Managing Director, Risk Governance

BMO U.S.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 215,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Accident and life insurance

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

BMO Financial Group is seeking a senior leader to head the Risk Framework function within Risk Governance & Strategic Risk in the US. You will ensure RMF operates as an enterprise-wide, forward-looking risk management capability for U.S.

material entities and CUSO, aligning with strategy and regulatory expectations. You will translate evolving requirements into RMF design, provide advisory across the Three Lines of Defence, and drive cross-jurisdiction initiatives while fostering a strong risk

Qualifications

• University degree in business, finance, economics, law, or risk management.
• 8+ years of experience in enterprise risk management, governance, or related functions.
• Deep knowledge of risk management frameworks and governance practices.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and regulatory expectations for large financial institutions.
• Experience designing and evolving enterprise-wide risk management frameworks.
• Ability to advise and influence senior executives and regulators.
• Understanding of strategy, risk appetite, governance, and business performance.
• Ability to lead cross-functional, cross-jurisdiction initiatives.
• Exceptional analytical and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven track record of developing and retaining high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Translates evolving regulatory expectations into RMF design and application.
• Aligns RMF to enterprise strategy, risk appetite, and growth priorities.
• Identifies opportunities to enhance RMF coverage across structures.
• Provides advisory on RMF and core methodologies including 3 Lines of Defence.
• Maintains Risk Governance architecture and RMF framework.
• Drives consistent RMF application across lines of defence and entities.
• Promotes risk culture and leadership tone from the top.
• Leads and mentors a diverse risk team.
• Leads forums and uses metrics to drive improvements.

Skills

Risk management

Governance

Regulatory knowledge

Strategic advisory

Stakeholder management

Three Lines of Defence

Leadership

Cross-functional

Education

University degree

Job description

This role leads the Risk Framework function within the Risk Governance & Strategic Risk team (RG&SR). The function is responsible for enabling the Risk Management Framework (RMF) to operate as a single, integrated, and forward‑looking effectiveness across the enterprise and U.S. Material Entities and Combined U.S. Operations (CUSO). The role defines and leads the function to ensure the RMF is applied consistently, operates effectively, and evolves in line with strategic and regulatory expectations, providing a clear, enterprise‑ and CUSO‑wide view of risk management effectiveness. Supports the Head, US Enterprise Risk in the execution of decision rights identified on the U.S. Risk Decision Rights Matrix to ensure the effective management of the U.S. in alignment with the U.S. Governance Model.

• Translates evolving regulatory expectations and enterprise strategy into RMF design and application.
• Aligns RMF to enterprise and CUSO strategy, risk appetite, and growth priorities.
• Identifies opportunities to enhance and integrate RMF coverage across enterprise and U.S. structures.
• Provides authoritative advisory and interpretation on RMF and core methodologies, including Three Lines of Defence, Effective Challenge, and Material Entity.
• Maintains Risk Governance architecture, including core constructs and application requirements.
• Administers the RMF Material Entity framework, including population refresh, opt‑in management, and entity‑level governance alignment.
• Drives consistent application of RMF across the three lines of defence, the enterprise, jurisdictions, and Material Entities.
• Aligns priorities across RG & SR team functions and drives coordinated execution of U.S.-relevant activities through embedded and dual reporting relationships.
• Delivers a consolidated, enterprise‑wide view of RMF effectiveness across enterprise and U.S. coverage.
• Identifies systemic themes and cross‑cutting issues to inform RMF enhancements.
• Within the mandate of this role, promotes and supports the Bank’s risk culture including ensuring employees understand their accountabilities for risk‑taking activities, promoting an environment of open communication and effective challenge, and establishing the tone from the top through leading by example.
• Role models driving simplicity and productivity enhancements for optimization across groups driving continuous improvement on key measures.
• Activates our winning culture, aligned with Purpose. Ignites engagement by aligning our culture to our strategy and fueling exceptional execution.
• Fosters an inclusive environment for all employees by eliminating barriers to inclusion.
• Develops leaders, plans for succession, and fosters a high‑performance culture.
• Drives top talent acquisition and retention, developing organizational capabilities to drive competitive advantage.
• Leads and mentors a team with diverse risk and business experience, skills, and orientation.
• Leads, promotes, and reinforces the Bank’s Ambition; personally, role models One Bank leadership; drives sustainable improvements in customer loyalty and business growth; adheres and supports enterprise customer experience and brand standards.
• Identifies and escalates U.S. matters that present a material impact for Risk in the areas of: Business Performance, Risk, Legal, Regulatory and Compliance, Talent Management and Technology & Operations.
• Contributes to the sustainment of the U.S. Governance Model within Risk, including information flow and escalation through the appropriate U.S. governance channels.
• Participates as a member of U.S. management committees, as instructed.
• Leads and participates in LOB or Corporate Function leadership forums, developing and using key metrics and details from across Risk.

Qualifications

• University degree in business, finance, economics, law, risk management, or a related discipline; advanced degree and/or relevant professional designation considered an asset.
• 8+ years of progressive experience leading enterprise risk management, risk governance, risk framework, regulatory, compliance, control, or related functions and strategic initiatives within a large, complex, regulated organization.
• Deep knowledge of risk management frameworks and governance practices, including Risk Management Frameworks, Three Lines of Defence, Effective Challenge, Risk Appetite, and related methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian and U.S. regulatory expectations, governance requirements, and supervisory practices applicable to large financial institutions.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and evolving enterprise‑wide risk management frameworks, methodologies, standards, governance practices, or related strategic initiatives requiring enterprise‑wide governance, regulatory oversight, and cross‑functional alignment.
• Proven ability to provide strategic advice and influence senior executives, governance committees, regulators, and stakeholders across multiple business lines, jurisdictions, and functional areas.
• Strong understanding of the interrelationships between strategy, risk appetite, governance, risk management, organizational effectiveness, and business performance.
• Demonstrated ability to identify systemic issues, drive enterprise‑wide alignment, and lead complex cross‑functional initiatives with significant organizational, regulatory, or strategic impact.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory, governance, and risk management concepts into practical business outcomes.
• Proven track record of leading, developing, and retaining high‑performing teams while fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement in a complex matrix environment.

Please note the base salary range for this role is $215K - $250K USD

Salary

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.

• Health insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Accident and life insurance
• Retirement savings plans

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/us/en

Equal Opportunity

BMO is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. We also consider applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

Disability Accommodations

BMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.