Director, Access and Authentication Platforms Engineering (Global Security)

Royal Bank of Canada•Toronto, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We seek a Director, Access and Authentication Platforms Engineering to lead the design, delivery, and operations of RBC's global IAM Authentication services across the enterprise. In this role, you will oversee the IAM engineering team responsible for developing and implementing complex identity and access management systems, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, timelines, scope, and budget. You'll drive system resiliency, defect resolution, program-level metrics, and IT service management activities including change, incident, and problem management. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in authentication, directory services, federation, and identity management, with proven experience designing and supporting large-scale enterprise systems. You'll need a strong background in IT service management, security best practices, and a passion for authentication and security innovation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
Minimum 4 years in IAM roles with strong experience designing and implementing Authentication solutions
Proven proficiency with Entra ID (EIAM), Okta (CIAM/Auth0), RSA, and Passwordless and central authorization solutions
Strong understanding of Authentication patterns
Experience integrating IAM solutions into diverse IT environments (cloud-native: AWS, Azure, GCP; on-premises)
Minimum 2 years of development or DevOps experience, including scripting/programming (Python, Shell, Java), infrastructure automation (Terraform, Ansible), and CI/CD (GitHub Actions)
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with strong attention to detail
Strong verbal and written communication abilities to articulate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders

Nice To Haves

IAM-related certifications (MS Entra ID, Okta, Auth0, Terraform)
Experience with API integration (RESTful APIs) and microservices architectures
Familiarity with monitoring, logging, and alerting tools (Splunk, Datadog, ELK Stack)
Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and cloud deployment methodologies
Understanding of compliance frameworks, regulatory requirements, and audit processes
Experience with networking/security technologies (load balancers: F5/GTM/LTM, firewalls, SSL certificates)

Responsibilities

Design and implement enterprise-grade IAM services used across RBC
Provide technical leadership in establishing standards, guidelines, and best practices for solution development and deployment
Ensure IAM system deployments meet roadmap milestones on time and within budget
Facilitate disciplined decision-making that balances business needs with IAM architecture, operations, and support requirements
Develop roadmaps and align IT investments with future-state architecture
Ensure new projects and programs meet enterprise architectural and technology standards
Support implementation of the IAM framework, including monitoring, reporting, escalation procedures, and identification of emerging security trends and issues
Provide project estimates, assumptions, and integration guidance while enforcing consistency across business functions
Recommend continuous integration improvements to enhance build and deployment processes and identify automation opportunities
Identify cost savings and operational efficiencies through process improvements, effective tooling, and elimination of redundant systems
Provide recommendations for agile delivery without increasing resources
Conduct technical forums to promote innovation and collaboration within the development team
Develops and maintains strong relationships with the IAM managers, quality assurance analysts, business analysts, project managers, architects, business sponsors and technical staff.
Recruit, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering growth through clear performance objectives and career opportunities
Establish a culture and work environment that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse, skilled workforce with high employee engagement
Drive team efficiency, effectiveness, and continuous improvement
Conduct quarterly performance reviews that incorporate project feedback and comparative team assessments, holding staff to standards of excellence
Apply HR best practices and talent management principles
Build team capabilities to sustain a high-achievement environment
Invest in your own professional development
Communicate RBC's vision and reinforce behaviors that support organizational goals
Establish clear individual goals, drive performance management, support career development, and recognize strong performance
Leverage cross-functional and enterprise-wide teams to develop better solutions and foster collaborative thinking
Lead change effectively while supporting employees through transitions and maintaining focus on business priorities
Monitor configuration and software delivery automation trends to ensure unit strategies and execution remain aligned