Associate Director, North American Investment Manager Research

Address:

The Associate Director (NAIMR), provides high quality sales and service to Investment Advisors and Investment Counsellors to deliver an exceptional client experience. Provides technical expertise for all aspects of investment management and administration to ensure compliance. Works collaboratively within Investment Advisors, Investment Counsellors, the BMO Nesbitt Burns Mutual Fund and Operations team, internal stakeholders and sub-advisory relationships as part of the client/relationship management solution

• Develops investment proposals using complementary investment vehicles such as mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and separately managed accounts to create diversified portfolios with attractive risk/return characteristics that meet client investment objectives. 
• Produces quarterly reporting on manager attribution and actively participates in the production of quarterly materials, such as Architect and BPIC committee meeting material, manager commentary and profile sheets.
• Provides guidance to the relationship manager on portfolio management issues and acts as a point of contact for inquiries and research initiatives for selection investment strategies on various platforms
• Evaluates investment markets, portfolio characteristics and investment manager performance and actively contributes research insights and new high conviction strategies across traditional equities and fixed income in team research meetings
• Conducting research on investment managers and their mandates across traditional equities and fixed income to assess team/firm stability and alpha potential relative to peers/benchmark.
• Consults portfolio managers and relationship managers in the development of optimal portfolios for prospective and existing clients.
• Supporting the Fund Strategy inbox and working with Investment Advisors and BMO Nesbitt Burns Mutual Fund/Operations teams to respond to inquiries on investment products, risk ratings, security classifications, and requests to approve trading on Fundserv listed investment funds.
• Supports the note approval inbox by working with BMO Nesbitt Burns Mutual Fund/Operation teams to assign risk ratings and approve trading for principal protected/principle-at-risk note requests from Investment Advisors.
• Assists in the development of strategic plans and identifies emerging issues and trends to inform decisions-making.
• Supports the execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collects data needed for quarterly performance reporting and analyzes the performance of each mandate on the platform.
• Monitors and tracks performance and addresses any issues with the investment manager accompanied by presenting findings to the broader research team.
• Designs and produces regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards.
• Leads or participates in defining the communication plan designed to positively influence or change behaviour; develops tailored messaging; and identifies appropriate distribution channels.
• Makes recommendations regarding the maintenance and implementation of the supervisory system for managed accounts.
• Provides input into the planning and implementation of operational programs.
• Reviews the program for effectiveness, considers industry trends and recommends enhancements; makes changes as required.
• Performs sales & service support activities as required to meet client needs and maintain overall service levels.
• Provides administrative support to team members and maintains regular communication with Investment Advisors and Investment Counsellors, investigating and responding to inquiries, and preparing customized client reports such as Request for Proposals. 
• Meets high-quality service standards to maximize relationship retention and growth.
• Develops rapport and instills confidence with the client to develop credibility and earn their trust.
• Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
• Ensures alignment between stakeholders.
• Follows through on the risk and compliance processes and policies to ensure we safeguard our customers’ assets, maintain their privacy, act in their best interests, and ensures an effectively run function.
• Protects the Bank's assets and complies with all regulatory, legal and ethical requirements.
• Focus is primarily on business/group within BMO; may have broader, enterprise-wide focus.
• Exercises judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve problems within given rules.
• Works independently and regularly handles non-routine situations.
• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.
• Take measured risks while protecting the bank by applying our Risk Management Framework in the execution of your role, in line with our Risk Culture and within our approved Risk Appetite, making sound and risk informed decisions that align to business strategy, protect assets, and adhere to applicable policy documents (Frameworks, Policies, Standards, Procedures and Supporting documents), laws and regulations.

Qualifications:

• Typically between 5 - 7 years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• MBA or Finance certification preferred and/or pursuing the CFA designation.
• In-depth understanding of portfolio management principles and asset mix determination.
• In-depth knowledge of equity and fixed income markets and mutual fund structures.
• In-depth understanding of tax-related issues affecting investments
• In-depth knowledge of the regulatory environment.
• Proficiency with investment management software.
• Deep knowledge and technical proficiency gained through extensive education and business experience.
• Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth.
• Collaboration & team skills - In-depth.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills - In-depth.
• Influence skills - In-depth.
• Data driven decision making - In-depth.

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.