MD, Head of US ETF Investments

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Role Summary

The Managing Director, US ETF Investments will lead the investment management, portfolio construction, risk oversight, and team build-out for BMO’s U.S. ETF business, with a focus on derivatives-based and outcome-oriented ETF strategies. Reporting directly to the U.S. Head of Global Asset Management, this individual will serve as the senior investment leader for ETF portfolio management in the U.S., responsible for developing and managing strategies that meet client objectives, support business growth, and operate within BMO’s fiduciary, regulatory, and risk management standards.

The role requires deep expertise in derivatives-based ETF strategies, including covered calls, autocallables, buffer strategies, accelerators, structured outcomes, and options overlays. The successful candidate will combine technical portfolio management expertise with senior leadership capability, commercial judgment, and the readiness to step into a broader leadership role building a scalable ETF investment platform over time.

The U.S. ETF business is a start-up growth initiative and this is a new position in the U.S.; however, the platform will build on BMO’s well-established ETF business in Canada, including its existing product suite, investment capabilities, operating model, and market expertise. The successful candidate will collaborate closely and remain in regular contact with the Canadian ETF team to leverage these capabilities and adapt them effectively for the U.S. ETF market.

As a senior member of the U.S. ETF business, this individual will also serve as one of the primary brand and product ambassadors for BMO’s ETF capabilities in the U.S. market, representing the platform with clients, advisors, intermediaries, strategic partners, and industry stakeholders.

• Lead investment strategy formulation, portfolio construction, and ongoing management for BMO’s U.S. ETF strategies, with emphasis on derivatives-based ETFs, outcome-oriented strategies, and options-overlay solutions.
• Manage, evaluate, and monitor portfolio performance in alignment with stated investment objectives, client needs, product mandates, and applicable risk parameters.
• Develop and refine investment processes for covered call, autocallable, buffer, accelerator, defined-outcome, and related structured ETF strategies.
• Oversee trading, execution, rebalancing, corporate actions, model implementation, risk management, and ongoing portfolio monitoring.
• Drive idea generation and product engineering in partnership with product, capital markets, and distribution teams to support a differentiated U.S. ETF lineup.

• Maintain the highest fiduciary standard when representing and acting in clients’ interests.
• Establish and reinforce portfolio management controls, investment guidelines, escalation protocols, and participate in governance routines and reporting appropriate for a scalable ETF platform.
• Continuously identify, monitor, and manage investment, market, liquidity, operational, model, counterparty, and regulatory risks related to derivatives-based ETF strategies.
• Ensure portfolio management activities comply with applicable regulatory requirements, BMO policies, product mandates, and oversight committee expectations.
• Consult to or serve on relevant investment, product, risk, and oversight committees as required.

• Lead and supervise the ETF portfolio management team, setting clear expectations for investment discipline, risk management, collaboration, and execution quality.
• Build, coach, and develop a high-performing team as the U.S. ETF business scales, including future hiring, resource planning, and capability development; candidates may bring this experience as a senior leader or as a strong deputy who has helped lead and scale a related investment capability.
• Provide guidance and advice to portfolio managers, analysts, traders, and cross-functional partners on strategy implementation and portfolio management practices.
• Manage multiple complex processes and programs, including annual planning, budget input, operating cadence, and resource prioritization for the ETF investment function.
• Promote a culture of accountability, effective challenge, collaboration, fiduciary excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Establish investment strategies, styles, and products that support BMO’s U.S. ETF growth and profitability objectives.
• Partner with product strategy, distribution, marketing, legal, compliance, operations, and capital markets teams to design and launch ETF strategies with clear investment rationale, client utility, and scalable operating support.
• Collaborate closely with BMO’s Canadian ETF team to leverage established Canadian ETF capabilities, product knowledge, portfolio management practices, and operating infrastructure as the U.S. business is built and scaled.
• Network with industry contacts, market participants, platform partners, and other external stakeholders to gather competitive insights and best practices.
• Monitor domestic and international economic, political, regulatory, and market trends for potential impact on ETF strategies and capital markets.
• Break down strategic problems, analyze data and information, and provide recommendations to senior leaders on strategy, product design, and new initiatives.

• Support business development efforts with major clients, platforms, advisors, intermediaries, institutional prospects, and strategic partners.
• Serve as a senior subject-matter expert on derivatives-based ETF strategies, portfolio construction, risk management, and market positioning.
• Act as one of the primary brand and product ambassadors for the U.S. ETF business, representing BMO’s ETF capabilities in the market and helping build awareness, credibility, and momentum with key external audiences.
• Present investment research, strategy updates, portfolio construction insights, and market commentary to internal and external audiences as appropriate.
• Discuss investment process, portfolio construction, risk management, and strategy implementation with existing and prospective clients.
• Provide written and oral commentary on strategy performance, market developments, portfolio positioning, and product differentiation.

• Build and manage strategic relationships with peers, senior leaders, internal control partners, external market participants, platform providers, and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment among investment management, product, distribution, capital markets, operations, legal, compliance, risk, marketing, and finance teams.
• Maintain close and regular contact with Canadian ETF investment, product, capital markets, and operational partners to support knowledge transfer, alignment, and effective delivery of Canadian ETF capabilities into the U.S. market.
• Influence and negotiate across a matrixed environment to advance business objectives while maintaining strong control, governance, and risk discipline.
• Act as a technical leader and thought partner for innovation in ETF strategy design, derivatives implementation, and outcome-based investing.

• 10+ years of relevant investment management experience, including meaningful experience with ETF, options-based, structured outcome, or derivatives-based investment strategies; more senior candidates with deeper experience are encouraged to apply.
• Established track record of strong investment performance, disciplined portfolio construction, and effective risk management.
• Deep expertise in covered calls, autocallables, buffer strategies, accelerators, defined-outcome strategies, options overlays, structured products, and related derivatives implementation.
• Mastery of ETF portfolio management, ETF capital markets, product mechanics, liquidity considerations, trading workflows, and portfolio implementation.
• Broad knowledge of asset management, capital markets, portfolio construction, derivatives markets, and the competitive ETF landscape.
• Experience launching, scaling, or managing investment strategies in a regulated asset management environment preferred; candidates who have served as a senior “#2” or deputy leader in a relevant ETF, derivatives, or structured outcomes business and are ready to step into broader enterprise leadership will be strongly considered.
• Experience contributing to the build-out or scaling of a new investment capability, product platform, or business line, ideally by helping adapt established capabilities from another market or region.
• Open to senior candidates who have demonstrated clear leadership potential, strong investment judgment, and meaningful ownership of strategy, risk, product development, or team leadership, even if they have not previously been the sole senior executive accountable for an ETF business.

• Post-secondary degree in finance, economics, business, mathematics, engineering, or a related field; post-graduate degree in business, economics, finance, or a quantitative discipline preferred.
• Completion of relevant investment certification preferred, including CFA, CAIA, FRM, or equivalent professional designation.
• Relevant FINRA registrations or willingness to obtain required registrations, if applicable to the role.

• Seasoned expert with extensive industry knowledge and credibility as a technical leader and thought leader for innovation.
• Expert verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex derivatives and ETF concepts into clear, client-ready messaging.
• Expert analytical, problem-solving, influence, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Strong people leadership skills with experience supervising, mentoring, or influencing investment professionals, including readiness to lead a team directly as the U.S. business scales.
• Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity, operate with limited precedent, and build scalable processes in a growth-oriented business.
• High degree of collaboration, judgment, integrity, fiduciary mindset, and comfort working across a matrixed global organization.

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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 http://jobs.bmo.com/us/en

BMO is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. We also consider applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

BMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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