Senior Program Manager

What's the opportunity?

RBC Borealis is at the forefront of artificial intelligence research and development, driving the innovative edge for the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

Our team is dedicated to advancing the science of AI and delivering cutting-edge solutions that create substantial value for RBC and its customers.

As part of RBC, you will have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects within a leading financial institution, harnessing the power of AI to revolutionize the financial services industry.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager with a proven track record of executing and overseeing complex, enterprise-wide initiatives.

This role will involve managing the implementation of a cutting-edge modern marketing engine powered by advanced machine learning systems.

You will collaborate with teams across RBC Borealis and RBC, ensuring successful execution of a program that spans multiple departments and stakeholder groups, driving strategic business impact.

Your responsibilities include :

Program Leadership and Execution

• Oversee the execution of a large-scale marketing engine program, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment across Borealis AI and RBC departments.
• Develop and manage detailed program plans, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure timely and successful delivery.
• Ensure program objectives are aligned with Borealis AI and RBC’s broader strategic goals, with a focus on using AI and machine learning to drive marketing innovation.

Stakeholder Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across technical, operational, and business teams.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and aligned on program goals, timelines, and progress.
• Serve as a central point of contact for senior leadership, providing regular updates, reporting on key metrics, and ensuring stakeholder buy-in at all stages of the program.

Program Governance and Reporting

• Implement governance frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making throughout the program lifecycle.
• Track and report on program progress, including deliverables, milestones, risks, and issues, providing data-driven insights to senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement by establishing program metrics and identifying areas for optimization.

Technical Integration and Collaboration

• Collaborate with AI researchers, engineers, and data scientists to ensure the technical components of the marketing engine are effectively integrated into the overall program.
• Translate complex technical requirements into actionable program plans, facilitating collaboration between technical and non-technical teams.
• Provide guidance on technical trade-offs and ensure alignment with AI and machine learning best practices.

Change Management

• Lead change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of the modern marketing engine across the organization.
• Develop and execute training, communication, and support plans to ensure teams are equipped to leverage new AI-powered tools and workflows.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning, encouraging teams to explore new possibilities with AI and machine learning technologies.

You're our ideal candidate if you :

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering) or equivalent experience. MBA or advanced degrees are a plus.
• 10+ years of experience managing large-scale, enterprise-wide programs in top-tier technology or consulting companies.
• Proven experience in program management of complex, cross-functional initiatives, particularly within AI, machine learning, or related technologies.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership and drive collaboration across departments.
• Technical proficiency in AI, machine learning, or data science concepts, with the ability to understand and communicate complex technical information.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences and foster alignment across technical and non-technical teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large budgets, resource allocation, and project risks in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
• Experience in the financial services industry is a plus but not required.

What's in it for you?

• Opportunity to play a vital role in the development of leading-edge products;
• Become part of a team that thinks progressively and works collaboratively. We care about seeing each other reach full potential;
• 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 management opportunities;
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact from a local-to-global scale.

About RBC Borealis

RBC Borealis is the driving force behind Royal Bank of Canada’s AI and data innovation. As part of Canada’s largest financial institution, we bring together a team of architects, engineers, scientists, and product experts on a mission to revolutionize finance through world-class research, solutions, and a resilient data platform.

With locations across Toronto, Waterloo, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver, we’re at the forefront of AI research and platform development.

With a focus on cutting-edge research in areas like time series forecasting, causal machine learning, and responsible AI, we are seamlessly integrating AI research and data engineering, to solve critical challenges in the financial industry.

We are building intelligent, and scalable, data-driven solutions that will help communities thrive and drive innovation for our customers across the bank.

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 race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans status, Aboriginal / Native American status or any other legally-protected factors.

Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.