Senior Manager, Controls Testing, Canadian P&BB

BMO•Toronto, ON

About The Position

A seasoned people leader responsible for leading high‑performing teams and delivering effective control testing across Canadian P&BB. The role requires deep knowledge of P&BB products, services, and delivery channels, combined with strong critical thinking and risk assessment capabilities. The incumbent will partner closely with business and risk stakeholders, exercising sound judgment, influence, and negotiation skills to drive timely, high‑quality outcomes while reinforcing a strong risk and control culture. Supports the business/group leader in the effective implementation, maintenance and administration of first line of defense (1st LOD) programs (e.g., operational risk, AML, compliance, regulatory, etc.), including overseeing business operations within the jurisdiction to ensure adherence and efficiency. Contributes to a strong risk management culture through collaboration with other first line employees, and second & third line functions to ensure Compliance, AML or operational risks are identified, mitigated, monitored and reported on an ongoing basis. Makes recommendations to senior leaders on strategy and new initiatives, based on an in-depth understanding of the business/group. Acts as a subject matter expert on relevant regulations and policies. Acts as a strategic partner in which the program elements becomes an integrated component of the overall business/group strategies and helps drive business impact. Prepares and briefs senior leaders on regulatory matters across multiple businesses/groups. Supports multiple, similar business units with moderate complexity & business transaction risk. Represents the business/group on Governance/Risk Working Groups/Forums and provides regular updates. 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. Acts as a subject matter expert in the evaluation, development and implementation of an internal control system. May network with industry contacts to gain competitive insights and best practices. Recommends business priorities, advises on resource requirements and develops roadmap for strategic execution. Manages resources and leads the execution of strategic initiatives to deliver on business and financial goals. Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues. Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders. Ensures alignment between stakeholders. Acts as the prime subject matter expert for internal/external stakeholders. Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations. Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues. 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 management of 1st LOD program for the business/group in compliance with appropriate principles, standards & direction from the second line of defense groups. Includes developing and promoting program and ensuring the execution of all program components. Works with assigned business/group leaders to implement 1st LOD programs and frameworks, developing and maintaining an in-depth understanding of the applicable regulatory and internal risk management requirements. Interprets and provides advice on the application of the requirements for the business/group. 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. 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. Operates at a group/enterprise-wide level and serves as a specialist resource to senior leaders and stakeholders. Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to problems that can be complex and non-routine. Implements changes in response to shifting trends. Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

Typically 7+ 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 professional with a combination of education, experience and industry knowledge.
Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth / Expert.
Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth / Expert.
Influence skills - In-depth / Expert.
Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration - In-depth / Expert.
Able to manage ambiguity.
Data driven decision making - In-depth / Expert.

Responsibilities

Lead high-performing teams and deliver effective control testing across Canadian P&BB.
Partner closely with business and risk stakeholders, exercising sound judgment, influence, and negotiation skills.
Support the business/group leader in the implementation, maintenance, and administration of first line of defense (1st LOD) programs.
Oversee business operations within the jurisdiction to ensure adherence and efficiency.
Contribute to a strong risk management culture through collaboration with other first line employees, and second & third line functions.
Make recommendations to senior leaders on strategy and new initiatives.
Act as a subject matter expert on relevant regulations and policies.
Prepare and brief senior leaders on regulatory matters across multiple businesses/groups.
Represent the business/group on Governance/Risk Working Groups/Forums and provide regular updates.
Monitor and advise on management of risk requirements within the defined risk appetite.
Manage/support large/complex risk programs/frameworks/projects/initiatives.
Monitor industry and legislative developments and continuously update programs.
Support the position on regulatory compliance issues by interpreting requirements and identifying, analyzing, and addressing resultant gaps and issues.
Understand identified risk exposures and support the development of action plans.
Act as a subject matter expert in the evaluation, development, and implementation of an internal control system.
Recommend business priorities, advise on resource requirements and develop roadmap for strategic execution.
Manage resources and lead the execution of strategic initiatives.
Conduct independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues.
Build effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
Ensure alignment between stakeholders.
Act as the prime subject matter expert for internal/external stakeholders.
Break down strategic problems, and analyze data and information to provide insights and recommendations.
Monitor and track performance, and address any issues.
Lead change management programs of varying scope and type.
Lead the execution of operational programs; assess and adapt as needed to ensure quality of execution.
Monitor to ensure that 1st line jobs are following defined processes and procedures.
Develop, document, and maintain business/group procedures.
Design measurable sustainment strategies.
Track exception/exemption requests and corresponding approvals.
Facilitate training to ensure business unit employees fully understand requirements.
Provide quality control for investigations, self-reports, examinations and independent reviews.
May act as the designated Primary Business Unit Compliance Officer (BUCO) and/or Anti-Money Laundering Reporting Officer.
Build awareness, knowledge, and skills and provide communication, practical tools and ongoing support.
Support the management of 1st LOD program for the business/group.
Work with assigned business/group leaders to implement 1st LOD programs and frameworks.
Interpret and provide advice on the application of requirements for the business/group.
Develop and maintain an understanding of the business/group strategies and objectives, products and services, internal and external stakeholders and business processes.
Identify, investigate, analyze, document & mitigate program risks.
Analyze the impact and effectiveness of the program through periodic reviews.
Recommend adjustments to the overall program, policy or processes within the business/group.
Support the business/group through internal/external audits or regulatory examinations and assist in development of action plans.
Provide support to the development and delivery of training and awareness programs within the business/group.
Operate at a group/enterprise-wide level and serve as a specialist resource to senior leaders and stakeholders.
Apply expertise and think creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to problems.
Implement changes in response to shifting trends.
Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.