Director, Rewards Program Strategy & Product Management

Application Deadline:09/09/2026Address:320 S Canal StreetJob Family Group:Customer SolutionsDesigns and develops loyalty products that bridge business requirements with technology capabilities to deliver business value and build credibility through personalized collector/customer interactions. Drives the end-to-end product lifecycle including the 'why', 'when' and 'what' of the product, development, proof of concepts, and product activation through to product retirement. Leverages market research, forecasting, pricing, and competitive analysis. Monitors product and system performance, and assesses problems to develop and implement solutions. Manages product/program risks in compliance with legal, regulatory, and risk requirements. Collaborates with partners to take products to market.Fosters a culture aligned to BMO purpose, values and strategy and role models BMO values and behaviours in all that they do.Ensures alignment between values and behaviour that fosters diversity and inclusion.Regularly connects work to BMO’s purpose, sets inspirational goals, defines clear expected outcomes, and ensures clear accountability for follow through.Builds interdependent teams that collaborate across functional and operating groups to create the highest value for all stakeholders.Attracts, retains, and enables the career development of top talent.Improves team performance, recognizes and rewards performance, coaches employees, supports their development, and manages poor performance.Acts as a trusted advisor to senior leaders for making business decisions and implementing strategic initiativesDevelops an expert understanding of business/group challenges.Networks with industry contacts to gather competitive insights and best practices.May consult to or serve on various committees and task forces.Recommends business priorities, advises on resource requirements and develops the integrated roadmap for strategic execution.Leads the implementation strategies aligned with the product vision, brand promise and strategic priorities balancing quality, business impact and user experience.Manages resources and leads the execution of roadmap priorities and related strategic initiatives to deliver on business and financial goals.Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues.Develops business cases by identifying needs, analyzing potential options, and assessing expected returns on investment.Acts as the prime contact for internal/external stakeholder relationships, which may include regulators.Clearly defines and negotiates roles and responsibilities across organization boundaries to specify the work of different groups and the how the groups will interact.Defines business requirements for analytics and reporting to ensure data insights inform business decision making.Oversees the development of business analytics and insights (e.g. collector/customer analytics, forecasts, operations metrics, trend analytics, and predictive modelling).Breaks down strategic problems, and analyzes data and information to provide insights and recommendations.Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues.Leads change management programs of varying scope and type, including readiness assessments, planning, stakeholder management, execution, evaluation and sustainment of initiatives.Leads the execution of operational programs; assesses and adapts as needed to ensure quality of execution.Provides input into the planning and implementation of operational programs.Defines, establishes, and monitors key product performance and growth metrics to provide a deep understanding of financial performance drivers.Leads / supports contract negotiations with vendors and external partners, balancing cost, risk, and performance.Understands and oversees end-to-end collector/customer/partner experience that may include interactions with clients and sales.Uses market research, collector/customer/partner insights analysis, and competitive intelligence to develop strategy.Develops and implements plans to address identified product gaps or issues.Manages risk associated with portfolio of products, including setting risk parameters and tolerance levels.Sets policies for product portfolio.Drives the overall user experience definition and prioritization that enables a focus on what matters most to our collectors and partners.Provides non-functional requirements e.g. security, reliability, performance, usability, etc. to cross-functional product teams to clarify the product vision translated into a prioritized roadmap and actionable tasks.Designs, implements, manages, and enhances a single product or suite of products throughout the product and loyalty program lifecycle.Continuously improves the product based on measurement and analysis to address issues and deliver the optimal user experience.Builds effective relationships, excitement and ensures alignment between internal/external stakeholders including vendors..Works with Marketing and other partners to execute the marketing strategy, including offers and campaigns.Works with channel partners to develop sales and service training and materials and manages change.May support the sales and service teams in development of client deals, offers and related presentations.Operates at a group/enterprise-wide level and serves as a senior specialist resource across BMO. Influences how teams/groups work together.Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to multiple, interdependent, complex problems.Communicates abstract concepts in simple terms.Fosters strong internal and external networks and works with and across multiple teams to achieve business objectives.Anticipates trends and responds by implementing appropriate changes.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:Advanced level of proficiency:Data analysis and interpretation.Marketing Analysis.Creative thinking.Process Improvement and optimization.Product Value Proposition and Go-to-Market Assets Definition, Design and Development.Expert level of proficiency:Business Strategy.Research and information synthesis.Business Operations.Financial & Risk Management.Product Management.Learning Agility.Customer centricity.Product Development.Technology Business Requirements. Definition, Analysis and Mapping.Product Lifecycle Management (Using Agile Methodologies).Complex Problem Solving.Verbal & written communication skills.Analytical and problem solving skills.Influence skills.Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration.Able to manage ambiguity.Data driven decision making.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 industry knowledge.Technical leader viewed as a thought leader for innovation.Salary:$137,000.00 - $238,000.00Pay 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