Director, Program Management

Overview

The Director of Program Management at Scotiabank leads the management of a substantial program within the Wealth Management sector. Reporting to the VP of Delivery & Portfolio Management, this role encompasses overseeing program objectives, execution, risk controls, and coordination among governance, design, delivery, and support functions. The Director is tasked with fulfilling strategic goals within set timeframes and budgets, driving new operational models and working methods, and ensuring timely, on-budget project completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Steer cross-disciplinary teams by providing clear strategic guidance aligned with corporate objectives.
• Collaborate with senior executives and consultancy partners to formulate and drive strategic initiative roadmaps, recognizing key risks and opportunities.
• Maintain professional client communication to align expectations and ensure delivery within allocated budgets and schedules.
• Apply rigorous project management methods to identify and manage risks, escalating significant issues to executives to facilitate decisions.
• Engage and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across business and technology sectors for transparency and alignment through project phases.
• Champion Agile methodologies to elevate delivery maturity and foster collaboration among product, engineering, business units, and partners.
• Oversee resource management including budgeting, allocation, and vendor relationships, focusing on optimizing outcomes and cost control.
• Ensure quality compliance with industry standards and regulatory mandates in deliverables.
• Promote continual refinement of project management practices and process simplification.
• Handle shifting priorities and manage change requests impacting scope, schedule, resources, and budgets efficiently.
• Provide detailed status reports and documentation with recommendations to senior leadership regularly.
• Develop and mentor project managers and team members, cultivating a high-performance inclusive environment and succession planning.
• Incorporate the organization’s risk appetite and culture into daily decisions and operations.
• Guarantee operational adherence to Scotiabank’s Values, Code of Conduct, and compliance with operational, conduct, AML/ATF/sanction risks through effective business controls.

Program Scope

• Lead Wealth Management technology and change efforts within ScotiaTech.
• Support multi-region initiatives across Canada, LATAM, and Global Banking & Markets.
• Engage cross-functionally with Technology, Operations, HR, Finance, Risk, and Compliance teams.
• Supervise an annual program budget between $15 million and $50+ million (capital and operating).
• Manage consulting and vendor spend up to $10 million yearly.
• Responsible for financial forecasting, cost control, and sustaining budget compliance.
• Manage oversight of between 5 to 15 concurrent program workstreams.
• Deliver enterprise-wide platform integrations and modernization projects.
• Supervise multiple technical systems within the ScotiaTech ecosystem.
• Ensure alignment with OSFI, FINTRAC, and Privacy/AML regulatory standards.
• Comply with governance, enterprise frameworks, technology standards, and change management protocols.
• Uphold audit, cybersecurity, operational risk, and conduct risk compliance.

Candidate Profile

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Technology, Project Management or related fields; MBA or PMP certification viewed favorably.
• Extensive project management expertise with Agile, hybrid, and waterfall methodologies, enhancing cross-team productivity and quality.
• At least 10 years’ experience in complex technology transformations within banking or digital industries, especially in Wealth Management.
• Practical experience in agile environments; familiarity with business agility is an asset.
• Proven skill in managing ambiguity, driving strategic changes, and influencing senior leadership.
• Strong leadership capable of inspiring multidisciplinary teams across organizational hierarchy.
• In-depth knowledge of Enterprise Delivery Frameworks and PMP or equivalent certification.
• Experience working in Canadian banking contexts.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, stakeholder engagement skills.
• Data-driven analytical decision-making aptitude.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and portfolio management capabilities.
• Well-versed in financial industry regulatory and compliance standards.
• Results-oriented with a focus on achieving business impact.
• Thrive in dynamic, fast-evolving environments.
• Experience includes 12+ years leading sizable business or tech programs, 10+ years establishing governance or agile framework practices, and 7+ years in team leadership and development.

Benefits

• Inclusive, collaborative workplace encouraging innovation and celebrating achievements.
• Provision of tools and resources to enhance impactful customer experiences.
• Opportunity to learn from diverse, globally recognized industry leaders.
• Focus on personal and professional growth beyond the role.
• Causal dress code encouraging comfort.
• Access to extensive learning programs both online and in-person.
• Competitive compensation including base salary, performance bonuses, pension and profit sharing, paid time off, and comprehensive health benefits.

Location

This position is based onsite in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Additional Information

Scotiabank emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring accessibility and accommodation options throughout the recruitment process. Candidates are required to apply directly through official channels. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.