Strategic Initiatives Manager (Virtual)

Provides subject matter expertise in the design, development, management, and implementation of assigned projects from business case development through execution. Works across BMO to deliver specific project/program business results in alignment with overall group goals. 

Stakeholder Partnership: 

• Acts as a trusted advisor to assigned business/group. 

• Influences and negotiates to achieve business objectives.  

• Participates in 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. 

• Acts as a relationship manager on assigned projects/programs and ensures alignment to overall enterprise and group goals. 

• Collaborates with internal & external stakeholders to provide business context in the design, develop and implementation of programs & solutions. 

• May network with industry contacts to gather and identify competitive insights and best practices. 

• Focus is primarily on business/group within BMO; may have broader, enterprise-wide focus. 

Project Management 

• Review/scope requirements and solution design to assess current vs. future state (i.e. identify people, process & tech changes and other servicing impacts) 

• Understand the impacts and flag for solutioning and review 

• Evaluate requirements as milestones are achieved and understand the changing environment 

• Coordinate risk and other stakeholder reviews 

• Administrative duties may be assigned (i.e. Coordinate ID and access provisioning) 

• Coordinate warranty support, track and escalate post-project issues 

• Coordinate business readiness activities before implementation 

• Host and develop Team meetings/ huddle content 

• Track status of key activities and raise risks/ issues to program leadership 

Strategy & Change Management 

• Assists in the development of strategic plans. 

• Identifies emerging issues and trends to inform decision-making. 

• Develops solutions and makes recommendations based on an understanding of the business strategy and stakeholder needs. 

• Participates in project/program design and provides advice & subject matter expertise to achieve required business results. 

• Builds change management plans of varying scope and type; leads or participates in a variety of change management activities including readiness assessments, planning, stakeholder management, execution, evaluation and sustainment of initiatives. 

• Build assets as dictated by the initiative (i.e. train facilitators, develop training content, deliver training sessions, FAQs, communication) 

Data Analytics 

• Conducts analysis required to inform strategic recommendations and considers the “big picture” when assessing whether or not a course of action is advisable in terms of the group and enterprise goals. 

• Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations. 

• Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues. 

• Identifies enablers and key issues prior to and during implementation, raises issues with stakeholders and offers solutions to resolve issues or risks that jeopardize delivery. 

• Provides specialized consulting, analytical and technical support. 

Other Responsibilities 

• 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. 

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 

• 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. 

• PROCI Certification would be an asset 

• PMP Certification would be an asset