Director, AI Governance & Transformation

RBC; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

RBC in Toronto seeks a Director of AI Governance & Transformation to lead PB&CB 1LOD function, embedding enterprise AI governance across Generative AI, ML and AI-enabled automation, balancing innovation with risk management.

You will drive the governance operating model, partner with Technology, Data, Legal and Compliance, and lead strategic programs to modernize data governance and implement scalable controls across Canada.

Qualifications

• Experience in AI governance and risk management within financial services.
• Proven ability to lead governance councils and committee work.
• Strong collaboration with senior business and technology stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop PB&CB AI governance strategy, operating model & maturity roadmap.
• Translate policies into practical AI lifecycle processes and controls.
• Establish governance for Generative AI and Agentic AI.
• Lead 1LOD implementation of AI governance requirements including intake, risk assessment and deployment.
• Drive Responsible AI adoption with business and technology teams.
• Identify governance gaps and drive timely remediation with owners.
• Establish an AI monitoring program covering risks and incidents.
• Maintain governance reporting, dashboards and issue management.
• Oversee escalation for higher-risk autonomous AI.
• Lead data governance transformation and automation initiatives.

Skills

AI governance

Data management

Risk management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder collaboration

Governance councils

Job description

Director, AI Governance & Transformation

Aug 17, 2026

Job Description

What is the opportunity?

The Director, AI Governance & Transformation leads the first line of defence (1LOD) function for Personal Banking & Commercial Banking (PB&CB). The role is accountable for embedding and operating the enterprise AI governance framework within the business, enabling the responsible adoption and use of Artificial Intelligence across Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning, predictive analytics and AI-enabled automation.

The role will establish and continuously enhance the PB&CB AI governance operating model across the AI lifecycle, balancing responsible innovation with effective risk management. In addition, the Director will lead strategic transformation initiatives that simplify, digitize and scale governance and data management capabilities across the business. The role serves as a key 1LOD advisor and coordinator across Business, Technology, Data, Privacy, Operational Risk, Model Risk, Cybersecurity, Legal, Compliance and enterprise AI governance functions

This role works in the office 3 to 4 days a week.

What will you do?

Develop and execute the PB&CB AI Governance Strategy, operating model and maturity roadmap aligned with enterprise requirements and risk appetite.

Translate enterprise AI policies and regulatory expectations into practical business processes, controls and implementation guidance across the AI lifecycle.

Establish governance approaches for emerging AI capabilities, including Generative AI and Agentic AI.

Implementation & Adherence

Lead 1LOD implementation of AI governance requirements, including intake, inventory, classification, risk assessment, approval, deployment, monitoring, change and retirement.

Drive adoption of Responsible AI practices and provide practical guidance to business and technology teams on governance requirements.

Identify governance gaps and exceptions and drive timely remediation with accountable business and technology owners.

Establish a risk-based AI monitoring program covering governance adherence, control effectiveness, exceptions, incidents and emerging risks.

Maintain AI governance reporting, dashboards and issue management, providing clear visibility of material risks and remediation to senior leadership.

Establish appropriate oversight and escalation mechanisms for higher-risk and autonomous/agentic AI capabilities.

Transformation

Lead transformation initiatives to simplify, standardize, digitize and automate data governance and management processes and controls.

Develop scalable governance capabilities, including technology-enabled workflow, inventory, monitoring and reporting.

Drive continuous improvement of governance maturity and integration into existing business and technology delivery processes.

Provide thought leadership through on key data strategies include, but not limited to, platform modernization, access management modernization.

Advisory, Awareness & Change

Act as a trusted 1LOD advisor to business leaders, AI product owners and delivery teams on responsible and risk-based AI adoption.

Lead targeted communication, training and change management to embed AI governance accountability across PB&CB.

Promote a culture that enables responsible AI innovation while maintaining appropriate risk management and control.

Enterprise & Regional Alignment

Serve as the primary PB&CB first line of defense (1LOD) liaison with enterprise AI governance and relevant second-line and control functions.

Coordinate consistent AI governance implementation across PB&CB Canada, Caribbean and other applicable jurisdictions, incorporating local requirements where necessary.

Represent PB&CB in relevant enterprise AI governance forums and support the evolution of enterprise AI governance practices

What do you need to succeed?

Must-haves:

10+ years in Data Management, AI Governance, Operational Risk, Technology Risk, Model Risk, Compliance, or related disciplines.

Proven leadership experience in financial services, implementing enterprise governance frameworks and building governance operating models

Proven experience participating in or managing governance councils and committees, with the ability to oversee data management initiatives while maintaining executive-level reporting and organizational alignment.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multiple department leads and senior business stakeholders to execute data strategies, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive enterprise-wide policy implementation. Solid working knowledge of banking operations and the financial services regulatory landscape, ideally with several years’ experience in Risk Management, Compliance or Internal Audit.

Experience overseeing AI, analytics, machine learning, or intelligent automation.

Proved track record of making recommendations on Enterprise Data Policy for enhancements

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:

PERSONAL & COMMERCIAL BANKING

Job Type:

Regular

Posted Date:

2026-08-17

Application Deadline:

2026-09-05

Note** : **

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

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.

Royal Bank of Canada is a leading global financial institution committed to innovation, exceptional client experiences, and community support, serving over 17 million clients worldwide.

Banking Credit Intermediation Financial Services

Company size 10,001+ employees

Company type Public company

Total funding $22.2M Post IPO Debt

Funding history

Royal Bank of Canada$22.2M

Apr 2014