Sr. Director, Application Development & Quality Assurance

CIBC•Toronto, ON

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Senior Director, Application Development & QA for ASG, you will be a hands-on, strategic leader responsible for driving innovation and operational excellence in payment technologies. You will oversee the development and quality assurance lifecycles for the GPS product suite, ensuring solutions meet the needs of both internal and global external clients. This role requires deep expertise in payment systems, a strong grasp of emerging technologies, and the ability to align application services with CIBC’s business objectives. You will lead and inspire a team of 50+ developers and testers, manage complex systems, and provide technology consultation to diverse stakeholders. Your leadership will help shape solution designs, system strategies, and process improvements that deliver high-quality, cost-effective IT software development lifecycles in support of ASG’s Payments business. You will work cross-functionally with technology leaders, business partners, and external vendors, while collaborating closely with teams such as Information Security, Enterprise Architecture, and Application Operations. Ensuring compliance with CIBC policies and standards, you’ll recommend process improvements and make key people management decisions. Your expertise in team leadership, risk management, and payment technologies, combined with strong analytical and relationship skills, will enable you to drive innovation and deliver high-quality solutions. At CIBC we enable the work environment most optimal for you to thrive in your role. You’ll have the flexibility to manage your work activities within a hybrid work arrangement where you’ll spend 1-3 days per week on-site, while other days will be remote.

Requirements

Deep expertise in payment technologies, application development, and QA processes.
Proven track record of managing large teams (50+).
Proven track record of managing complex systems.
Proven track record of managing significant budgets ($10M+).
Skilled in risk management.
Skilled in business case justification.
Skilled in strategic planning.
Strong communicator, both written and verbal.
Ability to present clear recommendations to executives.
Passionate about innovation and technology trends.
Values trust, teamwork, and accountability.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a relationship-oriented bank for the modern world.
Experience with emerging technologies.
Ability to align application services with CIBC’s business objectives.
Ability to provide technology consultation to diverse stakeholders.
Ability to shape solution designs, system strategies, and process improvements.
Experience collaborating with teams such as Information Security, Enterprise Architecture, and Application Operations.
Experience making key people management decisions.
Strong analytical skills.
Strong relationship skills.
Experience in a matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute multi-year roadmaps for application development and QA, aligning with ASG and CIBC’s strategic priorities.
Oversee delivery of new software across all lines of the GPS payments portfolio, ensuring compliance with policies, standards, and controls.
Drive innovation by staying current with payment processing trends and global standards, applying best practices to maintain a competitive edge.
Build and maintain strong relationships with business partners, executive sponsors, technology teams, and external vendors.
Influence client and business priorities, mentor executive sponsors, and collaborate across the organization to ensure strategic alignment and flawless execution.
Provide sophisticated analysis and recommendations to senior management and executives.
Manage team performance through fair and accurate feedback, obstacle removal, and clear alignment of expectations with business priorities.
Champion CIBC’s mission, vision, and values, fostering a positive work environment and role modeling effective leadership.
Hire, develop, and motivate staff, providing opportunities for growth and development.
Ensure application services are stable, available, and deliver strong ROI.
Oversee budget management, audit compliance, risk management, and information security for application services.
Recommend process modifications to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.