Director, Commercial Bank Testing

Leads assigned projects from project initiation to implementation to achieve desired business results. Ensures that a successful business outcome is the prime measure of project success including delivering projects on time, within budget, within quality standards and to the satisfaction of the project sponsor. Drives to mitigate execution risk to achieve the desired business outcomes. Understands the business/group and facilitates communication with other program/project managers and stakeholders efficiently and effectively. Directs, manages, and coordinates team members including other project managers, business and technology resources, user groups, internal and external consultants and contractors, as well as vendors and external regulatory organizations. Responsibilities Leads a team of 150+ on-shore and off-shore (24/7 operation) testing team that's accountable to: Perform required business testing on technical solutions to ensure that new product, process, learning program or other technical changes introduced to customers and/or employees meet business requirements. Reduce risk by finding and fixing problems in advance of production; helps projects achieve expected benefits; and addresses regulatory requirements. Perform user acceptance testing for projects of various complexities, including but not limited to developing & managing the test strategy, creating & reviewing test cases to ensure traceability, executing test cases, escalating issues, logging outcomes, facilitating/participating in defect meetings, reviewing & validating defect resolutions and developing the exit report. Develop UAT solutions and makes recommendations based on an understanding of the business strategy and stakeholder needs. Provides advice and guidance to assigned business/group on implementation of UAT solutions. Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of end to end business processes and project requirements through close partnership with business/group stakeholders. Coordinate the appropriate parties to execute the overall test plan for project; including identifying key participants to execute the plan, providing estimates on the UAT cycle, determining the UAT schedule, prioritizing test execution, monitoring the test progress, and escalating as required. Collaborate with internal & external stakeholders to provide business context in the design, develop and implementation of UAT solutions across the Commercial Bank portfolio. Build effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders. Leads or participates in change management activities of varying scope and type. Break down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide UAT insights and recommendations. Monitor and track UAT performance results and addresses any issues. 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. 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 initiatives. Develops an expert understanding of business/group challenges. Networks with industry contacts to gather competitive insights and best practices. Recommends measures to improve organizational effectiveness. Influences and negotiates to achieve business objectives. Assists in the development of strategic plans. Identifies emerging issues and trends to inform decision-making. Recommends business priorities, advises on resource requirements and develops roadmap for strategic execution. Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues. Acts as the prime contact for internal/external stakeholder relationships, which may include regulators. Manages/validates financial forecasts and conducts ongoing reconciliation. Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations. Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues. Designs and produces regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards. Provides program level change leadership to ensure the vision and objectives of the large-scale transformation are driven properly. Develops change management plans for the complex programs spanning across multiple business units and stakeholders. Collaborates across BMO to develop communications strategies and ensure consistency of messaging to positively influence or change behaviour. Directs strategic programs within multiple or single business/groups and provides integrated management of subsidiary projects and internal or external stakeholders. Leads all aspects of the program lifecycle and ensures program structure is designed to achieve the intended business benefit. Exercises direct accountability for complex programs with many project managers and team members. Manages overall program budget, and allocates budgets to supporting projects. Ensures overall program spend is managed within approved annual and multi-year budget allocations. Manages contingency funding in support of risk mitigation plans. Provides guidance to the project sponsor on the implementation and sustainment of projects, resulting in successful project outcomes. Manages all aspects of the project lifecycle, including business, operational and technology deliverables. Ensures all project processes are completed. Ensures change management plans are developed, socialized and consistently measured to deliver the expected project benefits and adoption. Executes project requirements in governance frameworks focused on risk appetite, regulatory and compliance standards. Develops all related project management artifacts, while complying with applicable enterprise standards Monitors and controls project deliverables. Makes recommendations and adjustments to the overall project plan to achieve deliverables. Provides project sponsor with advice on the viability of the business case (costs, benefits, KPIs, etc.) throughout the project. Understands project interdependencies and demonstrates critical thinking that proactively identifies project risks and establishes effective risk mitigation from the outset. Demonstrates stakeholder partnership that involves effective communicating with the project sponsor; gains and builds trust and rapport. Demonstrates ownership and commitment by holding themselves accountable for the identification and resolution of project problems. Leads and/or represents the project in project team meetings, governance forums and inter-department forums. Adheres to Bank risk, regulatory and compliance controls. 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. Qualifications Typically 9+ years of relevant experience and/or certification in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid PMP designation from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is an asset. Entrepreneurial skills – Expert. Judgement skills – Expert. Learning agility – Expert. Stakeholder management – Expert. Able to navigate challenging situations effectively. Able to apply project management methodologies or approaches. Able to manage project and business risks, including project and program interdependencies. Able to resolve project issues effectively. Seasoned expert with extensive industry knowledge. 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 $137,000.00 - $238,000.00 Benefits Health insurance Tuition reimbursement Accident and life insurance Retirement savings plans Equal Opportunity Employer 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr BMO