Director, Chequing Product & Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director, Chequing Product & Strategy Company: CIBC Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Management / Strategy Date Posted: January 22, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid (1-3 days/week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and profitable growth of the Chequing product portfolio, with a primary focus on the revamped Smart Account product.
• Drive product development initiatives, feature enhancements, and go-to-market strategies to maximize sales, financial results, and client experience.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Chequing products, translating market insights into actionable product roadmaps and competitive strategies.
• Foster strong cross-functional relationships with internal and external partners to ensure seamless product implementation and achievement of business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the Everyday Banking Product Management team, reporting to the Senior Director. It involves significant ownership of product brand, balances, profitability, and client experience, indicating a senior-level product strategy and management function. The emphasis on "profitable balance and account growth" and "primary deposit relationships" highlights a strong focus on revenue generation and customer acquisition/retention within the core banking segment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Product Portfolio Ownership: Assume ultimate accountability for the Chequing product portfolio, including brand management, balance growth, profitability, and overall client experience.
• Strategic Product Development: Develop and execute the product strategy and roadmap for the Chequing portfolio, specifically focusing on driving profitable balance and account growth for the Smart Account product.
• Feature Enhancement & Innovation: Oversee the development of new product features and enhancements, assessing their impact, effectiveness, and feasibility, and making authoritative recommendations for implementation.
• Market & Competitive Analysis: Continuously monitor the competitive landscape, including consumer trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes, to inform product strategy and identify opportunities for portfolio protection and growth.
• Client-Centric Initiatives: Manage client feedback and escalations to ensure a laser focus on client needs, and lead portfolio migration initiatives from legacy to actively sold products.
• Go-to-Market Execution: Lead go-to-market activities for new product launches and enhancements, ensuring effective implementation and achievement of business case targets.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with key internal partners including Account Management, Acquisition, Digital, Technology, Risk Management, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Compliance, Sales Support, and other lines of business to ensure alignment and successful execution of product strategies.
• Business Case Development: Contribute to the creation of compelling business cases for new initiatives and product enhancements, clearly articulating the value proposition and financial projections.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a blend of strategic product leadership and hands-on execution. The "Subject Matter Expert (SME)" and "product portfolio leader" titles suggest deep product knowledge and ownership. The emphasis on "driving profitable balance and account growth" and "primary deposit relationships" points towards a strong financial and sales-oriented product management focus. Success criteria include improving both client and employee experience, highlighting a holistic approach to product management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for a Director-level role in financial services. A Master's degree or MBA would be a strong asset.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in product management, strategic planning, or business development within the financial services industry, with a demonstrable focus on retail banking products, particularly chequing and deposit accounts.

Required Skills:

• Strategic and Business Planning: Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive business plans and strategic initiatives.
• Product Management: In-depth knowledge and experience in managing the full product lifecycle, from ideation and development to launch and optimization.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial services, including product profitability, balance growth drivers, and P&L management.
• Market & Competitive Analysis: Ability to analyze market trends, competitive offerings, and regulatory environments to inform product strategy.
• Client Centricity: Demonstrated commitment to understanding and improving client experience, with a focus on problem-solving and issue resolution.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with and influence a wide range of internal and external partners.
• Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to lead initiatives, influence stakeholders, and drive cross-functional teams towards common goals.
• Business Case Development: Experience in creating robust business cases that justify new initiatives and product enhancements.

