Application Deadline: 07/16/2026 Address: 33 Dundas Street West Job Family Group: Business Management The Director, First Line of Defence Program Management, contributes to the business’ accountability for the delivery of regulatory 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. 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 strategic partner to ensure the program elements becomes an integrated component of the overall business/group strategies. 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 business units with significant complexity & business transaction risk. Acts as a subject matter expert on relevant regulations and policies. Acts as a subject matter expert in the evaluation, development and implementation of an internal control system. Prepares and briefs senior leaders on regulatory matters across multiple businesses/groups. Monitors and advises on management of risk requirements within the defined risk appetite. Manages/supports large/complex risk programs/frameworks /projects/initiatives to ensure risks are appropriately mitigated and regulations adhered to. Monitors industry and legislative developments and continuously updates programs to ensure they are competitive and effective. Supports the position on regulatory compliance issues by interpreting requirements (existing, new and emerging) and identifying, analysing and addressing resultant gaps and issues, including those raised through the review of change initiatives. Understands the identified risk exposures and supports the development of action plans required to mitigate identified risks. Represents the business/group on Governance/Risk Working Groups/Forums and provides regular updates. May establish/manage a 1st LOD control group to oversee business/group adherence to the applicable risk managements requirements. May include evaluating the effectiveness of the controls, reporting on risk assessments and reviews, ensuring the business/group management addresses any identified risks and control deficiencies and the provision of advice and guidance to management concerning the design, and operation of the business/group controls. May consult to or serve on various committees and task forces. 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. Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders. Ensures alignment between stakeholders. Acts as the prime contact for internal/external stakeholder relationships, which may include regulators. Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues. Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations. 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. Monitoring to ensure that 1st line jobs are following defined processes and procedures. Develops, documents and maintains business/group procedures updating and obtaining approvals as regulations or the operating environment changes and communicates changes to the business/group & relevant stakeholder groups. Designs measurable sustainment strategies including assessing and recommending mitigations for industry/ segment-specific risks and prioritizing opportunities presented by internal and external stakeholders. Tracks 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 conducted by internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, providing verbal and written responses to requests for positions, action plans, information and/or documentation. May act as the designated Primary Business Unit Compliance Officer (BUCO) and/or Anti-Money Laundering Reporting Officer for the operating group and is accountable to meet all program requirements (e.g., Operating Group Compliance Program, AML Program Framework). 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. 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 Framework Conducts 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. Identifies, investigates, analyzes, documents & mitigates program risks, taking into account jurisdictional issues, and raises any issues or concerns to senior leaders and other stakeholders. Contributes to a strong risk culture through collaboration with 1LOD, and engagement with Second Line of Defence (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. Analyzes the impact and effectiveness of the program through periodic reviews. 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. 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 post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Program management skills - Expert. 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: $110,500.00 - $192,500.00 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 https://jobs.bmo.com/ca/en. BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter. 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. BMO is a leading bank driven by a single purpose: to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. Everywhere we do business, we’re focused on building, investing and transforming how we work to drive performance and continue growing the good. Who we are We’re proud to be fueling growth and expanding possibilities for individuals, families and businesses. More than 12 million customers count on us for personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment services. As the 8th largest bank in North America by assets, we provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment services to more than 12 million customers. In Canada, the United States and across the globe, we’ll continue to build, invest and transform to drive performance that serves the good that grows.