Director, Program Lending & Business Development

Address:

Job Code: 103007
Grade: 8
Reports To: National Director, Program Lending & Business Development

Role Purpose

Provides specialized program management, lending, portfolio administration, business development, and execution support for Program Lending & Business Development within Private Wealth. Supports the design, implementation, monitoring, and ongoing administration of professional services lending programs, sponsor/private equity lending programs, and private share ownership and monetization lending solutions.

Works closely with the National Director, Private Wealth Bankers, Commercial Banking partners, Retail Lending, Credit Risk, and Operations teams to support business development activities, credit execution, portfolio monitoring, program governance, and client experience. Applies lending, credit, and analytical expertise to support program growth while ensuring sound risk management and adherence to Bank policies and procedures.

Key Accountabilities

Program Lending Administration & Portfolio Management

• Supports the administration and ongoing management of National Program Lending solutions, including professional services, sponsor/private equity, and private share ownership lending programs.
• Directly manages the annual review process, interim reviews, specified quarterly reporting requirements, and resolution of identified exceptions within assigned program portfolios.
• Coordinates service administration and processing, ensuring client experience is seamless and service standards are consistently achieved.
• Maintains accurate documentation and ensures adherence to prescribed policies, procedures, governance requirements, and overall protection of the Bank's position.
• Supports onboarding, documentation, funding, covenant monitoring, and ongoing management activities for approved program lending opportunities.
• Monitors portfolio performance, identifies emerging issues and trends, and escalates concerns to National Director as appropriate.
• Ensures effective processes and controls are in place and adhered to, minimizing risk and maintaining the overall quality of the program within acceptable levels.
• Participates in assigned audits, compliance reviews, regulatory requirements, and governance activities.

Credit Analysis, Structuring & Risk Management

• Prepares credit recommendations for new and existing lending programs regarding risk, deal structure, pricing, and client requirements through detailed analysis of financial, operational, and ownership information.
• Completes comprehensive financial, risk, profitability, and credit assessments for new and existing programs.
• Supports the structuring and execution of customized program lending solutions that address complex capital, liquidity, ownership, and succession planning needs.
• Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic, operational, and credit-related issues.
• Identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks in accordance with corporate risk policies, lending guidelines, and sound credit-granting principles.
• Applies expertise and creative thinking to address unique or ambiguous situations and solve complex, non-routine problems.
• Supports exception management processes and assists with escalation and resolution of credit, operational, and compliance matters.

Business Development & Client Support

• Participates in sales activities including pitch preparation, client research, prospect identification, preparation of client presentations, and development of marketing materials.
• Provides research, analysis, and data gathering to facilitate solutions that address client and prospect business needs.
• Supports the execution of business development plans for professional services firms, private equity sponsors, and private company owner relationships.
• Acts as a key point of contact for internal partners and supports responses to client inquiries regarding program lending solutions.
• Identifies cross-selling opportunities across Private Wealth, Commercial Banking, Retail Lending, Investment Management, and Wealth Planning.
• Supports strategic client meetings, partner presentations, and relationship development activities.
• Ensures timely resolution of client questions and concerns while maintaining a superior client experience.

Enterprise Collaboration & Strategic Support

• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to deliver on business objectives and support enterprise-wide lending initiatives.
• Supports the execution of strategic initiatives in partnership with stakeholders across Private Wealth, Commercial Banking, Retail Lending, Credit Risk, Legal, and Operations.
• Makes recommendations to the National Director and senior leaders on strategy, program enhancements, and new initiatives based on analysis and understanding of business objectives.
• Recommends business priorities, advises on resource requirements, and supports development of implementation roadmaps for strategic initiatives.
• Breaks down strategic business problems and analyzes data and information to provide insights and recommendations.
• Supports the development of reporting, dashboards, performance metrics, and management information required to monitor program success.
• Identifies business needs and supports the design, development, and implementation of tools, training materials, and process improvements.

Knowledge Management & Subject Matter Expertise

• Acts as a subject matter expert for Program Lending products, policies, processes, and program frameworks.
• Supports knowledge sharing and training across lending, banking, and partner teams.
• Maintains current knowledge of industry trends, regulatory requirements, credit practices, sponsor finance structures, professional services firms, and private ownership lending solutions.
• May network with industry contacts to gain competitive insights and identify market opportunities.

Risk & Compliance

• Protects the Bank's assets by adhering to all banking, investment, and lending regulations, policies, procedures, legal and ethical requirements, and established risk guidelines.
• Identifies and escalates irregularities, exceptions, and discrepancies to management.
• Ensures proper adherence to the Bank's Code of Conduct and ethical guidelines.
• Takes measured risks while applying the Bank's Risk Management Framework, Risk Appetite, and governance standards in all activities.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Seasoned professional with a combination of education, experience, and industry knowledge.
• Typically 7+ years of relevant lending, credit, commercial banking, private wealth banking, program management, or financial services experience and post-secondary degree in a related field of study, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master's degree or MBA in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field is an asset.
• CPA, CFA, CBV, or other relevant professional designation, completed or in progress, is considered an asset.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of commercial credit underwriting, financial statement analysis, lending structures, risk assessment, and portfolio management.
• Knowledge of professional services lending, sponsor/private equity lending, partnership structures, and private ownership financing solutions is preferred.
• Working knowledge of Private Wealth Banking, Investment Management, Wealth Planning, and related banking products.
• Knowledge of applicable compliance, regulatory, and risk management requirements.

Skills

• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills with strong financial, accounting, and data analysis capabilities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent collaboration and relationship management skills with a focus on cross-functional partnership.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills with internal stakeholders and clients.
• Excellent computer literacy and technical proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and reporting tools.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and ability to make data-driven recommendations.
• Ability to work effectively within a matrixed environment and manage ambiguity.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent analysis and provide recommendations on complex business and credit matters.
• Applies sound judgment and creative thinking to address unique and non-routine situations.

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.