Preferred Skills:

• Day-to-Day Banking Products: Deep expertise in chequing accounts, deposit products, and related financial services.
• Pricing Strategies: Experience in developing and implementing effective pricing strategies for financial products.
• Product Marketing: Understanding of product marketing principles and go-to-market strategies.
• Project Management: Ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion.
• Digital Banking: Familiarity with digital banking platforms and trends.
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of financial industry regulations and compliance requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is inferred from the "Director" title and the "5-10 years" guideline provided by the AI. The required skills are derived from the responsibilities and the "Who you are" section of the job description, with an emphasis on strategic, analytical, and leadership capabilities crucial for a product director role in a regulated industry like banking.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Roadmap Development: Ability to create and articulate a multi-year product roadmap for the Chequing portfolio, demonstrating clear strategic alignment with CIBC's overall business objectives.
• Business Case Documentation: Experience in developing detailed business cases for new product initiatives, including market analysis, financial projections (ROI, P&L impact), risk assessment, and implementation plans.
• Product Performance Analysis: Demonstrable ability to analyze product performance metrics, identify trends, and develop actionable insights for optimization and growth.
• Client Experience Improvement Plans: Evidence of developing and implementing strategies to enhance client satisfaction and reduce friction points within the Chequing product offering.

Process Documentation:

• Product Development Lifecycle: Documented understanding and experience with a structured product development lifecycle, from ideation and concept validation through to testing, launch, and post-launch analysis.
• Go-to-Market Planning: Experience in creating comprehensive go-to-market plans that outline target audiences, messaging, channel strategies, and sales enablement for new product features and offerings.
• Cross-Functional Workflow Design: Ability to map and optimize workflows involving multiple departments (e.g., Technology, Marketing, Sales, Operations, Legal, Compliance) to ensure efficient product delivery and client service.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Establishing and documenting processes for ongoing monitoring of product performance against key KPIs, and creating regular reporting mechanisms for senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job description doesn't explicitly detail portfolio requirements, a Director-level product strategy role inherently demands strong documentation and presentation of strategic plans, business cases, and performance analyses. These are critical for gaining buy-in, managing resources, and demonstrating ROI in a corporate environment like CIBC.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Director, Chequing Product & Strategy role in Toronto, Canada, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $120,000 - $180,000. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, performance, and internal equity.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on research of similar Director-level product management and strategy roles within the Canadian financial services sector, considering the cost of living in Toronto, and industry benchmarks for leadership positions at large financial institutions. Data sources include industry salary surveys, financial services recruitment firm reports, and publicly available compensation data for comparable roles.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Base salary commensurate with experience and role responsibilities.
• Incentive Pay: Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentive programs tied to product growth and financial targets.
• Banking Benefits: Access to CIBC's suite of banking products and services, potentially with preferential rates.
• Comprehensive Benefits Program: Health, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan: A secure retirement savings plan providing a predictable income stream in retirement.
• Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP): Opportunity to purchase CIBC stock at a discounted rate.
• Generous Vacation Offering: Paid time off for rest and rejuvenation.
• Wellbeing Support: Resources and programs focused on employee mental, physical, and financial health.
• MomentMakers: A social recognition program for acknowledging contributions.

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility, allowing 1-3 days per week on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for the Toronto market for a Director-level role in financial services. The benefits are directly extracted from the provided text and highlight a robust total rewards package common in large Canadian financial institutions. The working hours are specified, and the hybrid nature is also clearly stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking) Company Size: CIBC is a major Canadian multinational investment bank and financial services company. It is one of the "Big Five" banks in Canada, indicating a large, established organization with a significant global presence and employee base (over 40,000 employees). Founded: CIBC was founded in 1869, giving it a long history and deep roots in the Canadian financial landscape.

Team Structure:

• Reporting Line: This role reports to the Senior Director, Everyday Banking Product Management, indicating a clear hierarchy within the product management function.
• Team Focus: The team is dedicated to managing and growing core retail banking products, specifically chequing and everyday banking solutions.
• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates close collaboration with numerous departments, including Digital, Technology, Marketing, Sales, Risk, Legal, and Compliance, reflecting a matrixed organizational structure common in large enterprises.

Methodology:

• Relationship-Oriented Banking: CIBC emphasizes building strong relationships with clients, suggesting a culture that values personalized service and long-term engagement.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The description mentions "giving meaning to data" and "investigating complex problems," indicating an analytical approach to strategy and problem-solving.
• Agile & Innovative: The mention of "building a relationship-oriented bank for the modern world" and empowering employees suggests a drive for innovation and adapting to evolving client needs and market dynamics.
• Client-Centric Approach: A core value is putting clients first, ensuring their needs are at the forefront of product development and service delivery.

