Transformation

Royal Bank of Canada$150K — $180K *
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in strategy, digital transformation, or financial services leadership roles.
  • Proven track record of leading enterprise-wide transformation programs with measurable business impact.
  • Deep expertise in AI, machine learning, and digital technologies.
  • Exceptional executive presence and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
  • Strong strategic thinking with the capacity to align technology initiatives with business outcomes.
  • Expertise in program and change management at scale.
  • Outstanding communication skills for executive presentations and storytelling.

Responsibilities

  • Define and guide the enterprise AI strategy in collaboration with senior leaders.
  • Lead large-scale AI transformation programs, ensuring governance and execution across multiple units.
  • Collaborate with business lines to co-design AI solutions that enhance operations and customer experiences.
  • Build executive relationships to align support and secure funding for AI initiatives.
  • Drive change management strategies to embed AI into organizational practices.
  • Provide thought leadership through compelling presentations and business cases.
  • Optimize processes for faster deployment of AI solutions while managing risks and blockers.

Benefits

  • Lead AI transformation at a major financial institution with visibility to top-level leadership.
  • Shape the strategic focus and culture within a newly established function in the AI Group.
  • Access to a comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits.
  • Opportunities for personal development through coaching from senior leaders.
  • Make a significant impact on a local and global scale.
Full Job Description
Job Description

What is the opportunity?

RBC has embarked on a transformational journey leveraging Generative AI and AI as a catalyst to drive significant productivity gains and revenue growth across the enterprise. We are seeking an exceptional, strategic leader to serve as Director of AI & Digital Transformation Programs, playing a pivotal role in shaping and executing RBC's most critical AI initiatives.

As a Director within the RBC AI Group, you will lead the strategic direction and execution of enterprise-wide AI Transformation programs. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives, orchestrating cross-functional collaboration across business lines, technology, risk, finance, and compliance. Reporting to executive leadership, you will be accountable for delivering measurable business impact while navigating complex organizational dynamics and driving cultural change across the bank.

Your responsibilities will include:
  • Define and drive enterprise AI strategy: Partner with senior executives and business leaders to shape, structure, and prioritize AI programs that deliver measurable bottom-line impact and align with RBC's strategic objectives
  • Lead complex, enterprise-scale transformations: Support the planning, governance, and execution of multiple large-scale AI programs with interdependencies across platforms, business units, and geographies
  • Partner with business lines to execute transformational AI programs: Collaborate closely with business leaders across Personal & Commercial Banking, Wealth Management, Capital Markets, Insurance, and other key segments to co-design and deliver AI solutions that transform operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive revenue growth
  • Build strategic partnerships and influence at the executive level: Establish and maintain executive-level relationships across Finance, Risk, Compliance, Technology, Procurement, and Business Units to secure alignment, funding, and support for AI initiatives
  • Drive organizational change and adoption: Design and execute change management strategies to accelerate AI adoption, embedding new ways of working and ensuring sustainable transformation
  • Provide executive counsel and thought leadership: Lead storytelling in executive forums through compelling presentations, business cases, and strategic communications that drive informed decision-making and maintain stakeholder confidence
  • Optimize enterprise processes for AI delivery: Partner with senior leaders to streamline governance, risk, compliance, and procurement frameworks, enabling faster, more efficient deployment of AI solutions
  • Manage risk and resolve strategic blockers: Proactively identify program risks, dependencies, and organizational impediments; escalate strategically to executive leadership to drive resolution and maintain momentum
  • Develop and mentor program leadership: Build and guide a team of program managers, fostering a high-performance culture focused on delivery excellence and continuous improvement


You're our ideal candidate if you:

