Director, Data Foundations, Automation & Infrastructure

BMO•Los Angeles, CA

9d•$130,000 - $270,000

About The Position

This is a leadership role within Commercial Banking focused on shaping how data supports business decisions across Canada and the U.S. The Director leads a highly technical team responsible for delivering trusted, curated, scalable data assets for reporting, analytics, AI and strategic decision-making. The role oversees data engineering, data operations, information infrastructure and business-managed applications, and contributes to the broader Commercial Banking data strategy. The Director leads the team that builds, manages and continually improves curated Commercial Banking data, including client, financial, client activity, master and other key business data. The role owns the end-to-end data lifecycle—from requirements, modeling and architecture through ETL and pipeline development to reliable production within established service levels. It partners with business, analytics, AI, Technology and Data Governance teams to ensure data is accurate, documented, easy to use and aligned with governance requirements, while modernizing data platforms and practices. The position combines banking knowledge, technical leadership, people management and strategic thinking. It supports cloud modernization, AI-enabled automation, Client 360 capabilities and near real-time data delivery, while maintaining dependable production, data quality, security and controls. The Director also oversees business-managed applications and develops a high-performing team, working effectively with vendor partners.

Requirements

At least 9 years of experience in data management, data engineering or a related field, including leadership of data teams.
Deep expertise in ETL and data pipeline development, data modeling and data quality management.
Strong proficiency in SQL and modern data programming languages such as Python.
Experience with cloud and modern data platforms.
Working knowledge of master data, metadata, semantic layers and data governance practices, including data privacy and integrity.
Experience operating in a highly regulated environment.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Post-secondary degree in a related field of study, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Commercial Banking or financial services experience.

Responsibilities

Define and deliver the Data Foundations strategy and roadmap in alignment with business, CDAO and enterprise data priorities.
Design and maintain data architecture and models for curated data assets, including master and reference data, with usability and scalability in mind.
Establish and uphold standards for data modeling, naming, metadata, integration and data sharing.
Lead the design, development and operation of ETL processes and data pipelines.
Ensure recurring data production is accurate, timely and reconciled to authoritative sources within published service levels.
Monitor data flows, resolve issues promptly and drive root-cause remediation.
Embed data quality checks, validation and controls throughout the data lifecycle.
Ensure data is handled securely and protected from loss or unauthorized access in line with legal and company standards.
Evaluate and adopt technologies, tools and practices that improve the scalability, efficiency and resilience of the data ecosystem.
Partner with Technology on platform strategy, infrastructure and the path to production.
Prepare and structure data for advanced analytics and AI use cases.
Manage intake and prioritization of data requests transparently, with clear service levels.
Promote data literacy and self-service through documentation, data dictionaries and a community of practice.
Partner with business, analytics, AI and Technology teams on data definitions, changes and downstream impacts.
Partner with Data Governance to meet data quality, metadata, lineage and data risk requirements.
Oversee business-managed applications from intake and design through delivery, enhancement and ongoing support.
Ensure business-managed applications are well controlled and supported, and aligned with BMO technology, data and risk standards.
Build, develop and lead a high-performing team of data professionals, working effectively with vendor partners.
Set clear goals and accountability, coach for growth, foster ownership, quality and continuous improvement, and attract, retain and develop talent.
Role model BMO values and foster an inclusive culture connected to the organization’s purpose.
Apply the Risk Management Framework and make sound, risk-informed decisions within approved Risk Appetite and applicable policies, laws and regulations.