Senior Governance & Legal Operations Lead

BMO Harris Bank; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Accident and life insurance

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

BMO Harris Bank is seeking a senior legal/compliance professional to advise senior leadership and support governance, regulatory, and transactional activities in a high-stakes environment. The role emphasizes ethics, risk management, and proactive process improvements.

Based in Chicago, the position involves coordinating board-related activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering precise, timely support across legal and corporate governance functions.

Qualifications

• Typically 7+ years of relevant experience in finance, risk management, legal or compliance.
• Proficient knowledge of the business and regulatory environment.
• Law degree preferred with focus on corporate, securities or tax law.
• Seasoned professional with 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. Collaborative and cross-group teamwork.
• Data driven decision making – In-depth / Expert.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a trusted advisor to senior leaders for making business decisions and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Acts as a subject matter expert for internal/external stakeholders.
• Participates in the development and distribution of tailored messaging.
• Reviews technical procedures for key processes and implements improvements as needed.
• Leads the execution of operational programs and monitors quality of execution.
• Manages timeline of activities and calendars for meetings and appointments.
• Maintains corporate records and registrations.
• Coordinates Board and Board Committee meetings, including agendas, materials, minutes and follow-ups.
• Prepares correspondence, reports and documents as required.
• Develops and maintains filing systems and ensures access to reports and forms.
• Coordinates internal audits and provides research support.
• Maintains Governance website and certifies portfolio information in GEMS.
• Certifies completion of compliance procedures and documentation to support transactions.
• Coordinates internal funding transactions and insider reporting information.
• Supports project management and monitors progress and expenses.
• Handles sensitive bank information and works in high-stress environments.
• Builds relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
• Applies expertise to address non-routine problems and shifting trends.

Skills

Verbal & written comms

Analytical thinking

Influence & collaboration

Data-driven decisions

Education

Law degree preferred

Job description

BMO Harris Bank is seeking a senior legal/compliance professional to advise senior leadership and support governance, regulatory, and transactional activities in a high-stakes environment. The role emphasizes ethics, risk management, and proactive process improvements.

Based in Chicago, the position involves coordinating board-related activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering precise, timely support across legal and corporate governance functions.