Director Operational Risk Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Requisition ID: 267425 
Join a purpose driven winning team, committed to results, in an inclusive and high-performing culture.

Join Scotiabank at a pivotal time of transformation, where Procurement is driving strategic value and innovation. As the Bank accelerates its adoption of AI and digital capabilities, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of sourcing within a global organization.

The Role

Lead the sourcing strategy behind Scotiabank's AI journey

AI is redefining how banks operate, serve clients, and manage risk - and Scotiabank is investing boldly. As Director, AI & Emerging Technology Sourcing, you'll set the commercial strategy for the partnerships powering our AI journey: foundation model providers, AI platforms, GPU compute, data platforms, and the next wave of agentic and generative capabilities.

This is a rare opportunity to lead at the intersection of procurement, technology, and innovation - building the Bank's commercial playbook for AI, negotiating with the world's leading AI companies, and helping Scotiabank scale responsibly, commercially, and safely. You'll also build and lead a specialized team focused on this fast-moving category.

Is this role right for you? In this role you will:

• Own sourcing strategy for AI and emerging tech categories including LLM providers, AI platforms, GPU/compute infrastructure, vector databases, and AI-enabled SaaS.
• Build and lead a high-performing team dedicated to AI and emerging tech sourcing; coach for both performance and long-term development and foster an inclusive culture.
• Serve as the Bank's senior commercial voice on AI sourcing: advising Technology, Data, and business executives on build vs. buy vs. partner decisions and deal structures that preserve optionality in a fast-moving market.
• Decode and negotiate complex commercial models: token-based pricing, consumption tiers, committed use discounts, enterprise agreements, model access rights, fine-tuning economics, and reserved capacity.
• Lead high-stakes negotiations with hyperscalers and AI-native vendors: balancing cost, model performance, data rights, IP protection, indemnification, and responsible AI commitments.
• Partner with Technology, Data, Legal, Privacy, Risk, and Model Risk Management to ensure AI sourcing aligns with regulatory expectations and internal AI governance - consistent with the Bank's risk appetite, Operational Risk, Regulatory Compliance, and Conduct Risk frameworks.
• Shape commercial guardrails for enterprise AI adoption: evaluation criteria, benchmarking clauses, exit rights, audit rights, and data/model portability.
• Build market intelligence on the AI vendor landscape: pricing trends, benchmark deals, model capability, and competitive positioning across peer banks.
• Own executive-level supplier relationships with strategic AI partners - governance, escalations, and innovation opportunities.
• Track and report benefits, risks, and commitments across the AI sourcing pipeline with executive-ready transparency.
• Understand how the Bank's risk appetite, risk culture and risk policies & processes should be considered/adhered to in day-to-day activities and decisions.
• Create an environment in which his/her team pursues effective and efficient operations of his/her respective areas, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational risk, regulatory compliance risk, AML/ATF risk and conduct risk, including but not limited to responsibilities under the Operational Risk Management Framework, Regulatory Compliance Risk Management Framework, AML/ATF Global Handbook and the Guidelines for Business Conduct. 
• Build a high-performance environment and implements a people strategy that attracts, retains, develops and motivates their team by fostering an inclusive work environment and using a coaching mindset and behaviors; communicating vison/values/business strategy; and, managing succession and development planning for the team.

Do you have the skills that will enable you to succeed in this role?  We'd love to work with you if you have:  

• Minimum 10 years of progressive strategic sourcing / procurement experience, with clear exposure to AI, SaaS, cloud, or data platform deals.
• Bachelor's degree required; CPM, CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent designation preferred. Advanced degree or AI-related certifications are an asset.
• People leadership experience - building and coaching teams, ideally in emerging or fast-evolving categories.
• Strong grasp of AI/ML commercial constructs - token pricing, inference vs. training costs, model licensing, data usage rights, and hyperscaler AI services.
• Curiosity and fluency in AI trends - foundation models, agentic AI, RAG, fine-tuning, and responsible AI frameworks.
• Proven ability to negotiate with sophisticated tech vendors and influence VP/SVP/EVP stakeholders through ambiguity and change.
• Hands-on with TCO modelling, benchmarking, and scenario analysis for novel pricing models.
• Awareness of third-party AI risk, model risk management, and evolving AI regulation in financial services.
• Clear executive presence, results orientation, and demonstrated ability to drive rapid and significant change.

What's in it for you?

• Front-row seat to AI transformation directly shape how Scotiabank partners with leading AI companies.
• Executive visibility through regular engagement with Technology, Data, and Procurement leadership.
• Category-defining work:  build the commercial playbook for AI sourcing in banking.
• A rewarding career path with diverse opportunities for professional development
• An organization committed to making a difference in our communities - for you and our customers.
• A competitive rewards program includes annual bonus, flexible vacation, personal and sick days, and comprehensive benefits that start on your first day.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Allyship - We strive to create an inclusive culture where every employee is empowered to reach their fullest potential, respected for who they are, and are embraced through bias-free practices and inclusive values across Scotiabank. We embrace diversity and provide opportunities for all employees to learn, grow & participate through our various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that span across diverse gender identities, ethnicity, race, age, ability & veterans.
• Accessibility and Workplace Accommodations - We value the unique skills and experiences every individual brings to the Bank and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Scotiabank continues to locate, remove and prevent barriers so that we can build a diverse and inclusive environment while meeting accessibility requirements.

 #PCMT2026 

Location(s):  Canada : Ontario : Toronto 
Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: "for every future", we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets.  
At Scotiabank, we value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the Bank, and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternate format documents, ASL Interpreter, or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our  Recruitment team know. If you require technical assistance, please click here. Candidates must apply directly online to be considered for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in a career at Scotiabank; however, only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted.