Director, Strategic Initiatives

Address:

Hybrid requirement: 3-4x per week in office (33 Dundas W, Toronto, ON).

Provides subject matter expertise in the design, development, management and implementation of assigned projects from business case development through execution. Works across BMO to deliver specific project/program business results in alignment with overall group goals.

In this role, the Director will work closely with the Chief Risk Officer (Retail Risk) and the broader Retail Credit Risk leadership team to support strategic risk initiatives, portfolio insights, risk governance deliverables, and high‑quality narrative development for executive and Board audiences. The position serves as a central integrator across multiple Retail Risk units, supporting cross‑enterprise risk priorities and ensuring strong alignment of messaging, analytics, and execution.

Key accountabilities include:

• Ensures alignment between values and behaviour that fosters diversity and inclusion.
• Regularly connects work to BMO’s purpose, sets inspirational goals, defines clear outcomes, and ensures accountability for follow‑through.
• Builds interdependent teams that collaborate across functional and operating groups to create the highest value for all stakeholders.
• Attracts, retains, and enables the career development of top talent.
• Improves team performance, recognizes and rewards performance, coaches employees, supports their development, and manages poor performance.
• Acts as a trusted advisor to senior leaders for making business decisions and implementing strategic initiatives, including synthesizing complex Retail Credit Risk topics for executive‑level communication.
• Develops an expert understanding of business/group challenges, with particular focus on credit quality trends, adjudication/consenting processes, portfolio risk drivers, and emerging risk themes.
• Networks with industry contacts to gather competitive insights and best practices.
• Recommends measures to improve organizational effectiveness.
• May consult to or serve on various committees and task forces.

Strategic Leadership & Execution

• Manages resources and leads the execution of strategic initiatives to deliver on business and financial goals.
• Interacts with various BMO groups to ensure strategy and initiatives meet enterprise governance requirements.
• Leads implementation of strategic initiatives by partnering with internal and external stakeholders; complexity may vary and may involve multiple enterprise‑wide groups.
• Works extensively with Retail Credit Risk units (Credit Adjudication, Portfolio Risk, Modelling & Analytics, Collections, Fraud) to coordinate cross‑risk initiatives and ensure cohesive execution.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborates with internal/external stakeholders to provide business context in the design, development, and implementation of programs & solutions.
• Supports cross‑enterprise efforts tied to credit policy changes, regulatory interactions, and risk governance enhancements.
• Serves as a senior specialist resource across BMO, influencing how teams and groups work together.

Change Management

• Leads the execution of operational programs; assesses and adapts as needed to ensure quality.
• Leads or participates in various change management activities: readiness assessments, planning, stakeholder management, execution, evaluation, and sustainment.
• Supports major Retail Credit Risk transformation programs, including modernization of decisioning processes, reporting improvements, and governance updates.

Issue Identification & Risk Awareness

• Identifies enablers and key issues prior to and during implementation, raises issues with stakeholders, and proposes solutions.
• Anticipates trends and responds by implementing appropriate changes.
• Maintains strong awareness of economic, regulatory, and portfolio developments affecting Retail Credit Risk.

Communication & Influence

• Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations.
• Communicates abstract concepts in simple terms.
• Fosters strong internal and external networks and collaborates broadly to achieve business objectives.
• Ensures the Retail Risk narrative is cohesive, accurate, and reflective of both portfolio realities and strategic direction.

Broader Accountabilities

• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications:

• Typically 9+ years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Seasoned expert with extensive industry knowledge.
• Experience in Retail Credit Risk, credit adjudication/consenting, portfolio management, or risk governance strongly preferred.
• Technical leader viewed as a thought leader for innovation.
• Verbal & written communication skills - Expert, with proven ability to produce Board‑ or executive‑level materials.
• Analytical and problem solving skills - Expert.
• Influence skills - Expert.
• Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration - Expert.
• Able to manage ambiguity.
• Data driven decision making - Expert.
• Familiarity with risk appetite frameworks, impairments, delinquency metrics, and risk analytics is an asset.

The above represents BMO Financial Group’s pay range and type.

Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group’s expected target for the first year in this position.

BMO Financial Group’s total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards

About Us

At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.

As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one - for yourself and our customers. We’ll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we’ll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset.

To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/ca/en.

BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.

Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.