Relationship Manager, Commercial banking (Special Accounts)

BMO U.S.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

BMO Financial Group in Chicago seeks an experienced credit risk professional to manage a defined portfolio of high-risk borrowing accounts, applying expertise to reduce loss exposure and inform credit decisions.

You will advise internal and external stakeholders, develop lending policies, and lead or support change initiatives while maintaining compliance with risk framework. This role emphasizes analytical thinking, collaboration, and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of relevant experience with post-secondary degree or equivalent.
• Credit knowledge aligned with established standards.
• In-depth knowledge of banking products and services.
• Understanding of industry trends and regulations.
• Proven leadership and coaching abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent collaboration and teamwork abilities.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven approach.

Responsibilities

• Recommend alternatives to credit proposals, including restructuring or special loan plans.
• Contribute to development and implementation of lending policies and procedures.
• Advise internal and external stakeholders on complex credit risk transactions.
• Influence negotiations to achieve business objectives; develop action plans with debtors and guarantors.
• Conduct analyses to inform decisions and improvements in risk management.
• Support development of strategic plans and risk policies.
• Create tools and training programs for business needs; deliver training as needed.
• Provide credit risk coaching to sales and service staff to raise risk awareness.

Skills

Credit risk knowledge

Portfolio management

Leadership

Communication (verbal/written)

Analytical thinking

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Job description

Delivers an exceptional customer experience for a defined portfolio of high risk borrowing accounts by applying expertise to reduce the Bank’s loss exposure and manage risks. Advises internal and external stakeholders on complex, high-risk credit risk transactions and mitigation strategies. Makes credit decisions/recommendations in accordance with sound credit-granting principles and in compliance with Bank Policy & Procedures. Works with stakeholders to deepen relationships and grow the overall profitability of the portfolio.

• Recommends alternatives to credit proposals e.g. restructuring of the application and/or use of special loan plans available.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of lending related policies and procedures.
• Acts as a trusted advisor to assigned business/group.
• Influences and negotiates to achieve business objectives; includes action plans with debtor and guarantors.
• 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.
• Identifies business needs, designs/develops tools and training programs; may include delivery of training to audiences.
• 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.
• Integrates information from multiple sources to enable more efficient processes, enhanced analysis and/or streamlined reporting.
• Employs systems (e.g. customized exception reports, tracking reports etc.) to manage information.
• 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.
• Leads or participates in defining the communication plan designed to positively influence or change behaviour; develops tailored messaging; and identifies appropriate distribution channels.
• Provides technical expertise to other team members, acting as a go-to person for the team.
• Supports the manager by coordinating and managing workflow and exception requests; escalates any concerns.
• Provides input into the planning and implementation of operational programs.
• Monitors the financial and risk performance of account portfolio; performs financial and risk analysis of customer and account information to provide insights and recommendations on how to improve quality, liquidity and Bank’s security position.
• Documents decisions on credit transactions with rationale that can be understood and explained to customers.
• Identifies and advises on terms, conditions and collateral requirements for the transaction decision as well as alternative solutions.
• Keeps abreast of economic and market developments within the portfolio to inform decision making and credit risk policies.
• Maintains and enhances knowledge around lending issues, including loan structure, collateral, foreclosure, bankruptcy and the various regulations that directly impact the Bank.
• Provides credit risk coaching and advice to sales & service employees to increase awareness of risk, policy, and knowledge of structuring transactions.
• Supports the execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders; includes legal and insolvency professionals and other consultants/advisors in the commercial business community.
• Gathers and formats data into regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards.
• Monitors and tracks performance and addresses any issues.
• Provides input into the planning and implementation of operational programs.
• Executes work to deliver timely, accurate, and efficient service.
• 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.
• Take measured risks while protecting the bank by applying our Risk Management Framework in the execution of your role, in line with our Risk Culture and within our approved Risk Appetite, making sound and risk informed decisions that align to business strategy, protect assets, and adhere to applicable policy documents (Frameworks, Policies, Standards, Procedures and Supporting documents), laws and regulations.

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.
• Credit Qualifications and associated credit knowledge and skills according to the established qualification standards.
• In-depth knowledge of banking products & services.
• In-depth knowledge of industry trends and regulations.
• In-depth knowledge of credit portfolio management policies & procedures, and financing guidelines.
• Proven leadership skills and highly developed coaching 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.

Salary

$75,000.00 - $160,000.00

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/us/en

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.

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.