Director Software Engineering

RBC • Toronto, ON

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you a visionary technical leader ready to transform how we process cheques at scale? We're looking for a Director of Software Engineering to spearhead the modernization of our Digital Cheque Processing Portfolio—a mission-critical platform serving five lines of business with 99.5% availability standards. In this role, you'll combine deep technical expertise with strategic vision to drive platform evolution, establish governance frameworks, and embed AI-driven innovation into our delivery lifecycle. You'll own the full spectrum of software delivery, from design to support, while building high-performing teams and shaping enterprise-wide data strategies. If you thrive on solving complex technical challenges, mentoring emerging leaders, and catalyzing organizational transformation, this opportunity awaits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent
• 12+ years of progressive software development experience; 7+ years in leadership roles within payments/financial services technology
• Proven track record leading development teams through complex, multi-vendor payment processing programs in regulated environments
• Extensive experience with platform modernization (legacy systems to cloud/microservices) and large-scale vendor-led rollouts
• Advanced expertise across: Java/Spring Boot, Microservices, Event-Driven Architecture (Kafka), API Management (REST/SOAP/MQ), Cloud-native Development (PCF/OpenShift)
• Strong DevOps foundation: Agile/DevOps, CI-CD pipelines (Jenkins, Git, Docker), container orchestration
• Solution architecture and design pattern expertise
• Working knowledge of payment platform user interfaces and underlying capabilities
• Executive-level communication skills; ability to articulate technical strategy, trade-offs, and delivery status to senior leadership
• Strong stakeholder management across business, operations, and technology in matrixed environments
• Proven ability to build, retain, and develop high-performing engineering teams
• Deep technical judgment paired with pragmatic risk management and prioritization skills
• Ability to balance long-term architectural vision with near-term delivery commitments

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Business
• Deep expertise in end-to-end payment processing: clearing, settlement, infrastructure, and platform user interfaces
• Experience with AI-driven development practices (AI-SDLC) and change management
• Cheque Processing platform experience or knowledge of industry exchange standards
• Track record of driving organizational transformation while supporting employees through change
• Growth mindset with demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and building inclusive, diverse teams
• Experience exemplifying RBC's Collective Ambition and leadership model

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior business leaders across five Lines of Business to align platform modernization initiatives with evolving enterprise needs
• Make independent strategic decisions on platform direction, technology roadmap, and operational excellence while mentoring senior management teams
• Drive innovation by identifying and solving highly complex technical challenges in platform engineering, data integration, and emerging AI-driven delivery models
• Oversee end-to-end design, development, and modernization of Digital Cheque Processing platforms, managing cross-functional teams and leading transformational technology changes
• Manage complex vendor relationships (Candescent, IBM, Instantiations, Symcor) to ensure seamless integration, timely delivery, and value realization
• Advance platform resilience and operational capabilities while maintaining 99.5% availability across mission-critical systems
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to enhance organizational data capabilities and competitive positioning
• Own accountability for zero critical vulnerabilities across 13 production platforms and lead security/compliance initiatives
• Direct multiple development teams, fostering high performance through clear accountability, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities
• Champion AI adoption and hands-on innovation initiatives to increase team efficiency and develop new organizational capabilities
• Model leadership through example, reinforcing RBC's people-driven, client-focused leadership model

Benefits

• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock where applicable
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
• A world-class training program in financial services
• Flexible work/life balance options
• Opportunities to do challenging work, take on progressively greater accountabilities, and build close relationships with clients

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director