Manager, Risk Strategy & Governance

Bank of Montreal; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 68,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bank in Canada is seeking a proactive Manager of Risk Strategy & Governance in Toronto. This hybrid role demands strong leadership in risk governance and strategic decision-making, essential for enhancing enterprise risk management capabilities and delivering insights to senior leadership.

Benefits

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement savings plans

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in enterprise risk management, risk governance, or strategic risk advisory.
• Strong project management skills with a focus on proactive planning.
• Advanced communication skills for executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage governance forums and enhance risk frameworks.
• Proactively identify emerging risks and support strategic decision-making.
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Communication

Analytical Skills

Detail-Oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or Risk Management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Manager, Risk Strategy & Governance page is loaded

Manager, Risk Strategy & Governance

Apply locations Toronto, ON, CAN time type Full time posted on Posted 2 Days Ago job requisition id R250011886

Application Deadline:

07/19/2025

Address:

33 Dundas Street West

Job Family Group:

Business Management

This is a hybrid role with the expectation to work in the Toronto office a minimum of 2 days a week

Job Summary

SPARC is seeking a proactive, data-drivenManager, Risk Strategy and Governanceto strengthen and scale our enterprise risk management capabilities. This role is critical in leading risk governance activities, managing key strategic initiatives, and delivering clear, actionable insights to senior leadership.

Key responsibilities include managing governance forums, enhancing risk frameworks, proactively identifying emerging risks, and supporting strategic decision-making through high-quality reporting and executive-level communication. A proactive, insight-oriented approach and the ability to translate data into meaningful risk strategies are central to success in this role.

Role Mandate:

Supports the business/group leader in the effective implementation, maintenance and administration of first line of defense (1st LOD) programs (e.g., operational risk, AML, compliance, regulatory, etc.), including overseeing business operations within the jurisdiction to ensure adherence and efficiency. Contributes to a strong risk management culture through collaboration with other first line employees, and second & third line functions to ensure Compliance, AML or operational risks are identified, mitigated, monitored and reported on an ongoing basis.

• Supports multiple, varied business units with corresponding number of regulators.
• Monitors and advises on management of risk requirements within the defined risk appetite.
• Manages/supports large/complex risk programs/frameworks /projects/initiatives to ensure risks are appropriately mitigated and regulations adhered to.
• Monitors industry and legislative developments and continuously updates programs to ensure they are competitive and effective
• Supports the position on regulatory compliance Issues by interpreting requirements (existing, new and emerging) and identifying, analyzing and addressing resultant gaps and issues, including those raised through the review of change initiatives. Understands the identified risk exposures and supports the development of action plans required to mitigate identified risks.
• Acts as a subject matter expert in the evaluation, development and implementation of an internal control system.
• Supports the execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
• Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations.
• 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.
• Monitoring to ensure that 1st line jobs are following defined processes and procedures.
• Develops, documents and maintains business/group procedures updating and obtaining approvals as regulations or the operating environment changes and communicates changes to the business/group & relevant stakeholder groups.
• Designs measurable sustainment strategies including assessing and recommending mitigations for industry/ segment-specific risks and prioritizing opportunities presented by internal and external stakeholders.
• Tracks exception/exemption requests and corresponding approvals.
• Facilitates training to ensure business unit employees fully understand requirements.
• Provides quality control for investigations, self-reports, examinations and independent reviews conducted by internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, providing verbal and written responses to requests for positions, action plans, information and/or documentation
• May act as the designated Primary Business Unit Compliance Officer (BUCO) and/or Anti-Money Laundering Reporting Officer for the operating group and is accountable to meet all program requirements (e.g., Operating Group Compliance Program, AML Program Framework).
• Builds awareness, knowledge, and skills and, as necessary, provides communication, practical tools and ongoing support including making presentations, to promote a culture of risk identification and management.
• Supports the management of 1st LOD program for the business/group in compliance with appropriate principles, standards & direction from the second line of defense groups. Includes developing and promoting program and ensuring the execution of all program components.
• Works with assigned business/group leaders to implement 1st LOD programs and frameworks, developing and maintaining an in-depth understanding of the applicable regulatory and internal risk management requirements. Interprets and provides advice on the application of the requirements for the business/group.
• Develops and maintains an understanding of the business/group strategies and objectives, products and services, internal and external stakeholders and business processes as well as the underlying infrastructure to identify and manage implications and risk exposures for the business/group.
• Identifies, investigates, analyzes, documents & mitigates program risks, taking into account jurisdictional issues, and raises any issues or concerns to senior leaders and other stakeholders.
• Analyzes the impact and effectiveness of the program through periodic reviews.
• Recommends adjustments to the overall program, policy or processes within the business/group in accordance with the Risk Appetite Statement, Governance and Corporate Policy.
• Supports the business/group through internal/external audits or regulatory examinations and assists in development of action plans to resolve any identified issues.
• Provides support to the development and delivery of training and awareness programs within the business/group to increase awareness of and compliance to risk management requirements.
• 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:

• 5–7 years of experience in enterprise risk management, risk governance, operational risk, or a strategic risk advisory role.
• Demonstrated experience managing governance forums, risk projects, and executive communications.
• Strong project management skills with a focus on proactive planning and execution.
• Advanced communication skills — capable of simplifying complex risk topics for senior executive audiences.
• Skilled in stakeholder management — able to build credibility and influence across teams and leadership levels.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (automation, pivot tables) and PowerPoint (executive-level presentations).
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field (MBA, PMP, CRCMP, or similar qualifications are an asset).

Salary :

$68,000.00 - $126,000.00

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

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.

Similar Jobs (5)

Senior Manager, Model Risk Governance and Oversight

locations Toronto, ON, CAN time type Full time posted on Posted 24 Days Ago

Senior Manager, Model Risk Governance and Oversight

locations Toronto, ON, CAN time type Full time posted on Posted 30+ Days Ago

Manager - Risk Modeling and Analytics

locations Toronto, ON, CAN time type Full time posted on Posted 2 Days Ago

BMO is a leading bank driven by a single purpose: to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. Everywhere we do business, we’re focused on building, investing and transforming how we work to drive performance and continue growing the good.

Who we are

We’re proud to be fueling growth and expanding possibilities for individuals, families and businesses. More than 12 million customers count on us for personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment services. As the 8th largest bank in North America by assets, we provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment services to more than 12 million customers. In Canada, the United States and across the globe, we’ll continue to build, invest and transform to drive performance that serves the good that grows.