Risk Strategic Initiatives Specialist

Address:

BMO has invested in world-class, vibrant and innovative workplaces that help enable innovation, team performance and networking. In-person collaboration and connection in these workplaces is critical to executing our Purpose and enabling innovation, problem solving, and career development. This role requires a minimum of 3 days in-office presence; therefore, applicants must be within a commutable distance to the 100 King St. W, Toronto, ON office.

This role supports Enterprise Risk and Portfolio Management (ERPM) by leading programs that strengthen governance, improve risk practices, and advance strategic objectives. This role works across businesses, functions, and risk types to bring clarity to complex issues, assess current practices, and deliver solutions that create measurable impact.

This role will partner with stakeholders to evaluate current processes, identify gaps, and design practical roadmaps that align with enterprise goals. Success requires the ability to analyze data, translate findings into clear insights, and present recommendations in a way that enables informed decision-making. The role also involves supporting risk program integration, ensuring that frameworks and processes operate consistently and efficiently across the organization.

Change leadership is central to the position. This role will help prepare the organization for new ways of working, support adoption, and sustain improvements over time. Strong communication skills are essential, as the role requires building compelling executive presentations, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and influencing outcomes as a trusted advisor.

Please note that we have a total of four positions available that might fall under any of the following focus areas:

The Risk Governance Office (RG0)

• Risk Management Framework (RMF): ensuring the RMF’s effectiveness, coordinating with program owners on implementation and continuous improvement, and working with 1LOD and 2LOD partners on the Three Lines of Defense, Effective Challenge, and Material Entity methodologies.
• Governance & Escalations: functions tied to the Enterprise Committee and Governance Forum Standard, as well as the Enterprise Escalation Standard

The Enterprise Policy Office (EPO)

• Transformation: three-year transformation of the Enterprise Policy Management Program.
• Enablement & Integration: enabled integrated risk management across the enterprise through strategic planning, coordination, and execution support.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Acts as a trusted advisor to assigned business/group.

• Influences and negotiates to achieve business objectives.

• Recommends and implements solutions based on analysis of issues and implications for the business.

• Assists in the development of strategic plans.

• Identifies emerging issues and trends to inform decision-making.

• Supports the execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

• Helps determine business priorities and best sequence for execution of business/group strategy.

• Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues.

• Builds change management plans of varying scope and type; leads or participates in a variety of change management activities including readiness assessments, planning, stakeholder management, execution, evaluation and sustainment of initiatives.

• Acts as a relationship manager on assigned projects/programs.

• Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders.

• Ensures alignment between stakeholders.

• Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations.

• Employs systems (e.g. customized exception reports, tracking reports etc.) to manage information.

• Integrates information from multiple sources to enable more efficient processes, enhanced analysis and/or streamlined reporting.

• Monitors and tracks performance and addresses any issues.

• Designs and produces regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards.

• Provides input into the planning and implementation of strategic programs.

• Reviews the program for effectiveness, considers industry trends and recommends enhancements; makes changes as required.

• Focus is primarily on business/group within BMO; may have broader, enterprise-wide focus.

• Provides specialized consulting, analytical and technical support.

• Exercises judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve problems within given rules.

• Works independently and regularly handles non-routine situations.

• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications:

• Typically between 5 - 7 years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in risk management, audit, compliance, governance and/or project management is preferred.

• In-depth knowledge of business and regulatory environment and understanding of risk issues / trends and best practices.

• In-depth communication and relationship management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with effective planning and organizing skills.

• Deep knowledge and technical proficiency gained through extensive education and business experience.

• Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth.

• Collaboration & team skills - In-depth.

• Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth.

• Influence skills - In-depth.

• Data driven decision making - In-depth.

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.