Sr. Director, Data Science and Innovation

WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY?

The AI and Conversational Banking team is undertaking multiple complex enterprise-wide initiatives as part of RBC’s ambition to be at the forefront of innovation. In this role you will lead the team of data scientists and engineers to design and develop next generation foundation data and insights environment, leveraging latest ML/AI/GenAI tools and technologies. In addition, you will help establish and execute innovation roadmap, managing successful implementation, risk practices and delivery. The role will partner across RBC and externally with industry leaders and specialized providers.

What will you do?

• Establish the AI and Conversational Banking Data Science and Innovation Strategy, present and recommend opportunities to senior leadership, prioritize, execute and deliver on the established criteria.

• Lead the team of highly experienced employees. Coach, develop, mentor and grow the team.

• Build relationships with product owners, distribution and enterprise partners. Build alignment, synergies and leverage relationships to accelerate transformational objectives.

• Look across horizons, assess industry trends, innovative technologies and paradigms. Establish a foundation and pipeline of Innovation initiatives, future-proofing our strategy.

• Participate in and lead, cross-enterprise data stewardship, innovation and transformation initiatives.

• Be a trusted advisor and partner to VP, AI and Conversational Banking and the Senior Management Team.

What do you need to succeed?

Must-have - 10+ years proven experience:

• Data Engineering, MLOps/DevOps, Enterprise AI/GenAI,  Data Analytics and Insights experience
• Desire to learn, innovate, mentor, coach and grow the team. Promote a culture of high performance that celebrates inclusivity and innovation
• Collaborating and advising senior executives while leading and executing strategic projects / programs
• Proven experience in defining, developing, and executing data and business strategies that align with business goals
• Hands-on experience with digital and data engineering, model development, analytics, data governance, and leveraging insights to drive strategic decisions
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and executive-level communication skills
• Comfortable with ambiguity, adept at navigating change, and have the ability to prioritize and multitask under pressure

Nice to have:

• Experience managing multi-million-dollar portfolios, including funding/budget management

• Experience and broad understanding of digital and technology delivery

• Strong understanding of our revenue-generating businesses and financial literacy

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to evaluate and articulate complex information

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.

• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact

• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team

• Opportunities to lead innovation and transformation initiatives

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Job Skills

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data Management, Data Mining, Data Science, Decision Making, Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Predictive Analytics, Python (Programming Language), Statistical Analysis

Additional Job Details

RBC WATERPARK PLACE, 88 QUEENS QUAY W:TORONTOTorontoCanada37.5Full timePERSONAL & COMMERCIAL BANKINGRegularSalaried2026-01-142026-02-28

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

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

At RBC, we believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.

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.