Company Website: https://www.cibc.com/en/about-cibc.html

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context provides a backdrop of a large, established financial institution with a long history and a commitment to client relationships and innovation. The team structure implies a collaborative environment requiring strong stakeholder management skills. The emphasis on "relationship-oriented" and "modern world" suggests a balancing act between traditional banking values and forward-thinking strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is at the Director level, signifying a significant leadership role with substantial strategic responsibility and autonomy. It sits within the Product Management function, focusing on a critical segment of the bank's retail offerings. The role requires not just strategic vision but also the ability to drive execution and manage relationships across the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Director reports to a Senior Director, indicating a clear path for advancement within the product management hierarchy. The role also involves leading and influencing cross-functional teams without direct reporting lines for many individuals, highlighting a need for strong leadership and collaboration skills.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on CIBC's core retail banking business. Success in this position will directly contribute to:

• Profitable Balance and Account Growth: Directly influencing the bank's deposit base and revenue generation.
• Client Acquisition and Retention: Enhancing the attractiveness and usability of chequing products to acquire new clients and retain existing ones.
• Client Experience: Improving satisfaction and loyalty through well-designed and efficiently managed products.
• Competitive Positioning: Ensuring CIBC's chequing offerings remain competitive in a dynamic market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Potential to advance to Senior Director or VP-level roles within Product Management or broader Retail Banking divisions.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product areas or expand into broader retail banking strategy roles.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related areas such as Digital Strategy, Marketing, or Business Development within CIBC.
• Leadership Development: Access to CIBC's leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and specialized training to enhance strategic, managerial, and executive presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Director title implies a significant level of responsibility and strategic input. Growth opportunities are framed around typical progression paths in large financial institutions, emphasizing both vertical advancement and lateral moves into related strategic functions. The impact is clearly tied to core business objectives like revenue and customer experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a corporate office environment at CIBC's 81 Bay Street location in Toronto. This suggests a professional, structured workplace designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Location: Toronto-81 Bay, 25th Floor, Toronto, ON, Canada. This is a central business district location, easily accessible via public transit.

Workspace Context:

