Data Governance & Risk Lead (Hybrid)

BMO U.S.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Accident and life insurance

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

BMO Financial Group in Chicago seeks a leader to drive the development and continuous improvement of the data management risk governance framework, overseeing risk appetite, controls, and regulatory reporting in a hybrid office setting.

You will provide independent oversight, lead risk assessments, advise stakeholders, and manage governance processes and tools to ensure consistent adoption and effective escalation across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, data, or a related data field like cyber or data privacy (advanced MSc degree or certifications such as DCAM, CRISC, or CISA preferred
• 5+ years of relevant and related experience.
• Relevant experience in risk management, data governance, or regulatory oversight within a financial services or highly regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of risk management frameworks, regulatory expectations (e.g., BCBS 239, data governance principles), and control environments is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data and processes, influence stakeholders, and communicate effectively across technical and non-technical audiences is required
• Experience in governance, reporting, and audit or regulatory engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the data management risk governance framework, including standards, policies, procedures, lifecycle management, controls, risk appetite and risk metrics.
• Interpret regulatory developments and emerging industry practices, assess impacts on the governance framework, and recommend enhancements to controls, processes, and documentation.
• Provide effective challenge and independent oversight across data management and regulatory analytics by leading self-assessments and compliance reviews, assessing portfolio risk exposure, and evaluating the effectiveness of governance and controls.
• Identify emerging risks, issues, and trends across initiatives, systems, processes, and workflows; analyze impacts; and recommend or elevate mitigating actions as appropriate.
• Understanding of ORX.
• Develop and manage governance, risk, and regulatory reporting, including metrics, status updates, and required review/sign-off for internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the governance program during regulatory exams, audits, and other oversight activities, and provide specialized support for related regulatory requirements as needed.
• Advise business and corporate partners on implementation of the risk framework, providing practical guidance, second-line support, and effective challenge on risk management expectations.
• Lead stakeholder engagement, communications, and training activities to improve transparency, consistency, accountability, and adoption of governance requirements.
• Lead or support the design, implementation, and execution of core governance, oversight, and regulatory administration processes aligned to applicable policies, procedures, and standards.
• Maintain tools, templates, and program artifacts that support risk assessment, control management, reporting, and technology/information risk governance activities.
• GARP participation is nice to have.

Skills

Risk management

Data governance

Regulatory oversight

Independent oversight

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance/business/data

DCAM/CRISC/CISA certification

Tools

ORX

Job description

BMO Financial Group in Chicago seeks a leader to drive the development and continuous improvement of the data management risk governance framework, overseeing risk appetite, controls, and regulatory reporting in a hybrid office setting.

You will provide independent oversight, lead risk assessments, advise stakeholders, and manage governance processes and tools to ensure consistent adoption and effective escalation across the organization.