Senior Manager, Risk Appetite

BMO•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Enterprise Risk Appetite (ERA), is a senior individual contributor role within Enterprise Risk Management. The position reports to the Director, Risk Appetite, in the Risk Appetite & Portfolio Management team under Enterprise Risk, and ultimately the Chief Risk Officer (CRO). This position is an individual contributor role focused on leading specific workstreams and major components of the Risk Appetite Program as listed in the “Key Responsibilities” section below. Over time, people management opportunities may arise based on team needs and the individual’s development path.

Requirements

Proven experience in Risk Appetite and or Metrics Program building, Metrics Identification and Development and risk management.
Expertise in Risk Management: Strong understanding of Risk Management and Risk Governance at large, complex financial institutions, including the Risk Management Lifecycle and key risks including credit, market, operational, regulatory/compliance, etc.
Quantitative Skills: Ability to work with and interpret large data sets; experience in quantitative analysis pertaining to credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, and or non-financial risks; understanding of Data Management and Risk Data Aggregation and Risk Reporting requirements.
Communication and Relationship Management: Excellent skills to present complex findings and manage relationships to influence widespread change.
Independence: Ability to work independently and lead activities.
Intellectual curiosity: Natural drive and ability to become a subject matter expert on relevant topics.
Execution mindset: Ability to execute tasks and produce high-quality work products within defined timelines.
Critical thinking and ability to synthesize: Ability to analyze complex information deeply and derive meaningful insights.
Attention to detail: Ability to thoroughly analyze work products to ensure exceptionally high quality.
Typically 7+ years of relevant experience and post‑secondary degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
In‑depth/expert knowledge of risk management, audit, compliance, and governance practices.
In‑depth/expert knowledge of business and regulatory environment and related risk trends.
Knowledge of banking products, economics, and financial markets.
In‑depth/expert communication and relationship management skills.
Strong planning, prioritization, and organizational skills.
Seasoned professional with strong industry and domain knowledge.
Verbal & written communication skills — In‑depth / Expert.
Analytical and problem‑solving skills — In‑depth / Expert.
Influence skills — In‑depth / Expert.
Collaboration & team skills — In‑depth / Expert.
Able to manage ambiguity.
Data‑driven decision‑making — In‑depth / Expert.

Responsibilities

Risk Appetite & Risk Metric Program Building Design Risk Appetite requirements across program elements, including Risk Appetite setting, metric measurement, metric monitoring and breach management, action planning, and reporting. Document requirements in policies, standards, and procedures. Define accountabilities and responsibilities for Risk Appetite activities across governance lines. Integrate Risk Appetite with other risk programs (e.g., strategic planning, capital planning, risk identification). Define processes for integration of Risk Appetite across organizational levels (Enterprise, Business Groups, Legal Entities). Distinguish between Risk Appetite Metrics, Key Risk Indicators, and other metric types. Create tools, templates, and guidance to support program execution. Serve as a subject matter expert across first, second, and third lines of defence.
Metric Identification, Design & Development Ensure the metric set covers all organizational risks, including credit, market, liquidity & funding, operational, compliance, environmental & social (including climate), strategic, and reputational. Define, calibrate, and set thresholds for metrics using quantitative and qualitative inputs. Partner with subject matter experts to develop meaningful risk metrics.
Oversight & Challenge Monitor adherence to Risk Appetite and Risk Metrics policies, standards, and procedures. Promote consistent program execution across risk types, business lines, enterprise functions, legal entities, and subsidiaries.
Program Implementation & Execution Contribute significantly to the annual refresh of qualitative statements and quantitative metrics. Communicate Enterprise Risk Appetite to Business Group Heads and CROs. Prepare and enhance quarterly reporting for Senior Management, committees, and Boards. Support escalation processes for breaches and action plans. Maintain a central inventory of Risk Appetite documentation, reporting, metrics, and supporting materials.