Director, Programs - AI & Digital Transformation

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.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

RBC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to r