Must-have:
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in strategy, digital transformation, management consulting, or financial services leadership roles
  • Proven track record leading large-scale, enterprise-wide transformation programs with demonstrated business impact
  • Deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging digital technologies, with the ability to translate technical concepts for executive audiences
  • Executive presence and influence: Exceptional ability to build credibility, influence decision-making, and navigate complex stakeholder environments at the senior executive and SVP levels
  • Strategic thinking and business acumen: Strong capability to connect technology initiatives to business outcomes, ROI, and strategic priorities
  • Mastery of program and change management: Expert-level skills in managing integrated programs, dependencies, governance structures, and organizational change at scale
  • Outstanding communication and storytelling: Proven ability to craft and deliver executive-level presentations, business cases, and strategic narratives that drive action
  • Relationship building across matrix organizations: Demonstrated success building and leveraging partnerships across complex, matrixed organizations


Nice-to-have:
  • Advanced degree (MBA, Master's in relevant field)
  • Prior experience leading AI/ML or data-driven transformation initiatives
  • Background in consulting or corporate strategy roles


What's in it for you:
  • Lead AI transformation at one of Canada's largest and most respected financial institutions, with direct visibility to Group Head and Operating Committee level leadership at RBC
  • Shape the mandate and culture of a newly formed, high-impact function within RBC's AI Group
  • A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock options where applicable
  • Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
  • Ability to make a difference and lasting impact from a local-to-global scale


About the AI Group:

RBC's AI Group is the AI accelerator for RBC, with a focus on driving the shift from early-stage AI projects to scaled, client outcomes that amplify the impact of RBC's people. In addition to helping scale the biggest AI opportunities at RBC, the AI Group is responsible for advancing research into emerging use cases across generative and agentic AI, while maintaining expertise in security, responsible AI and regulatory expectations. The Business Enablement function within the AI Group partners with LOBs and Functions to set AI ambition, originate transformation opportunities, and frame programs for delivery - ensuring RBC remains at the frontier of AI-enabled value creation.

Job Skills
Adaptability, Budgeting, Cross-Team Collaboration, Decision Making, Information Technology (IT) Projects, Long Term Planning, Program Management, Resource Management, Team Management, Vision Alignment

Additional Job Details

Address:

RBC WATERPARK PLACE, 88 QUEENS QUAY W:TORONTO

City:

Toronto

Country:

Canada

Work hours/week:

37.5

Employment Type:

Full time

Platform:

TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS

Job Type:

Regular

Pay Type:

Salaried

Posted Date:

2026-08-07

Application Deadline:

2026-08-28
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

About Royal Bank of Canada

Royal Bank of Canada Careers

Join the dynamic team at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), a global leader in financial services and a company committed to excellence and innovation. At RBC, we offer a wide range of job opportunities that empower professionals to shape their career paths with leadership, diversity training, and continuous growth.

Work You’ll Do

At Royal Bank of Canada, we are not just hiring; we are building a culture of innovation and leadership. Our team members are at the forefront of the financial industry, driving transformation and delivering targeted solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and communities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Employment at RBC

Whether you are starting your career or looking to take it to the next level, RBC offers positions that challenge your skills and fuel your ambition. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our job opportunities span across various functions and regions. Join us and be part of a team that values professional growth and diversity.

Internship and Professional Development

Kickstart your career with an internship at Royal Bank of Canada. Our internships provide invaluable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and insights into the financial services industry. Interns at RBC gain the skills necessary to excel and are often considered for full-time positions within the company.

Benefits and Culture

At RBC, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our employees. Our benefits package is designed to support our team members at every stage of their life and career. RBC’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and responsibility, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Career Growth and Innovation

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees through continuous learning and career development programs. At RBC, you will find endless opportunities to grow professionally through on-the-job experiences, formal training programs, and leadership development initiatives. Our commitment to innovation means we are constantly seeking out new ideas and perspectives, making RBC a perfect place for those who aim to lead and innovate.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is our strength. At Royal Bank of Canada, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where every employee feels valued and respected. Our diversity training programs are designed to educate and inspire, creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Start your journey with RBC today and be part of a world-class team known for its commitment to client service, community involvement, and innovation.

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Learn more about Royal Bank of Canada
Size
86,007 employees
Market Cap
$130.3 billion
Industry
5 Year Trend
+8.7%
NASDAQ

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