Director, Risk Initiatives, Business Controls & Oversight, CWM Investment Advisory

Scotiabank•Toronto, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Canadian Wealth Management Investment Advisory is looking for a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Director, Risk Initiatives to help strengthen risk oversight, governance, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness across the business. In this high-impact leadership role, you will lead cross-functional initiatives, partner with senior stakeholders, and help shape scalable solutions that support sound business practices and a strong risk culture.

Requirements

Strong experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives in risk, governance, controls, compliance, operations, project delivery, or a related financial services environment.
Demonstrated ability to build project plans, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-impact initiatives with senior stakeholder visibility.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise executive updates, influence stakeholders, and translate complex risk matters into actionable recommendations.
Strong understanding of risk management, regulatory expectations, audit requirements, business controls, and governance practices.
Proven ability to collaborate across teams, foster productive relationships, and drive outcomes in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
A continuous improvement mindset with the ability to anticipate emerging risks, identify process enhancements, and support scalable solutions.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of strategic risk initiatives across CWMIA, working closely with partners in Technology, Finance, HR Services, Operations, Compliance, Marketing, Scotia Wealth Management business lines, and other key stakeholders.
Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, risks, and resource requirements to support successful outcomes.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen governance, and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of CWMIA operations.
Lead remediation plans related to Internal Audit findings, regulatory examinations, internal testing, and business-identified issues.
Champion continuous improvement and innovation by enhancing risk frameworks, governance structures, and scalable processes.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on risk-related priorities, emerging issues, strategic opportunities, and regulatory trends.
Oversee executive-level communications, providing clear updates on initiative progress, risks, outcomes, and recommendations to senior leaders and governance committees.
Promote strong risk management principles and support alignment with Scotiabank’s risk appetite, Code of Conduct, Global Sales Principles, and regulatory obligations.