Title:  Director, Risk Initiatives, Business Controls & Oversight, CWM Investment Advisory

Requisition ID: 265182

ScotiaMcLeod, a cornerstone of Scotia Wealth Management®, is a full-service wealth management firm with a proud history dating back to 1921. Known for service excellence, trusted advice, and a collaborative culture, we’re committed to helping clients grow and protect their wealth by understanding their complete financial picture—life, family, business, and future. 

Our signature Enriched Thinking® approach brings together investment, wealth planning, and advisory specialists to deliver truly personalized solutions. You’ll be supported by an innovative, team-based environment that values integrity, client focus, and continuous growth.

At ScotiaMcLeod, you’re not just building a career—you’re joining a firm where ideas spark, collaboration thrives, and you’re empowered to reach your full potential while making a real impact in your clients' lives.

INTRODUCTION:

Canadian Wealth Management Investment Advisory is looking for a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Director, Risk Initiatives to help strengthen risk oversight, governance, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness across the business. In this high-impact leadership role, you will lead cross-functional initiatives, partner with senior stakeholders, and help shape scalable solutions that support sound business practices and a strong risk culture.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Lead the development and execution of strategic risk initiatives across CWMIA, working closely with partners in Technology, Finance, HR Services, Operations, Compliance, Marketing, Scotia Wealth Management business lines, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, risks, and resource requirements to support successful outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen governance, and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of CWMIA operations.
• Lead remediation plans related to Internal Audit findings, regulatory examinations, internal testing, and business-identified issues.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation by enhancing risk frameworks, governance structures, and scalable processes.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on risk-related priorities, emerging issues, strategic opportunities, and regulatory trends.
• Oversee executive-level communications, providing clear updates on initiative progress, risks, outcomes, and recommendations to senior leaders and governance committees.
• Promote strong risk management principles and support alignment with Scotiabank’s risk appetite, Code of Conduct, Global Sales Principles, and regulatory obligations.

DO YOU HAVE THE SKILLS?

• Strong experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives in risk, governance, controls, compliance, operations, project delivery, or a related financial services environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build project plans, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-impact initiatives with senior stakeholder visibility.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise executive updates, influence stakeholders, and translate complex risk matters into actionable recommendations.
• Strong understanding of risk management, regulatory expectations, audit requirements, business controls, and governance practices.
• Proven ability to collaborate across teams, foster productive relationships, and drive outcomes in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• A continuous improvement mindset with the ability to anticipate emerging risks, identify process enhancements, and support scalable solutions.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

• Competitive Compensation and Benefits package including annual incentive plans, time off entitlements, Pension Plan, Employee Share Ownership Plan and favourable employee rates for employee banking
• The opportunity to join a forward-thinking organization where you are surrounded by a collaborative team of innovative thinkers.
• An organization committed to making a difference in our communities– for you and our clients.
• An inclusive working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity and celebrates success.
• Learning and Development – free access to Scotia Academy to upskill and develop your skills.

#SWM

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.