• Hybrid Work Model: Employees are expected to be in the office 1-3 days per week, with the remaining days remote. This hybrid model aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration and team cohesion with the flexibility of remote work.
• Collaborative Environment: CIBC emphasizes creating spaces and technological tools that facilitate collaboration among employees, essential for a role that requires extensive cross-functional interaction.
• Technology & Tools: Employees will have access to the necessary technological infrastructure and tools to perform their duties effectively in both the office and remote settings, supporting data analysis, communication, and product management activities.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 37.5 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in managing work activities, enabling individuals to structure their week to optimize productivity for both focused individual work and collaborative team sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key feature, indicating a modern approach to workplace flexibility. The Toronto office location suggests a dynamic urban professional environment. The context implies a workplace that supports both focused analytical work and collaborative strategy development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a recruiter or HR screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Senior Director, focusing on strategic thinking, product vision, leadership style, and specific experience relevant to chequing products and market strategy.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from departments like Digital, Technology, Marketing, and Sales to assess collaboration, communication, and ability to influence diverse teams.
• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a strategic proposal, analyze a product challenge, or outline a roadmap for a specific aspect of the chequing portfolio. This would assess strategic acumen, analytical skills, and presentation capabilities.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader (e.g., VP) for final assessment of strategic fit and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Roadmaps: Showcase examples of product roadmaps you've developed, highlighting how they align with business objectives and market opportunities.
• Business Case Examples: Present a de-identified business case you developed, demonstrating your ability to articulate value, financial projections, and implementation considerations. Focus on the structure and strategic thinking behind it.
• Product Performance Analysis: Prepare a case study of how you analyzed product performance, identified key insights, and implemented changes that led to measurable improvements (e.g., account growth, profitability, client satisfaction). Use data visualization where appropriate.
• Go-to-Market Strategies: Outline a successful go-to-market plan you contributed to or led, emphasizing the strategic approach, target audience, and key execution elements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Thinking: Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing product strategy, identifying market opportunities, and responding to competitive threats in the retail banking space.
• Data Analysis & Problem Solving: Practice articulating how you use data to solve complex problems and make informed product decisions. Be ready to discuss a time you used data to drive a significant product change.
• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced and collaborated with diverse stakeholders (e.g., Technology, Marketing, Sales, Legal) to achieve product goals.
• Product Vision: Articulate your vision for the future of chequing products in a digital-first banking environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines a typical interview process for a Director-level role at a large financial institution. The emphasis on portfolio review and case study preparation is crucial for roles involving strategic planning and product ownership, allowing candidates to demonstrate their capabilities beyond theoretical knowledge.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management Platforms: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, or similar for managing product backlogs, roadmaps, and documentation.
• CRM Systems: Familiarity with customer relationship management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for understanding customer data and interaction history, though specific CIBC systems would be proprietary.
• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Office Suite) or Google Workspace for communication, document sharing, and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with BI platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for data analysis, dashboard creation, and performance reporting.
• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics for understanding digital product usage and client behavior.
• Financial Modeling Software: Proficiency in Excel for financial analysis, forecasting, and business case development.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Data Platforms (CDP): Understanding of how customer data is managed and utilized for product strategy.
• Marketing Automation Tools: Awareness of how marketing automation supports product launches and customer engagement (though this role is product-focused, not marketing).
• Internal CIBC Systems: Expectation to learn and utilize CIBC's proprietary internal systems for product management, customer data, and financial reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific technology stack for a large bank like CIBC is often proprietary. This section focuses on the types of tools and technologies commonly used in product management, strategic planning, and financial analysis roles within such organizations, highlighting the need for analytical and data-handling capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust, Teamwork, Accountability: These are explicitly stated core values at CIBC. For this role, they translate to:
  • Trust: Building confidence with clients and colleagues through reliable product delivery and transparent communication.
  • Teamwork: Collaborating effectively across departments to achieve shared product and business goals.
  • Accountability: Taking ownership of the Chequing product portfolio's performance, from development to profitability and client satisfaction.
• Client-Centricity: A paramount value, meaning all product decisions and strategies must prioritize client needs and experience.
• Innovation & Modernization: A drive to build a "relationship-oriented bank for the modern world," indicating a culture that embraces change and seeks innovative solutions.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing the use of data to understand complex problems and inform strategic choices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands a highly collaborative style, working closely with teams across Marketing, Digital, Technology, Sales, Risk, Legal, and Compliance to ensure product success.
• Relationship Building: Emphasis on establishing rapport and working effectively with internal and external partners, fostering a positive and productive working environment.
• Influence & Leadership: The ability to lead and influence without direct authority is critical, requiring strong communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills.
