LEAD, AI-NATIVE INCUBATOR (Temporary 18-24 Months)

BDC • Montreal, QC

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Imagine redesigning how entrepreneurs access financing from the ground up. At BDC, we believe the future of banking will be AI-native, client-centric, and built around entirely new ways of creating value for Canadian entrepreneurs. As part of BDC’s AI transformation strategy, we are launching an independent incubator focused on reimagining financing for SMEs, with AI embedded at the core of how solutions are designed and built, with a mandate to rapidly test and iterate on the next generation of financing experiences. As the Lead of the AI-Native Banking Incubator, you will operate as the lead of this initiative, with full accountability for transforming vision into a viable solution for the organization. You will build and lead a startup-style venture within BDC, assembling a multidisciplinary team, defining the product strategy, delivering a market-ready MVP, and creating a scalable blueprint for the future of banking. Every aspect of how the team operates leverages AI—from research and ideation to development and go-to-market. The objective is not only to accelerate, but to fundamentally change how products are designed and delivered by embedding AI into each decision and workflow. This is not a traditional leadership role. It is an opportunity to build the future of banking.

Requirements

• Proven experience building and launching new products, ventures, or platforms from concept to market including AI initiatives.
• Track record in startup, fintech, innovation, or high-growth environments.
• Exceptional product instincts and customer-centric thinking.
• Entrepreneurial builder mindset with a strong bias for action.
• Strong results orientation, with ability to move quickly, prioritize effectively and deliver on tangible outcomes in the short cycles.
• Strong intellectual curiosity and willingness to quickly build a deep understanding of the banking environment, including its regulatory and legislative foundations.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through ambiguity and change.
• Understanding of AI technologies and digital business models.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; MBA or graduate degree is an asset.
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Bilingualism is required

Responsibilities

• Build the Future of Banking: Lead the creation of a new AI-native financing model designed from AI- first principles. Define the long-term vision, value proposition, and strategic direction for the AI-Native Banking Incubator. Reimagine how entrepreneurs access financing through AI, automation, data, and modern digital experiences. Establish a compelling North Star metric and success framework.
• Build and Launch New Products: Lead the end-to-end design, development, and delivery of innovative financing solutions. Define product strategy, customer journeys, use cases, and MVP priorities. Ensure delivery of a successful MVP and pilot with real clients.
• Build and Lead a High-Performing Team: Assemble, lead, and develop a multidisciplinary founding team. Foster a culture of ownership, experimentation, collaboration, and accountability. Create agile ways of working that enable startup-level speed.
• Drive Enterprise Alignment and Strategic Partnerships: Build relationships with executive leaders and key stakeholders. Collaborate with risk, governance, compliance, and operational teams. Develop strategic partnerships with fintechs and technology providers. Get to know current ways of working and parameters to better establish future needs.
• Create the Path to Scale: Design and prove operating models that can scale beyond the incubator, with a clear path to adoption across BDC. Develop a roadmap for integration into BDC’s future operations. Enable sustainable growth and long-term value creation.

Benefits

• Flexible and competitive benefits
• Employee Savings and Investment Plan where BDC matches part of your voluntary contributions
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• $750 wellness and health care spending account
• Paid vacation each year
• Five personal days
• Sick days as necessary
• Offices are closed from December 25 to January 1
• Hybrid work model

What This Job Offers

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