Royal Bank of Canada

Senior Director of Strategy Risk Business Operations and Shared Services

Royal Bank of Canada$170K — $200K *
Finance & Insurance
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of leadership experience in Technology, Financial Services, or Operations
  • Expertise in Risk, Governance, and Vendor Management
  • Proven track record in strategic planning and financial management
  • Strong understanding of AI and Agile/SDLC methodologies
  • Exceptional negotiation and communication skills
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business or Finance; MBA preferred
  • Payments industry experience is a plus

Responsibilities

  • Lead financial management and project portfolio planning for the CPT portfolio
  • Develop and execute a 5-year strategic plan in collaboration with business executives
  • Champion AI adoption and change management efforts
  • Ensure compliance with Risk & Governance policies and standards
  • Manage vendor relationships, optimizing resources and negotiating contracts
  • Monitor performance metrics and drive process improvements
  • Build and mentor a high-performing team

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits
  • Leaders who support your development through coaching
  • Opportunity to make a lasting impact
  • Collaborative and progressive work environment
  • Challenging work with greater accountabilities
  • Building close relationships with clients
Full Job Description
Job Description

What is the Opportunity?

As the Senior Director, Planning, Risk & Governance, and Vendor Management, you will lead a high-performing team of directors, senior managers, and managers to drive strategic, operational, and financial excellence within RBC's Commercial Payment Technologies (CPT) portfolio. This critical leadership role is accountable for Financial Management, Project Portfolio Planning, Vendor Management, Risk & Compliance, and Strategic Planning, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities and delivering exceptional business outcomes. You will champion employee engagement, change management, and innovation (e.g., AI adoption) while maintaining rigorous governance and operational excellence.

What You'll Do

Leadership & Strategy
  • Lead the Planning, Risk & Governance functions, overseeing financial management, project portfolio planning, and strategic alignment with RBC's Commercial Banking and T&O objectives.
  • Develop and execute CPT's 5-year strategic plan, leveraging internal/external research and partnering with business executives to drive disciplined project management.
  • Champion enterprise initiatives (e.g., AI/AIDLC) and change management within CPT, ensuring successful adoption and engagement.
  • Foster exceptional employee engagement through targeted strategies and communication plans in partnership with Enterprise Communications.


Risk & Governance
  • Ensure adherence to Risk & Governance policies, standards, and control points (e.g., audits, access reviews, compliance attestations).
  • Lead T&O and RBC-initiated Risk & Governance campaigns, collaborating with Risk, GS, and business partners.
  • Oversee Business Continuity Management (BCM), including plan approvals, testing, and strategy.
  • Monitor Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and escalate issues, ensuring alignment with first-line defense (Internal/External Audit).


Vendor Management
  • Lead the expansion of Vendor Management, optimizing on-shore/off-shore resources and negotiating multi-million-dollar contracts.
  • Drive cost savings, efficiencies, and service standards across vendor relationships, ensuring alignment with financial and operational targets.


Financial Management & Reporting
  • Define and execute the Financial Plan for application maintenance, development, and Risk & Governance efforts.
  • Provide timely, actionable financial reporting (budgets, forecasts, metrics) to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and stakeholders.
  • Manage IT Development, Maintenance, and Financial budgets, ensuring alignment with annual and 5-year plans.
  • Oversee project accruals, cost accounting, and vendor invoice management to meet overhead and recovery targets.


Operational Excellence & Performance
  • Monitor performance metrics, scorecards, and dashboards, driving process improvements and benchmarking.
  • Lead Program/Project onboarding/closure, ensuring accurate financial tracking in systems (e.g., Planview, MIS).
  • Leverage AI and automation for reporting and project delivery efficiencies.


People Leadership
  • Build and mentor a high-performing team, aligning individual goals with RBC's Leadership Model.
  • Drive diversity, reward & recognition, and career development initiatives.
  • Instill a culture of change readiness and empowerment across CPT.


What You Need to Succeed

Must Have:
  • 15+ years of leadership experience in Technology, Financial Services, or Operations, with expertise in Risk, Governance, and Vendor Management.
  • Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and large-scale project delivery.
  • Strong understanding of AI, Agile/SDLC methodologies, and regulatory compliance.
  • Exceptional negotiation, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field; MBA or advanced certification preferred.


Nice to Have:
  • Payments industry experience


What's in it for you?
We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.
  • 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
  • Opportunities to building close relationships with clients


#LI-POST

#TECHPJ

Job Skills
Adaptability, Commercial Acumen, Creative Visioning, Decision Making, Long Term Planning, Organizational Leadership, Organizational Savvy and Politics, Strategic Thinking

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:

2026-09-15
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

RBC is presently inviting candidates to apply for this existing vacancy. Applying to this posting allows you to express your interest in this current career opportunity at RBC. Qualified applicants may be contacted to review their resume in more detail.

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

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here at Royal Bank of Canada.

Job Alert Emails

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
5 Year Trend
+8.7%
NASDAQ

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