• Feedback & Continuous Improvement: A culture that likely encourages open feedback loops to continuously refine products, processes, and strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are directly from the job description. The collaboration style is inferred from the extensive list of required cross-functional partners and the Director-level responsibility for driving initiatives across the organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Legacy & Innovation: Managing a portfolio that likely includes established, legacy products alongside newer, innovative offerings like the Smart Account requires strategic prioritization and resource allocation.
• Competitive Market Dynamics: The chequing account market is highly competitive. Staying ahead of competitors, fintechs, and evolving consumer expectations is a constant challenge.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Achieving consensus and driving initiatives across numerous departments with potentially competing priorities requires strong negotiation and influence skills.
• Digital Transformation Integration: Ensuring that traditional banking products are seamlessly integrated into CIBC's digital channels and customer journeys is a complex undertaking.
• Regulatory Environment: Navigating the stringent regulatory landscape of the Canadian financial services industry adds a layer of complexity to product development and strategy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Product Strategy: Deepen expertise in financial product strategy, market analysis, and competitive positioning within the banking sector.
• Leadership Development: Access to CIBC's leadership training programs, executive coaching, and mentorship opportunities to hone management and strategic leadership skills.
• Industry Trends: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and pursue certifications related to product management, digital banking, and financial innovation.
• Broadening Business Acumen: Gain exposure to different facets of the bank's operations through cross-functional collaboration, enhancing overall business understanding.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within CIBC, providing invaluable career guidance and insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on common issues faced in product management roles within large, established financial institutions operating in competitive and regulated markets. Growth opportunities are framed around typical career development paths and learning resources available at such organizations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a product strategy for a core retail banking product like a chequing account. How would you balance growth objectives with client experience and profitability?"
  • Preparation: Focus on frameworks like market segmentation, competitive analysis, customer journey mapping, and setting SMART goals. Emphasize data-driven decision-making and alignment with overall business strategy.
• "How would you approach launching a revamped product, such as our Smart Account, to ensure successful adoption and achieve the business case targets? What key stakeholders would you involve and how would you manage their expectations?"
  • Preparation: Detail your go-to-market planning process, including target audience definition, channel strategy, sales enablement, marketing messaging, and post-launch monitoring. Highlight your stakeholder management approach.
• "Imagine our chequing portfolio is experiencing declining primary deposit growth. What steps would you take to diagnose the problem, and what types of solutions might you explore?"
  • Preparation: Think analytically. Discuss using data (transactional, demographic, competitive) to identify root causes. Brainstorm potential solutions across product features, pricing, marketing, and customer experience.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about CIBC's strategy regarding digital banking and client relationships? How does your experience align with our 'relationship-oriented bank for the modern world' vision?"
  • Preparation: Research CIBC's recent initiatives, investor reports, and stated values. Connect your experience in product management and client focus to their strategic direction.
• "This role requires significant collaboration. Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders from different departments (e.g., Technology, Marketing, Sales) to gain buy-in for a product initiative. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?"
  • Preparation: Use the STAR method to detail a specific situation, your actions (communication, negotiation, data presentation), and the positive result achieved through collaboration.
• "How do you measure the success of a product, beyond just revenue? How do you ensure your product strategy drives tangible value for both the client and the business?"
  • Preparation: Discuss a balanced scorecard of KPIs including client satisfaction (NPS, CSAT), adoption rates, engagement metrics, operational efficiency, and financial performance.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key achievements and strategic contributions. For each example (e.g., a product launch, a strategy shift), clearly state the objective, your role, the process you followed, the data/analysis used, the outcome (quantified where possible), and lessons learned.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., X% increase in account growth, Y% improvement in client satisfaction, $Z in revenue generated).
• Focus on Strategy: For this Director-level role, emphasize the strategic thinking behind your decisions, not just the tactical execution. Explain why you made certain choices.
• Tailor to CIBC: If possible, subtly tailor your examples to align with CIBC's stated values and strategic priorities (e.g., client relationships, digital innovation).

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions and preparation tips are designed to probe the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, problem-solving skills, and understanding of the financial services industry, aligning with the expectations for a Director-level product role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director, Chequing Product & Strategy position:

• Submit your application through the CIBC careers portal via the provided link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in product management, strategic planning, financial services (especially chequing products), and leadership. Use keywords from the job description such as "product strategy," "portfolio growth," "client experience," "business cases," and "stakeholder management."
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects or initiatives that best demonstrate your strategic thinking, product development lifecycle management, and ability to drive measurable results. Be ready to discuss the strategy, your role, the process, and the outcome in detail.
• Research CIBC: Understand CIBC's mission, values, recent news, and strategic priorities, particularly in retail banking and digital transformation. Be prepared to articulate how your skills and experience align with their goals.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method and for strategic questions by thinking through hypothetical scenarios relevant to the role and industry.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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