Senior Manager, Procurement Operations

BMO Harris Bank; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

BMO Harris Bank is seeking a Sr. Manager, Procurement Operations & Strategy in Chicago. You will lead procurement programs, drive operational excellence, and ensure governance and risk controls across the function, partnering with stakeholders and external teams to maximize efficiency and accountability.

Responsibilities include strategic initiatives, program management, and performance reporting to enable data-driven decisions and strong regulatory compliance in a complex enterprise environment.

Qualifications

• Typically 7+ years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field or equivalent.
• Expert knowledge of procurement processes, governance, and risk management.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of procurement programs and operational processes.
• Oversee supplier payment operations and related workflows.
• Provide strategic input to procurement leadership and translate priorities into executable plans.
• Coordinate governance, audit, and reporting activities across Procurement.

Skills

Procurement Operations

Strategic Planning

Governance & Risk

Analytics & Reporting

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Communication

Education

Post-secondary degree in related field

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Application Deadline: 09/25/2026

Address: 320 S Canal Street

Job Family Group: Procurement

Role Summary

The Sr. Manager, Procurement Operations & Strategy provides the leadership, governance, and operational oversight needed to ensure Procurement programs, processes, and strategic initiatives are delivered effectively and consistently across the organization. This role connects priorities, stakeholders, processes, controls, and resources across Procurement while supporting operational excellence, procurement accountability, and the achievement of business objectives.

Role Description

The Sr. Manager, Procurement Operations & Strategy supports the service delivery, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Procurement programs and processes that provide a consistent and exceptional employee and stakeholder experience, maximize operational efficiency, support procurement accountability, enforce internal and external control standards, and minimize risk.

Working across BMO, the role leads strategic initiatives, operational programs, and process improvements in alignment with business objectives while serving as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert within the Procurement function. The role is accountable for driving operational performance, strengthening governance and control environments, supporting audit and regulatory requirements, overseeing supplier payment operations, and ensuring effective execution of Procurement programs through collaboration with internal stakeholders, external partners, and operational support teams.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Operations & Service Delivery

• Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of Procurement programs and operational processes to ensure effective service delivery, operational excellence, and consistent stakeholder experience.
• Oversee supplier payment operations and related workflows, ensuring activities are executed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with established service levels, controls, and business requirements.
• Monitor operational performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement solutions that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert for Procurement Operations programs, processes, and supporting governance requirements.

Strategy & Program Management

• Provide strategic input and recommendations to Procurement leadership regarding operational priorities, initiatives, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead the execution of strategic initiatives that support Procurement objectives, process transformation, operational effectiveness, and business outcomes.
• Conduct independent analysis and develop recommendations to address complex operational and strategic issues.
• Translate business priorities into executable plans, performance measures, and operational improvements.

Governance, Risk & Audit Management

• Serve as the primary audit, governance, and control contact for Procurement Operations, coordinating audit activities, evidence collection, issue remediation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee the development, maintenance, and alignment of operational documentation, procedures, controls, and supporting materials.
• Ensure compliance with applicable policies, standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements while maintaining a strong control environment.
• Perform quality reviews and identify opportunities to strengthen governance, reduce risk, and improve operational accountability.
• Performance Management & Reporting

Reporting, Analytics & Leadership Support

• Develop and maintain dashboards, scorecards, management reporting, and performance metrics that provide visibility into operational results, risks, and strategic priorities.
• Analyze data and operational trends to deliver insights and recommendations that support leadership decision making.
• Coordinate executive presentations, leadership materials, business reviews, and communications that support Procurement priorities and strategic objectives.
• Establish and maintain information management practices that improve reporting, transparency, and organizational effectiveness.

Process Improvement & Change Management

• Lead continuous improvement and transformation initiatives that simplify processes, increase automation, improve controls, and enhance stakeholder experience.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and industry trends, recommending and implementing enhancements where appropriate.
• Lead change management activities, including planning, stakeholder engagement, communication, execution, and sustainment.
• Drive adoption of new processes, tools, and ways of working across Procurement Operations.

Stakeholder Management & People Leadership

• Build and maintain strong relationships across Procurement, Finance, Accounts Payable, Risk, Audit, Technology, and business stakeholders.
• Act as a trusted advisor and specialist resource to senior leaders and stakeholders across the organization.
• Lead, coach, and develop direct reports while providing oversight and direction to offshore operational resources.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and inclusion aligned to BMO values and business objectives.

Qualifications:

• Typically 7+ years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• PC skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - In-depth/Expert.
• Knowledge related to operations specialties - Expert.
• Knowledge of the business/group processes/procedures- Expert.
• Knowledge of applicable risk and regulatory requirements and the impact on the business/group - Expert.
• Project management/program management skills - In-depth.
• Attention to detail with a focus on execution.
• Seasoned professional with a combination of 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.
• Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration - In-depth / Expert.
• Able to manage ambiguity.
• Data driven decision making - In-depth / Expert.

Salary:

$100,000.00 - $220,000.00

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 http://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.

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.