Associate Director, Investment Platform (Contract)
BMO · Toronto, Canada · 17d ago
Application Deadline:
Address:
100 King Street WestJob Family Group:
BMO Private Wealth is one of Canada's leading wealth management businesses, serving affluent individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The Investment Platform team is responsible for advancing the investment solutions, programs, and platform capabilities that support investment professionals and enhance client outcomes across the wealth business.
The Associate Director, Investment Platform leads strategic investment management and platform initiatives from concept through implementation, ensuring projects deliver measurable business value, enhance client and advisor outcomes, and support the achievement of investment program objectives. Oversees the full project lifecycle, balancing investment management priorities, regulatory requirements, operational considerations, and stakeholder expectations to deliver successful outcomes on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards. Proactively identifies and mitigates execution, business, and implementation risks to achieve desired investment and business results. Serves as a key liaison between investment management, product, operations, technology, compliance, and other stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and alignment across functions. Directs, manages, and coordinates cross-functional teams, including project managers, investment professionals, business and technology resources, user groups, internal and external consultants, vendors, and regulatory bodies, to drive the successful delivery of complex investment initiatives and strategic business change.
- Supports initiatives primarily within Wealth Management and Investment Management while contributing to broader business and enterprise objectives.
- Partners with stakeholders across investment management, technology, operations, compliance, and governance teams to advance business and project objectives.
- Provides specialized consulting, analytical, and project leadership expertise in support of investment management programs and business initiatives.
- Works independently while managing multiple priorities and navigating complex or ambiguous situations.
- Supports the development and execution of strategic plans, investment platform initiatives, and business transformation programs.
- Leads small to medium-scale investment management, platform, and business transformation initiatives involving multiple stakeholder groups.
- Helps define business priorities, initiative roadmaps, and execution plans to support the achievement of investment and organizational objectives.
- Conducts analysis of business, operational, and investment-related issues, providing insights and recommendations to support strategic decisions.
- Supports and manages project budgets, forecasts, business cases, and benefit realization tracking.
- Analyzes data and key performance indicators to identify opportunities, risks, and areas for optimization.
- Monitors project performance against established objectives, timelines, budgets, and quality standards, and addresses issues proactively.
- Coordinates and influences cross-functional teams, including business, technology, operations, compliance, and external partners, to achieve project outcomes.
- Supports vendor management activities, including contract oversight, resource planning, and delivery management in partnership with Strategic Sourcing.
- Provides project sponsors and business leaders with recommendations regarding implementation approaches, risks, dependencies, and sustainment plans.
- Manages all phases of the project lifecycle, ensuring delivery of business, operational, regulatory, and technology-related objectives.
- Partners with stakeholders to develop and execute change management plans that support adoption of new investment solutions, processes, and capabilities.
- Ensures projects comply with established governance frameworks, risk management standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.
- Develops and maintains project management deliverables, executive reporting materials, governance documentation, and implementation plans.
- Monitors project risks, dependencies, and interconnections and implements mitigation strategies to support successful delivery.
- Evaluates project health, business case assumptions, expected benefits, and performance metrics throughout the project lifecycle.
- Builds strong relationships with sponsors and stakeholders through effective communication, collaboration, and transparency.
- Demonstrates accountability and ownership by identifying and resolving project issues and escalating concerns when appropriate.
- Leads or represents initiatives in governance committees, working groups, cross-functional teams, and stakeholder forums.
- Applies sound judgment to identify, assess, and resolve business, operational, project, and investment management challenges.
- Takes measured risks while protecting the organization by applying risk management principles and ensuring decisions align with business strategy, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.
Qualifications:
- Typically 7+ years of relevant experience in investment management, wealth management, product management, business transformation, strategy, project delivery, or a related field, and a post-secondary degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Commerce, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5+ years of experience leading complex business, investment management, platform, or strategic initiatives from concept through implementation.
- Strong understanding of investment products, managed account programs, portfolio construction, advisor platforms, wealth management operations, and regulatory requirements.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), or similar designation is considered an asset.
- Knowledge of investment management operating models, investment governance, client servicing models, and business transformation methodologies.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to assess investment, operational, regulatory, and technology impacts across initiatives.
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence decision-making across multiple levels of the organization.
- Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and effectively lead through change.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with experience leveraging data and business insights to drive recommendations and decision-making.
- Demonstrated experience managing project risks, dependencies, budgets, business cases, and benefit realization activities.
- Strong understanding of governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, and control frameworks within a financial services environment.
- Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and executive communication skills.
- Strong collaboration and relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively across investment management, product, operations, technology, compliance, legal, and external partner groups.
- Sound judgment and critical thinking skills, with the ability to make informed decisions and recommendations in complex business environments.
- Results-oriented with a demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality outcomes while balancing strategic priorities, client needs, operational efficiency, and risk considerations.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on innovation, continuous improvement, and identifying opportunities to enhance investment programs, advisor experiences, and business performance.
Core Competencies
- Investment Management & Wealth Management Knowledge — In-depth
- Strategic Planning & Business Transformation — In-depth
- Stakeholder Management & Relationship Building — In-depth
- Project & Program Leadership — In-depth
- Governance, Risk & Regulatory Management — In-depth
- Business Case Development & Financial Management — In-depth
- Data-Driven Decision Making — In-depth
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills — In-depth
- Communication & Presentation Skills — In-depth
- Influence & Negotiation Skills — In-depth
- Collaboration & Team Leadership — In-depth
- Change Management & Organizational Enablement — Working to In-depth
Salary:
Pay Type:
The above represents BMO Financial Group’s pay range and type.
Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group’s expected target for the first year in this position.
BMO Financial Group’s total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards
About Us
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.
To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/ca/en.
BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.
Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.