Address:

Operates at a group level and serves as a senior specialist resource across Wealth Management. • Influences how teams/groups work together. • Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to multiple, interdependent, complex problems. • Communicates abstract concepts in simple terms. • Fosters strong internal and external networks and works with and across multiple teams to achieve business objectives. • Anticipates trends and responds by implementing appropriate changes. Researches industry trends and the impact to Wealth the AI strategy.

AI Business Strategy and Architecture Lead

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Head of AI, BMO Wealth Management Growth Office
• Works closely with: Business Unit Leaders, Solution Engineers, RAIOps Lead, Data Engineering & Delivery Lead, and enabling teams (Risk, Legal, Procurement, CDAO).

Role Overview

The AI Business Strategy and Architecture Lead is responsible for translating BMO Wealth’s AI roadmap into actionable AI strategies and solution architectures. This role partners with business units to identify high-impact opportunities, architect scalable and ethical AI solutions, and drive a culture of innovation and responsible AI adoption. The successful candidate will possess exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills, enabling them to influence at all levels and bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Alignment & Opportunity Identification:
  • Collaborate with business units to identify, assess, and prioritize AI opportunities that align with BMO Wealth’s strategic objectives.
  • Develop business cases and value frameworks for AI initiatives, ensuring measurable impact and ROI.
  • Conduct market and competitive intelligence to inform solution design and business strategy.
• AI Solution Architecture & Delivery:
  • Architect and oversee the design of scalable, secure, and compliant AI solutions
  • Translate business requirements into technical specifications and solution blueprints.
  • Advise on and implement Responsible AI practices
  • Ensure all AI initiatives meet regulatory, risk, and compliance standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
  • Facilitate workshops, design thinking sessions, and executive briefings
  • Communicate complex AI concepts and strategies clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior management, business units, and external partners.
• Portfolio Management:
  • Oversee business case development, resource allocation, and ROI tracking using
  • Lead cross-functional teams and working groups to deliver AI projects from ideation to production.
  • Monitor project progress, adjust strategies as needed, and ensure timely delivery of business value.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Mentor and coach other team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
  • Support change management and training initiatives to enable successful AI adoption.

Required Skills & Tools

• Leadership: Able to drive execution, influence senior stakeholders, and lead cross-functional teams.
• Communication: Outstanding verbal and written skills; able to present complex ideas to executives and frontline staff alike.
• Technical Expertise:
  • AI/ML frameworks (GenAI, LLMs, RAG, Python, RESTful APIs)
  • Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP)
  • Familiarity with Enterprise architecture tools (Sparx EA, ArchiMate)
  • Data visualization (Power BI, Tableau)
  • Project management (Jira, Azure DevOps)
• Governance & Compliance: Familiarity with Responsible AI toolkits, risk management platforms (SAS, GRC), and financial services regulations.
• Collaboration: Experience facilitating workshops, working groups, and cross-departmental initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Business, or related field.
• 9+ years in AI strategy, architecture, or enterprise technology roles.
• Demonstrated experience in financial services or wealth management preferred.
• AWS/Azure/GCP Architect certification is an asset.
• Proven track record of successful leadership in complex, matrixed organizations.

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.