Senior Manager, Procurement Operations

BMO•Chicago, IL

13d•$100,000 - $220,000

About The Position

The Sr. Manager, Procurement Operations & Strategy provides the leadership, governance, and operational oversight needed to ensure Procurement programs, processes, and strategic initiatives are delivered effectively and consistently across the organization. This role connects priorities, stakeholders, processes, controls, and resources across Procurement while supporting operational excellence, procurement accountability, and the achievement of business objectives. The Sr. Manager, Procurement Operations & Strategy supports the service delivery, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Procurement programs and processes that provide a consistent and exceptional employee and stakeholder experience, maximize operational efficiency, support procurement accountability, enforce internal and external control standards, and minimize risk. Working across BMO, the role leads strategic initiatives, operational programs, and process improvements in alignment with business objectives while serving as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert within the Procurement function. The role is accountable for driving operational performance, strengthening governance and control environments, supporting audit and regulatory requirements, overseeing supplier payment operations, and ensuring effective execution of Procurement programs through collaboration with internal stakeholders, external partners, and operational support teams.

Requirements

Typically 7+ years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
PC skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – In-depth/Expert.
Knowledge related to operations specialties – Expert.
Knowledge of the business/group processes/procedures– Expert.
Knowledge of applicable risk and regulatory requirements and the impact on the business/group – Expert.
Project management/program management skills – In-depth.
Attention to detail with a focus on execution.
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 the delivery and continuous improvement of Procurement programs and operational processes to ensure effective service delivery, operational excellence, and consistent stakeholder experience.
Oversee supplier payment operations and related workflows, ensuring activities are executed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with established service levels, controls, and business requirements.
Monitor operational performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement solutions that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Serve as the primary subject matter expert for Procurement Operations programs, processes, and supporting governance requirements.
Provide strategic input and recommendations to Procurement leadership regarding operational priorities, initiatives, risks, and opportunities.
Lead the execution of strategic initiatives that support Procurement objectives, process transformation, operational effectiveness, and business outcomes.
Conduct independent analysis and develop recommendations to address complex operational and strategic issues.
Translate business priorities into executable plans, performance measures, and operational improvements.
Serve as the primary audit, governance, and control contact for Procurement Operations, coordinating audit activities, evidence collection, issue remediation, and stakeholder engagement.
Oversee the development, maintenance, and alignment of operational documentation, procedures, controls, and supporting materials.
Ensure compliance with applicable policies, standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements while maintaining a strong control environment.
Perform quality reviews and identify opportunities to strengthen governance, reduce risk, and improve operational accountability.
Develop and maintain dashboards, scorecards, management reporting, and performance metrics that provide visibility into operational results, risks, and strategic priorities.
Analyze data and operational trends to deliver insights and recommendations that support leadership decision making.
Coordinate executive presentations, leadership materials, business reviews, and communications that support Procurement priorities and strategic objectives.
Establish and maintain information management practices that improve reporting, transparency, and organizational effectiveness.
Lead continuous improvement and transformation initiatives that simplify processes, increase automation, improve controls, and enhance stakeholder experience.
Evaluate program effectiveness and industry trends, recommending and implementing enhancements where appropriate.
Lead change management activities, including planning, stakeholder engagement, communication, execution, and sustainment.
Drive adoption of new processes, tools, and ways of working across Procurement Operations.
Build and maintain strong relationships across Procurement, Finance, Accounts Payable, Risk, Audit, Technology, and business stakeholders.
Act as a trusted advisor and specialist resource to senior leaders and stakeholders across the organization.
Lead, coach, and develop direct reports while providing oversight and direction to offshore operational resources.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and inclusion aligned to BMO values and business objectives.