📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager, Loyalty Partnerships
🔹 Company: Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Banking & Finance
🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-7 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing strategic loyalty partnerships for RBC
- Fostering relationships that benefit the enterprise and clients
- Collaborating with various lines of business to identify new partnership opportunities
- Enhancing engagement with existing partners
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to navigate complex business environments.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Establish strong relationships and cadences with key external partner contacts and internal product leads in LOB’s to proactively identify new opportunities to deepen and extend partnership across Cards & Loyalty
✅ Support the Directors and Head of Loyalty Partnerships to ensure overall program alignment, growth, and successful outcomes
✅ Act as subject matter expert in your core sector, identifying existing and new partnership opportunities leveraging both internal and external sources
✅ Work with executive leadership and core internal cross functional business teams to develop a sound external facing partner proposal that highlights the benefits of a partnership with RBC
✅ Support monthly and quarterly business reviews with key partners to drive engagement, identify new opportunities for integration, and foster best-in-class partnerships
✅ Support work to design relevant and insightful partner materials including sector reports, post campaign analysis and strategic roadmaps
✅ Establish ongoing touchpoints with key stakeholders and functional partners to ensure continuing alignment of partnership activities and key business strategies
✅ Support in development and implementation of Partner Services practice management framework, including industry best practices and standards, guides, activities, and behaviors to ensure RBC is seen as the best-in-class organization to partner and work with, internally and externally
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration, stakeholder management, and project management skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: MBA or graduate-level degree in related field
Experience: 5-7 years of experience in partnerships, client service or relationship management growing relationships and achieving mutually beneficial objectives and goals
Required Skills:
- Consultative experience and a passion for developing business plans for large, multi-faceted partnerships
- Strong financial acumen and bias for action, sense of curiosity, and ability to build trust and alignment
- Strong ability to work in a collaborative, supportive way in cross-functional teams and across the organization while being able to adapt in ambiguous, agile, and rapidly changing environments
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities & meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Self-starter approach with a sense of pride in maintaining consistent high levels of performance and attention to detail
Preferred Skills:
- Direct experience in Retail organizations to inform sector strategy insights and approach
- Strong communication, storytelling and presentation skills
- Experience in Loyalty and rewards programs
- Experience in sales, consulting, or professional services / agencies
- Project management experience including cross functional navigation
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the retail sector, loyalty programs, and project management will have a strong advantage.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 CAD per year (Based on industry standards for similar roles in Toronto)
Benefits:
- Competitive health, dental, and vision benefits
- Retirement savings plans with company matching
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Generous vacation and time-off policies
- Employee and family assistance programs
- Learning and development opportunities
- Employee discounts and perks
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in Toronto. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Banking & Finance
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Large enterprise)
Founded: 1864 (Over 150 years of history)
Company Description:
- Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance
- The company has a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to its clients
- RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments, and employee volunteer activities
Company Specialties:
- finance
- banking
- investing
- insurance
- financial planning
- wealth management
- and capital markets
Company Website: www.rbc.com
ASSUMPTION: RBC's large size and extensive history provide stability and opportunities for career growth, while its focus on innovation and client experience drives a dynamic work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-career to senior-level role
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director, Loyalty Partnerships
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential progression to a Director or Head of role within Loyalty Partnerships or related functions
- Broad exposure to various lines of business and senior leadership
- Opportunities to develop leadership skills and gain experience in strategic decision-making
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their impact and influence within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, high-rise office in downtown Toronto
Office Location(s): RBC Waterpark Place, 88 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2J5, CA
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is the capital city of Ontario and the largest city in Canada
- The city is known for its multiculturalism, vibrant arts and culture scene, and diverse neighborhoods
- Toronto has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters
Work Schedule: Standard office hours, with flexibility for meetings and events as needed
ASSUMPTION: The downtown Toronto location offers easy access to public transportation, dining, and entertainment options, while the modern office space provides a collaborative and productive work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with key stakeholders
- Final round interviews with senior leadership
- Background and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and partnership development skills
- Relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities
- Project management and organizational skills
- Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment
- Cultural fit and alignment with RBC's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of RBC's business and the loyalty partnerships landscape
- Showcase your ability to develop and execute strategic business plans
- Prepare examples of successful partnerships you've developed and managed in the past
- Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your plans
ATS Keywords: Partnership development, strategic planning, stakeholder management, project management, relationship building, loyalty programs, banking, finance
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their strategic mindset, partnership development skills, and cultural fit with RBC's values during the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365)
- Collaboration and communication platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant software tools and platforms is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Service
- Trust
- Commitment
- Respect
- Integrity
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Agile and adaptable
- Data-driven and analytical
- Results-focused and action-oriented
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with RBC's core values, particularly 'Service' and 'Trust' in a partnership context?
- How comfortable are you working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with changing priorities?
- How do you approach building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with key stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with RBC's values and work style, and be prepared to discuss their alignment during the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Navigating complex business dynamics and stakeholder relationships
- Adapting to changes in partnership strategies and priorities
- Working with diverse teams and lines of business with varying priorities and objectives
- Balancing short-term tactical needs with long-term strategic goals
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they've overcome similar challenges in previous roles and their strategies for success in this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on loyalty partnerships within the banking and finance industry
- Similar roles may include Partnership Manager, Business Development Manager, or Strategic Account Manager, but with a focus on loyalty programs and partnerships
- Career paths may include progression to Director or Head of Loyalty Partnerships, or related functions within the organization
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles and be prepared to discuss how their experience and skills make them a strong fit for this unique opportunity.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a strategic business plan for a new loyalty partnership, including market analysis, target client segments, and partnership value proposition
- Managing the integration of an existing partner into RBC's loyalty program, including cross-functional team coordination and stakeholder communication
- Conducting a comprehensive review of RBC's loyalty partnerships portfolio, identifying opportunities for optimization, expansion, or divestment
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and the outcomes they achieved.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall strategy for Loyalty Partnerships and RBC's broader business goals?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the hiring manager envision the successful candidate contributing to the team's goals and objectives?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Loyalty Partnerships team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of employees in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should ask thoughtful, insightful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company's success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for interviews by researching RBC's business, the loyalty partnerships landscape, and developing examples of your partnership development and management experience
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
- If you are invited to interview, be prepared to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your plans
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
