Director, Private Credit Special Assets Management

BMO • Chicago, IL

1d • $100,000 - $220,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Private Credit Special Assets Management leads the resolution of complex middle-market, sponsor-backed leveraged finance transactions within BMO's Corporate & US Commercial Portfolio. The role works with private equity sponsors, borrowers, advisors, and internal stakeholders to navigate challenging credit situations, develop restructuring and workout strategies, and protect the Bank's interests while delivering strong client outcomes. It applies credit, underwriting, negotiation, and relationship-management expertise in a fast-paced environment involving sophisticated transactions and complex stakeholder dynamics.

The position manages a defined portfolio of high-risk borrowing accounts, applying expertise to reduce loss exposure and manage risk. It advises stakeholders on high-risk credit transactions and mitigation strategies, makes or recommends credit decisions in accordance with sound credit principles and Bank policies, and contributes to portfolio relationships and profitability. The Director provides strategic advice, expert credit guidance, and leadership on initiatives, operational programs, change management, risk monitoring, analytics, and reporting. The role also supports credit due diligence for bank acquisitions or integration and serves as a specialist resource to senior leaders and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Typically 7 or more years of relevant experience and a post-secondary degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Credit qualifications and associated credit knowledge and skills that meet established qualification standards.
• In-depth or expert knowledge of banking products and services.
• In-depth or expert knowledge of industry trends and regulations.
• In-depth or expert knowledge of credit portfolio management policies and procedures and financing guidelines.
• Seasoned professional with a combination of education, experience, and industry knowledge.
• In-depth or expert verbal and written communication skills.
• In-depth or expert analytical and problem-solving skills.
• In-depth or expert influence skills.
• In-depth or expert collaboration and team skills, with a focus on cross-group collaboration.
• Ability to manage ambiguity.
• In-depth or expert data-driven decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead resolution of complex middle-market, sponsor-backed leveraged finance transactions and develop restructuring and workout strategies.
• Manage a portfolio of high-risk borrowing accounts to reduce the Bank's loss exposure and manage risk while supporting strong client outcomes.
• Advise internal and external stakeholders on complex high-risk credit transactions and mitigation strategies.
• Make credit decisions or recommendations in accordance with sound credit-granting principles and Bank policies and procedures.
• Work with stakeholders to deepen relationships and grow portfolio profitability.
• Ensure the effectiveness of risk management controls, analysis, and monitoring at both transactional and portfolio levels.
• Provide credit coaching, training, and support to the direct team and other stakeholders.
• Provide strategic input and advice to business leaders; recommend strategies, priorities, resource requirements, initiatives, and execution roadmaps.
• Act as a subject matter expert on relevant regulations, policies, and credit matters.
• Influence and negotiate to achieve business objectives; identify emerging issues and trends to inform decision-making.
• Manage resources and lead strategic initiatives to deliver business and financial goals.
• Conduct independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues and ambiguous or non-routine problems.
• Align stakeholders and serve as a prime subject matter expert for internal and external parties.
• Develop and manage information systems and lead improvements to processes, analysis, reporting, analytics, and data-informed decision-making.
• Lead change management programs, including readiness assessment, planning, stakeholder management, execution, evaluation, and sustainment.
• Lead communication strategies and collaborate across BMO to promote consistent messaging and influence behavior.
• Lead operational programs, monitor execution quality, and adapt programs as needed.
• Support credit due diligence for bank acquisitions or integration.
• Monitor financial and risk performance of the account portfolio; analyze customer and account information and recommend ways to improve quality, liquidity, and the Bank's security position.
• Document credit transaction decisions and their rationale in a way that can be understood and explained to customers.
• Identify and advise on transaction terms, conditions, collateral requirements, and alternative solutions.
• Monitor economic and market developments relevant to the portfolio and maintain knowledge of lending issues, loan structures, collateral, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and applicable regulations.
• Coach and advise sales and service employees on credit risk, policy, and transaction structuring.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including legal and insolvency professionals and commercial-business consultants and advisors.
• Gather and format data for regular and ad hoc reports and dashboards; monitor performance and address issues.
• Provide input into operational program planning and implementation, and execute work accurately, efficiently, and on time.
• Apply BMO's Risk Management Framework and make sound, risk-informed decisions consistent with business strategy, approved risk appetite, policies, laws, and regulations.
• Undertake broader work or accountabilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Accident and life insurance
• Retirement savings plans
• Performance-based incentives and discretionary bonuses may be included in the total compensation package, along with other perks and rewards.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director