Director Software Engineering

Job Description What is the opportunity? 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. What will you do? Strategic Leadership & Delivery 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 Platform & Technology Ownership 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 Team Leadership & Development 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 What do you need to succeed? Must-have: Experience & Track Record 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 Technical Acumen 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 Leadership & Communication 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-have: 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 What's in it for you? We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual. 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 Job Skills Application Development, Application Maintenance, Applications Architecture, Commercial Acumen, Enterprise Application Delivery, Information Technology Management, Information Technology Trends, Programming Languages, System Applications Additional Job Details Address: RBC WATERPARK PLACE, 88 QUEENS QUAY W:TORONTO City: Toronto Country: Canada Work hours/week: 37.5 Employment Type: Full time Platform: TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS Job Type: Regular Pay Type: Salaried Posted Date: 2026-08-11 Application Deadline: 2026-08-28 Note : Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above Our Employment Opportunities At RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all. Join our Talent Community Stay in-the-know about great career opportunities at RBC. Sign up and get customized info on our latest jobs, career tips and Recruitment events that matter to you. Expand your limits and create a new future together at RBC. Find out how we use our passion and drive to enhance the well-being of our clients and communities at . RBC is presently inviting candidates to apply for this existing vacancy. Applying to this posting allows you to express your interest in this current career opportunity at RBC. Qualified applicants may be contacted to review their resume in more detail.