Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives

Application Deadline:

05/03/2026

Address:

33 Dundas Street West

Job Family Group:

Strategy & Change

The role focuses on solving complex, ambiguous problems; shaping strategy through structured analysis; and leading cross‑functional initiatives from business case development through realization of measurable business outcomes. The Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives functions as a trusted advisor on enterprise‑level initiatives with the responsibility for developing and presenting recommendations to inform high‑impact business decisions, balancing strategic rigor with pragmatic execution in a regulated financial services environment.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Advisory & Problem Solving

• Structure ambiguous, complex problems, applying hypothesis‑driven analysis, data synthesis, and “big‑picture” judgment to assess strategic options.
• Generate fact‑based insights by defining analytical requirements, interpreting data, and translating findings into clear executive‑level narratives.
• Develop compelling business cases by clarifying objectives, quantifying financial and non‑financial impacts, assessing ROI and risk, and evaluating alternative courses of action.
• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leaders, providing insight‑driven recommendations on business strategy, transformation initiatives, and priority trade‑offs.
• Operates at a group/enterprise-wide level and serves as a specialist resource to executive leaders and senior stakeholders.

Value Realization & Execution Excellence

• Develop short-term and long-term roadmaps that align initiatives with group and enterprise objectives / business priorities.
• Architect solutions based on a deep understanding of the business strategy and stakeholder needs.
• Accountable for the design and execution of strategic initiatives and transformation programs, adapting approach as conditions evolve to ensure value realization.
• Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to problems that can be complex and non-routine.
• Identify key dependencies, enablers, and constraints across initiatives, proactively escalating and resolving issues that could impede results.
• Leads implementation of strategic initiatives within group and across BMO by partnering with various internal & external stakeholders as required; complexity of initiatives may vary and usually involve multiple stakeholders across the enterprise.
• Collaborates across BMO to develop communications strategies and ensure consistency of messaging, in order to positively influence or change behaviour.
• Leads change management activities, ensuring cross business/group coordination and logistical support for the implementation of change.
• Monitor performance against intended outcomes, identify emerging risks or gaps, and course‑correct to protect delivery and strategic intent.

C‑Suite Stakeholder Influence & Enterprise Transformation Leadership

• Operate at a group and enterprise level, partnering with diverse internal and external stakeholders to align perspectives and drive coordinated action.
• Influence without authority by articulating a clear strategic rationale, aligning stakeholders to outcomes, and facilitating informed decision‑making.
• Lead change management efforts, including readiness assessment, stakeholder engagement, communication strategy, implementation planning, and sustainment of change.

Regulatory, Risk & Industry Perspectives

• Acts as a subject matter expert on relevant laws, regulations and policies, ensuring initiatives are designed and executed in full compliance
• Apply sound judgment and risk‑informed decision‑making consistent with BMO’s Risk Management Framework and enterprise standards, in line with our Risk Culture and within our approved Risk Appetite that align to business strategy, protect assets, and adhere to applicable policy documents (Frameworks, Policies, Standards, Procedures and Supporting documents).
• Stay informed of industry trends, competitive dynamics, and leading practices, incorporating external perspectives into internal strategy discussions where relevant.
• May network with industry contacts to gather and identify competitive insights and best practices.
• Implements changes in response to shifting trends.
• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications

• Typically 7+ years of relevant experience, with a post‑secondary degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience; experience in strategy, management consulting, or cost-takeout transformation and optimization roles is an asset.
• Seasoned professional with a combination of education, experience and industry knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior executives and influence outcomes in complex, matrixed organizations (Influence skills - In-depth/Expert).
• Advanced analytical, problem‑solving, and structured thinking skills, with comfort navigating ambiguity and incomplete information (analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth/Expert).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill complex analysis into clear, executive‑ready materials (verbal & written communication skills - In-depth/Expert).
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills, with a track record of leading cross‑functional initiatives (cross-group collaboration - In-depth/Expert).
• Proven capability in data‑driven decision‑making, strategy development, and value‑focused execution (data driven decision making - In-depth/Expert).
• Able to manage ambiguity (In-depth/Expert).

Salary:

$94,600.00 - $176,000.00

Pay Type:

Salaried

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.