Our Project Delivery and Support team here at Scotiabank provides our Technology and Business partners with best-in-class project management expertise while building a community of professionals ensuring alignment between project management and governance practices. With collaboration and innovation at its core, the Project Delivery and Support team works on bank-wide, forward-thinking initiatives and supports its employees to grow and develop their careers as Project Managers.
We chatted with Lee, Senior Project Manager on the Project Delivery and Support team to learn more about his career journey and what makes the team so unique!
Lee: My name is Lee and I am a Senior Project Manager on the Project Delivery and Support team. I started my career in Project Management at Scotiabank in 2014, and over the past 7 years have held various roles in quality assurance, release management, and business analysis. I love to explore ways of growing my career in technology and never turn down an opportunity to learn something new. Aside from work, I enjoy spending time with my family and my two dogs and have a great passion for studying Japanese martial arts!
Meaghan: How did you start your career at Scotiabank, and how would you describe working here?
Lee: I was part of an acquisition by Scotiabank back in 2011 and was excited to continue my technology career here. I have stayed with the Bank because of the many opportunities I have been given to grow my career, and all the great people I’ve worked with and built relationships with over the years. Scotiabank creates a very collaborative and inclusive atmosphere for its employees. We work hard to be the best we can each day to deliver value to our clients.
Meaghan: How would you describe the culture within the Project Delivery and Support team specifically?
Lee: I would describe the culture as people-oriented. Leadership is always considering how our projects affect people – whether it be our team, the teams we work with, or our customers – and how we can improve the human experience. Traditional project management teams are structured solely around delivery and results; however, this team understands that focusing on our people makes our projects, innovation, and impact even stronger.
"Project Delivery and Support is more than just a Project Management team - it’s a community of peers, a support network, and a place that fosters career and personal growth."
Meaghan: What excites you about working on the Project Delivery and Support team?
Lee: I like to be constantly challenged and learning new things. As the Project Delivery and Support team serves the entire organization, there are many opportunities to learn about all the different areas of Banking and Financial Services, and there are always new and diverse projects to work on. We are never bored, that’s for sure!
Meaghan: What do you feel makes the Project Delivery and Support team unique?
Lee: Project Delivery and Support is more than just a Project Management team - it’s a community of peers, a support network, and a place that fosters career and personal growth. Alongside ensuring our projects are a success, leadership is invested in making sure we are successful as a team and as individuals.
Meaghan: What skills are needed to successfully stand out in Project Delivery and Support?
Lee: While every Project Manager requires strong facilitation skills, the ability to effectively communicate with different audiences and levels of seniority is crucial to one’s success. Someone who can adapt their communication style to different groups will be able to develop strategic relationships. The more I grow in my role as a Project Manager, the more I come to understand the importance of building strong relationships not only with peers but with others throughout the organization.
Meaghan: What would you say is your favorite part of your role?
Lee: I enjoy that I have autonomy and ownership over my own work and that I get to shape the strategy and direction of my assignments. I also like coaching and mentoring my team as I get personal satisfaction from seeing my team succeed and grow beyond their current roles. I also love being part of implementing changes that ultimately help us provide better products and services to our customers.
Meaghan: What is one project you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of?
Lee: For my last assignment, I led a large Anti-Money Laundering program for Wealth Technology over a 3-year period. When completed, not only did we deliver value for our Compliance and Risk partners, ensuring we are adhering to regulations and protecting the Bank and our clients, but we also significantly advanced the business’ strategic goals.
Meaghan: Lastly, what is your best piece of advice for future Project Delivery and Support employees?
Lee: Explore all the opportunities that come your way, always be learning, and continue to build strong relationships!
Interested in joining the PD&S team and expanding your career as a Program Manager? Click here to explore our open roles!