Director, High Risk Portfolio Management Team

BMO•Montreal, QC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The High‑Risk Portfolio Management Team (HRPMT) enhances CCB’s overall risk oversight capabilities by providing specialized expertise, advisory support, and strategic guidance for accounts exhibiting deteriorating financial performance, emerging risk indicators, or complex credit concerns. Unlike traditional credit roles, HRPMT operates in a consulting and advisory capacity, supporting the commercial banking lines of business with expert insights to strengthen the management of high‑risk, watch‑list, and impaired accounts. The team works closely with relationship managers, credit partners, and leadership to ensure early identification of risk, informed decision‑making, and strong discipline around the oversight of vulnerable segments of the portfolio. 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. 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. 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.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in credit, lending, restructuring, portfolio management, or financial analysis within a corporate or banking environment.
Strong credit qualifications, including deep knowledge of commercial credit structures, deteriorating‑credit dynamics, and high‑risk portfolio management practices.
Bachelor’s degree required (Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field).
Demonstrated ability to assess complex financial situations, identify risks, and recommend solutions aligned with risk appetite and enterprise policies.
Proven capability to operate in an advisory role, influence stakeholders, and provide expertise in non‑routine, ambiguous, or sensitive credit situations.
Strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to apply sound judgment under pressure.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred (Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field).

Responsibilities

Conducts advanced financial analysis and risk assessments of clients demonstrating signs of weakness or deterioration, providing the LOB with actionable insights and recommended risk‑mitigation strategies.
Offers guidance on appropriate structures, terms, and risk controls for high‑risk accounts, ensuring alignment with bank policies, risk appetite, and regulatory expectations.
Advises on complex or distressed credit situations, including covenant breaches, liquidity concerns, operational challenges, and industry‑driven pressures.
Supports LOB teams with strategies for managing watch‑list, impaired, and emerging‑risk accounts, including exit strategies, recovery pathways, and restructuring options.
Performs enhanced portfolio monitoring to detect early‑warning signals, covenant non‑compliance, or deteriorating credit trends.
Evaluates portfolio‑level performance indicators and risk concentrations, escalating concerns where appropriate and recommending corrective actions.
Assesses the overall quality of risk management practices across the high‑risk portfolio, identifying gaps and recommending improvements.
Operates as a specialist resource to senior leaders and frontline teams, supporting decision‑making on complex or ambiguous credit scenarios.
Provides expertise for the review of high‑risk transactions, challenging underlying assumptions, and advising on risk‑aligned alternatives.
Engages with internal stakeholders to ensure consistency in the management of high‑risk exposures across the enterprise.
Strengthens discipline and transparency around watch‑list and impaired account management procedures.
Implements adjustments to risk oversight strategies in response to shifting market, economic, or client‑specific conditions.
Contributes to enterprise initiatives that enhance risk governance, improve monitoring capabilities, and support proactive portfolio management.
Partners closely with Commercial banking stakeholders to support their management of deteriorating clients while maintaining LOB ownership of BAU underwriting and client relationships.
Supports senior leadership with insights, analysis, and recommendations to inform capital allocation decisions and risk appetite considerations.
Engages with industry peers and internal networks to stay informed on emerging risks, competitive trends, and evolving best practices.