Director, Commercial Governance & Controls Initiatives

Application Deadline:10/02/2026Address:320 S Canal StreetJob Family Group:Business ManagementLeveraging deep expertise in Commercial Banking, risk management, and internal controls, the Director, Commercial Governance & Controls Initiatives is a hands-on risk professional responsible for analyzing data, identifying trends and emerging risks, and supporting the execution of key governance and control priorities across U.S. Commercial Banking. The role delivers actionable insights through monitoring, analysis, and reporting, while advancing governance and control initiatives in support of effective risk management aligned with the Bank’s risk appetite, regulatory expectations, and internal policies.Contributes to the business’ accountability for the delivery of programs across applicable Tier 1 Risk Types. Contributes to the design of governance and control requirements for products, processes, and channels. Supports the design, development, automation, and coordination of evidence based controls across Credit & Counterparty, Non Financial, Liquidity & Funding, Market, Strategic, Reputation, and Environmental & Social Risks. Supports effective and efficient compliance with regulatory obligations in alignment with the Bank’s Risk Management Framework and approved Risk Appetite.Supports multiple, varied Commercial business units with significant complexity and business riskActs as a strategic partner to ensure the program elements become an integrated component of the overall business/group strategies.Breaks down complex risk topics and strategic problems; analyzes data and information to provide clear, actionable insights and recommendations.Manages/supports execution of priority initiatives, including regulatory remediation, governance & control enhancements, and strategic transformation efforts.Designs measurable sustainment strategies including assessing and recommending mitigations for segment-specific risks and prioritizing opportunitiesPerforms monitoring and analysis across key risk categories, identifying trends, emerging risks, and areas requiring management attention.Evaluates control effectiveness and partners with management to address identified risks and deficiencies; provides guidance on control design and operationPerforms root cause and trend analysis on issues, incidents, audit findings, and risk indicators to support management action plans.Coordinates response activities for material risk events, including root cause analysis, impact assessment, remediation planning and implementationUnderstands the identified risk exposures and supports the development of action plans required to mitigate identified risks.Drives an integrated view of presentations and analysis, ensuring consistent assessment and messagingRepresents the business/group in Working Groups/Governance Forums/Committees and provides regular updates.Builds strong, trusted relationships across Commercial Banking business partners, U.S. Banking, Risk, Compliance, and AuditContributes to a strong risk culture through collaboration with 1LOD, and engagement with Second Line of Defense (2LOD), Corporate Audit (3LOD), to ensure risks related to products, services, and processes are identified, assessed, measured and managed within the approved risk appetite, and reported on an ongoing basis.Builds awareness, knowledge, and skills and, as necessary, provides communication, practical tools and ongoing support including making presentations, to promote a culture of risk identification and management.Influences how teams/groups work together.Develops an expert understanding of business/group challenges.Develops longer term program strategies assessing both internal needs & industry trends to deliver best-in-class programs for BMO.Supports multiple, varied Commercial business units with significant complexity and business riskActs as a subject matter expert on relevant regulations and policies.Prepares and briefs senior leaders on regulatory matters across multiple businesses/groups.Directs strategic programs that impact BMO and provides integrated management of subsidiary projects and internal or external stakeholders.Provides overall program level change leadership to ensure program vision and objectives are achieved and effectively integrated across BMO.Acts as the prime contact for internal/external stakeholder relationships, which may include regulators.Leads change management programs of varying scope and type, including readiness assessments, planning, stakeholder management, execution, evaluation and sustainment of initiatives.Monitoring to ensure that 1st line jobs are following defined processes and procedures.Develops, documents and maintains business/group proceduresTracks exception/exemption requests and corresponding approvals.Facilitates training to ensure business unit employees fully understand requirements.Provides quality control for investigations, self-reports, examinations and independent reviews, providing verbal and written responses to requests for action plans, information and/or documentation.Supports the design, development, coordination of implementation, automation and continuous improvement of 1LOD LOB risk management programs, including supporting the establishment and maintenance of LOB specific policies standards, business processes and controls across all applicable financial and non-financial risks.Works with assigned business/group leaders to interpret, apply and operationalize relevant regulatory frameworks across the LOB/jurisdiction and designs, develops, coordinates and continually improves the LOBs risk management programs and supporting activities to ensure the business operates within the approved risk appetite and optimizes risk return while meeting BMO’s regulatory compliance obligations and consistent with the Bank’s Risk Management FrameworkConducts or supports self-assessments to demonstrate control effectiveness and adherence, coordinating 1LOD risk remediation efforts, responding to regulatory requirements, implementing policies, and managing risk measurement and reporting. Develops and maintains an understanding of the business/group strategies and objectives, products and services, internal and external stakeholders and business processes as well as the underlying infrastructure to identify and manage implications and risk exposures for the business/group.Recommends adjustments to the overall program, policy or processes within the business/group in accordance with the Risk Appetite Statement, Governance and Corporate Policy.Supports the business/group through internal/external audits or regulatory examinations and assists in development of action plans to resolve any identified issues.Provides support to the development and delivery of training and awareness programs within the business/group to increase awareness of and compliance to risk management requirements.Takes 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.Operates at a group/enterprise-wide level and serves as a senior specialist resource across BMO. Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to multiple, interdependent, complex problems.Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.Qualifications:Typically 9+ years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Seasoned expert with extensive Commercial Banking and Risk Management knowledge.Program management skills - Expert.Technical leader viewed as a thought leader for innovation.Verbal & written communication skills - Expert.Analytical and problem solving skills - Expert.Influence skills - Expert.Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration - Expert.Able to manage ambiguity.Data driven decision making - Expert.Salary:$130,000.00 - $270,000.00Pay Type: SalariedThe 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: About UsAt 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 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.SummaryLocation: Chicago, IL, USAType: Full time