In November 2020, BMO launched BMO EMpower, a five year, $5 billion initiative to promote inclusive economic recovery through increased lending and direct investment to support our local communities throughout our footprint, and in October 2022 expanded our commitment to a $40 billion Community Benefits Plan. This initiative includes the BMO EMpower Economic Equity Advisory Group (EEAG) formed to accelerate our Commercial Minority Business Lending to Middle Market and Mid-Corporate companies with revenues of $10MM to $1B+. We are looking for someone who brings deep commercial lending with C&I, exposure to real estate who can think creatively within capital structures and understand how to leverage our product and services to continue to grow in the mid size market space within Chicago.

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.

• Develops long term (3-5 years) strategic recommendations to optimally position BMO and pursue market opportunities.

• Positions BMO as a leader within the target market (including internal and external product offerings).

• Identifies business development opportunities and develops tactical national program recommendations in consultation with business development managers to ensure local appropriateness.

• Develops strategies that allow the market segment to achieve the status of highly credible and trusted strategic partners, and build expertise for BMO to be viewed as a valuable source of information, advice, and guidance (internally and externally).

• Develops, maintains, and executes a business plan to achieve client retention objectives.

• Continuously monitors program performance and external environment for effectiveness and ensures programs are updated to reflect current requirements.

• Develops and manages relationships with divisional and market contacts and networks, and leverages internal and external data to identify, analyze, and size opportunities, and monitor competitive activities.

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

• Influences and negotiates to achieve business objectives.

• Provides strategic input into business decisions as a trusted advisor.

• Makes recommendations to senior leaders on strategy and new initiatives, based on an in-depth understanding of the business/group.

• Acts as a subject matter expert on relevant regulations and policies.

• Manages multiple programs / projects simultaneously and resolves conflicting priorities.

• Assists in the development of strategic plans.

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

• Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues.

• Ensures alignment between stakeholders.

• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to meet business objectives.

• Keeps stakeholders informed of messages, recommendations, decisions, process, and progress.

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

• Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues.

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

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

• 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.

• Leads or participates in defining the communication plan designed to positively influence or change behaviour; develops tailored messaging; and identifies appropriate distribution channels.

• May consult to or serve on various committees and task forces.

• Collaborates across BMO to develop communications strategies and ensure consistency of messaging, in order to positively influence or change behaviour.

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

• Executes routine tasks (e.g. service requests, transactions, queries, etc.) in accordance with applicable service level agreements.

• Manages multiple programs / projects simultaneously and resolves conflicting priorities.

• Acts as a relationship manager on assigned projects / programs to ensure alignment with overall enterprise and group goals.

• Develops solutions and makes recommendations based on an understanding of the business strategy and stakeholder needs.

• Participates in project / program design to provides advice and subject matter expertise that facilitates achievement of required business results.

• Conducts analysis required to inform strategic business development recommendations, and considers the “big picture” to assess the advisability of a course of action toward meeting group and enterprise goals.

• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to provide business context in the design, development, and implementation of business development programs and solutions.

• May network with industry contacts to gather and identify competitive insights and best practices.

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

• Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues.

• Leads or supports change management activities to coordinate strategic business development initiatives across business / groups and support implementation logistics.

• Leads or participates in implementation of strategic business development initiatives within the group and across BMO by partnering with various internal and external stakeholders; complexity of initiatives may vary, and usually involve multiple stakeholders across the enterprise.

• Identifies enablers and key issues prior to and during implementation of strategic business development initiatives, and raises issues with stakeholders to resolve issues or risks that jeopardize delivery.

• Operates at a group/enterprise-wide level and serves as a specialist resource to senior leaders and stakeholders.

• Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to problems that can be complex and non-routine.

• Implements changes in response to shifting trends.

• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed. Qualifications:

• Typically 7+ years of relevant experience within commercial lending and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Solid knowledge of Lean process improvement methodology.

• Familiar with established process analysis and improvement tools.

• Solid knowledge of testing strategies, test plans, and execution.

• Solid understanding of the business unit’s risk and regulatory requirements.

• Solid experience with process and/or project management.

• Knowledge of MS Access is desirable.

• Seasoned professional with a combination of education, experience and industry knowledge.

• Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth / Expert.

• Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth / Expert.

• Influence skills - In-depth / Expert.

• Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration - In-depth / Expert.

• Able to manage ambiguity.

• Data driven decision making - In-depth / Expert.

Salary:

$110,000.00 - $204,100.00

Pay Type:

Salaried

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

We’re here to help

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/us/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. BMO is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. 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.