Royal Bank of Canada

Director, Strategic Initiatives

Royal Bank of Canada • $125K — $150K *
Toronto, ON M3C 0E3In-Person
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience as an IT program manager in a financial setting.
  • Proven project management skills in high-complexity application development programs ($5MM-$20MM).
  • Strong ability to lead and manage multiple projects and teams effectively.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills tailored for executive audiences.
  • Curiosity and willingness to adopt innovative practices, including the use of AI tools for efficiency.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional teams to redesign procurement and payment processes, embedding digital-first solutions.
  • Bridge IT and business needs by translating operational workflows into technical deliverables.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to define and validate target state E2E processes.
  • Ensure timely delivery of program scope, managing dependencies, risks, and communications.
  • Investigate and resolve E2E process and system issues alongside technical teams.
  • Support user acceptance testing (UAT) and operational readiness to ensure solutions are stable.
  • Identify and implement opportunities for automation and efficiency improvement.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits.
  • Leaders committed to your professional development and coaching.
  • Opportunities to make a meaningful impact within the organization.
  • Collaborative, high-performing team environment.
  • Engagement with challenging and rewarding projects.
  • Potential for increased responsibilities over time.
Full Job Description
Job Description

What is the opportunity?

This high-profile role offers the opportunity to build technical and leadership skills, develop strong cross-bank relationships, and gain insight into RBC's significant business workflows & technical architecture, across multiple functions including Procurement, Legal & Finance . You'll work within a collaborative team culture that values progressive thinking and collective results.

In this role you will be managing end to end strategic programs across Global Functions Technology, leading concurrent projects utilizing shared resources, with aggressive timelines.

What will you do?
  • Lead cross-functional teams to redesign E2E procurement, supplier management, and payment processes & products, eliminating inefficiencies and embedding digital-first solutions.
  • Bridge IT and business needs by translating operational workflows into actionable technical deliverables along with security & controls, supporting the Product Owner & Architecture vision.
  • Collaborate with architects, business stakeholders, and BAs to define and validate the target state E2E processes, ensuring alignment with modernization goals.
  • Ensure timely delivery of program scope & benefits within allocated funding, with proactive dependency and RAID log management instituting proper governance and communication
  • Work with stream-specific BAs and technical teams to investigate, prioritize, and resolve E2E process and system issues.
  • Support E2E user acceptance testing (UAT) and operational readiness activities, ensuring solutions are stable and user-friendly.
  • Identify opportunities to automate processes, enhance system efficiency, and reduce operational risks.
  • Spearhead AI enablement across the delivery across AI tool utilization for efficiency in program management & execution as well as prioritizing Agentic AI use cases across the S2P flow/ target state, working with users and IT team
  • In conjunction with business partners, develop and present project business cases to the appropriate approval committee
  • Responsible for finalizing appropriate status reporting to varying levels of organization


What do you need to succeed?

Must Have:
  • Experience in managing delivery of high complexity application development programs of approx. $5MM to 20MM annual spend in a financial institution
  • Experience leading and managing a portfolio of projects and managing multiple people
  • Strong Project Management skills, including managing project scope, time, cost and quality
  • High level of general management skills, including leading, negotiating, communicating and team building.
  • A minimum of 10+ years of experience as an IT program manager, with proven people management skills
  • Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, IT, or a related field
  • Familiarity & adaptability with AI tools for efficiency
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively to executives
  • Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and lead independently, while knowing when to escalate and ask for support.
  • Curiosity to learn new ways to do things, willingness to challenge the status quo, and ability to drive process improvements and efficiencies.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; specifically, able to act as change agent, facilitator and collaborator.


Nice to Have:
  • Experience & domain knowledge in Procurement, Legal & Finance Accounts Payable functions
  • Experience using PlanView Enterprise
  • Experience using JIRA software
  • Advanced Excel, Powerpoint, Visio knowledge


What's in it for you?

  • A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock where applicable
  • Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
  • Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
  • Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
  • Opportunities to do challenging work
  • Opportunities to take on progressively greater accountabilities.


#TECHPJ

#LI-POST

Job Skills
Change Management, Communication, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Delivery Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Transformational Change

Additional Job Details

Address:

20 KING ST 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:

2026-08-26

Application Deadline:

2026-09-26
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.

Stay Connected

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Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities awaiting you at RBC. Explore the possibilities with Royal Bank of Canada, where your future is filled with potential and the path to success is paved with countless opportunities for professional and personal growth. Join us and shape not just your career but the future of the financial industry.
Learn more about Royal Bank of Canada
Size
86,007 employees
Market Cap
$130.3 billion
Industry
Finance & Insurance
5 Year Trend
+8.7%
NASDAQ
RY
* Ladders Estimates

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