Chief Operating Officer at BMO

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Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a new asset management firm from the ground up. You’ll work alongside visionary leaders, build a best-in-class platform, and play a pivotal role in the firm’s growth and success.

Reporting To: Managing Director / US Head of Asset Management

Role Summary

We are seeking a seasoned, hands-on Chief of Operations to lead the operational and compliance infrastructure of a newly-formed asset management firm. This executive will be responsible for designing and executing a scalable operating model, ensuring regulatory alignment, and driving operational excellence across front, middle, and back office functions. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in fund structures, investment operations, vendor oversight, governance and risk management, with a proven track record of leadership in growth-stage environments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

- Develop and execute the firm’s target operating model across investment operations, compliance, and risk.
- Lead the governance framework, ensuring alignment with SEC and other regulatory bodies.

- Support business unit strategy formulation ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on operational, commercial and compliance matters.

Operational Oversight

- Manage all day-to-day operational functions including fund accounting, custody, transfer agency, trade operations, and data management.
- Design and implement KPIs and dashboards to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement.
- Lead fund launches and operational setup for various fund structures.

Compliance & Risk Management

- Collaborate with compliance teams to maintain a robust compliance program aligned with regulatory requirements.
- Monitor investment activities and ensure adherence to internal policies and external regulations.
- Assist in regulatory reporting and audit preparation.

- Act as the primary liaison with regulators, auditors, and fund boards.
 

Vendor & Technology Management

- Lead vendor selection and manage relationships with outsourced services and technology platforms.
- Drive system architecture and data integration initiatives to support scalable growth.
 

Financial Planning & Commercial Arrangements

• Leading initiatives that align with business and financial goals, managing resources and sequencing execution priorities.
• Overseeing internal and external audits, negotiating audit plans and responding to findings from regulators and auditors.
• Monitoring financial performance, conducting variance analysis and ensuring financial results are well understood across the business.
• Managing and maintaining commercial contracts, escalating to senior leadership as required and participating, monitoring or leading commercial arrangements as identified by senior leadership.

Team Leadership & Culture

- Build and lead a high-performing cross-functional team.
- Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous learning.
- Mentor and develop talent across operations and compliance functions.

Qualifications

- 20+ years of experience in asset management operations and compliance, with leadership roles at top-tier firms.
- MBA in Finance; BS in Commerce/Finance.
- Deep knowledge of fund structures, regulatory frameworks, and operational best practices.
- Expert-level communication, analytical, and influence skills.
- Proven ability to manage ambiguity and lead strategic change.
- Experience with both insourced and outsourced operational models.
-Familiarity with investment order-management systems and portfolio management systems such as Charles River.      

Salary:

Pay Type:

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.

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.