Associate Director, Technology Portfolio

Join a Challenger

Being a traditional bank just isn’t our thing. We are big believers in innovating the banking experience because we believe Canadians deserve better options, and we challenge ourselves and our teams to creatively transform what’s possible in banking. Our team is made up of inquisitive and agile minds that find smarter ways of doing things. If you’re not afraid of taking on big challenges and redefining the future, you belong with us. You’ll get to work with people who will encourage you to reach new heights. We like to keep things fun, ask questions and learn together.

We are a big (and growing!) family. Overall we serve more than 370,000 people acrossCanadathrough Equitable Bank,Canada’sChallenger Bank, and have been around for more than 50 years. Equitable Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Concentra Bank, supports credit unions acrossCanadathat serve more than 5 million members. Together we have over$100 billionin combined assets under management and administration, with a clear mandate to drive change in Canadian banking to enrich people’s lives. Our EQ Bank platform ( eqbank.ca ) has been named the top Schedule I Bank inCanadaon the Forbes World’s Best Banks 2023, 2022, and 2021 lists.

The Work

The Associate Director will be responsible for initiating and delivering a strategic Programs/Projects for the Bank. The Associate Director will be responsible for developing the Program organizational structure and governance processes along with the approaches and strategies that will deliver the Program’s goals and objectives. The Associate Director will follow Equitable Bank’s delivery methodology, policies, procedures, and practices under the direction Delivery and Productivity leadership team in conjunction with the Product Management and Technology and Business delivery groups. The scope, timelines and deliverables of the Program will be directed by the dedicated Program Leaders and Program Sponsor.

Core Parts of the Role would be:

• In collaboration with the Sponsor, Product Owner, Technology Delivery Lead, and additional Stakeholders, define Program scope, objectives, approach and deliverables that support the goals and objectives of the Program.
• Plan and lead working sessions to structure program delivery into multiple work streams, identify dependencies, and align delivery through an overarching, integrated program schedule.
• Measure, control and actively manage the integrated Program schedule, including multiple project streams, teams, project plans, and major dependencies.
• Ensure completion of deliverables to Definition-of-Done, including respective approvals and acceptance.
• Define clear roles, responsibilities and accountabilities for project stream leaders and other Program resources.
• Establish effective governance, planning and control processes for the Program and project streams, aligned to the Bank’s Delivery Methodology.
• Prepare Program status updates to Project Sponsor, Steering Committee and other executive oversight bodies.
• Plan and facilitate Steering Committee meeting with business leads.
• Facilitate daily and weekly meetings with Program stakeholders as part of working team governance.
• Consolidate and manage vendor supplier work streams, dependencies, fees, and methodologies.
• Manage Project, Program and Executive decisions and Change Requests.
• Manage Program Risks, Actions, Issues, Decisions (RAID).
• Manage, track and report on Program financials.
• Develop and manage a Program communication plan.
• Coordinate and provide guidance to project streams and teams.
• Support Change Management and Readiness with stakeholders across the Bank.

Lets Talk About You!

• At least 10 years’ program and senior project management and delivery experience in Canadian Financial Services.
• Expert knowledge and experience of SDLC methodologies – both waterfall delivery and agile techniques.
• Experience working with and managing external vendors and suppliers for large, strategic programs.
• Demonstrated experience working with senior decision makers – Vice President (CEO level would be an asset).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead/influence others to achieve goals.
• Ability to organize and coordinate senior resources with cross-functional skillsets as a holistic group with close collaboration and cooperation.
• Experience working in a highly collaborative and customer-centric environment.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills with the ability to respond in a clear, concise and professional manner.
• Change Management experience at a Project and Program level

Additional desirable skills include:

• Experience and understanding of regulations and operational support for Canadian Retail Banking
• Experience Managing hybrid-agile deliveries
• Expertise with the Atlassian Suite (JIRA + Confluence)
• Extensive knowledge in modern technology and approach program management
• Passion for developing and coaching a team of project managers

What we offer For full-time permanent roles

Competitive discretionary bonus

Market leading RRSP match program

Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits

Employee Share Purchase Plan

Maternity/Parental top-up while you care for your little one

Generous vacation policy, personal days and even a moving day

Virtual events to connect with your fellow colleagues

Annual professional development allowance and a comprehensive Career Development program

A fulfilling opportunity to join one of the top FinTechs and help create a new kind of banking experience

The incumbent will be working hybrid and in office time will be spent working from Equitable Bank’s additional office space located at 351 King Street East, Toronto, ON.

Equitable Bank is deeply committed to inclusion. Our organization is stronger and our employees thrive when we honour and celebrate everyone’s diverse experiences and perspectives. In tandem with that commitment, we support and encourage our staff to grow not just in their career path, but personally as well.

We commit to providing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment for all applicants. Please let us know of any accommodations needed so that you can bring your best self to the application process and beyond.All candidates considered for hire must successfully pass a criminal background check and credit check to qualify for hire. While we appreciate your interest in applying, an Equitable recruiter will only contact leading candidates whose skills and qualifications closely match the requirements of the position.

We can’t wait to get to know you!