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Risk Specialist
full-timeChicago$57k - $106k

Summary

Location

Chicago

Salary

$57k - $106k

Type

full-time

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About this role

Application Deadline:

01/29/2026

Address:

320 S Canal Street

Job Family Group:

Business Management

Seeking a highly motivated professional to join our Commercial Risk & Control team and contribute to the advancement of our risk management program. This role will provide critical support to leadership in executing foundational risk activities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, and driving the maturity of our risk management practices. The successful candidate will possess strong analytical and organizational skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to fostering a resilient, risk-aware culture across the business.

Supports the business/group leader in the effective implementation, maintenance and administration of first line of defense (1st LOD) programs (e.g., operational risk, AML, compliance, regulatory, etc.), including overseeing business operations within the jurisdiction to ensure adherence and efficiency. Contributes to a strong risk management culture through collaboration with other first line employees, and second & third line functions to ensure Compliance, AML or operational risks are identified, mitigated, monitored and reported on an ongoing basis.

  • Supports multiple, similar business units with corresponding number of regulators.
  • Assists with the implementation of risk management programs/ frameworks while identifying and minimizing negative impacts to the business.
  • Develops and implements risk mitigation strategies.
  • Acts as a subject matter expert in the evaluation, development and implementation of an internal control system.
  • Supports the execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
  • Ensures alignment between stakeholders.
  • Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations.
  • Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues.
  • 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.
  • Monitoring to ensure that 1st line jobs are following defined processes and procedures.
  • Develops, documents and maintains business/group procedures updating and obtaining approvals as regulations or the operating environment changes and communicates changes to the business/group & relevant stakeholder groups.
  • Supports the development of measurable sustainment strategies including assessing and recommending mitigations for industry/ segment-specific risks and prioritizing opportunities presented by internal and external stakeholders.
  • Tracks exception/exemption requests and corresponding approvals.
  • Builds awareness, knowledge, and skills and, as necessary, provides communication, practical tools and ongoing support including making presentations, to promote a culture of risk identification and management.
  • Supports the management of 1st LOD program for the business/group in compliance with appropriate principles, standards & direction from the second line of defense groups. Includes developing and promoting program and ensuring the execution of all program components.
  • Works with assigned business/group leaders to implement 1st LOD programs and frameworks, developing and maintaining an in-depth understanding of the applicable regulatory and internal risk management requirements. Interprets and provides advice on the application of the requirements for the business/group.
  • Develops and maintains an understanding of the business/group strategies and objectives, products and services, internal and external stakeholders and business processes as well as the underlying infrastructure to identify and manage implications and risk exposures for the business/group.
  • Identifies, investigates, analyzes, documents & mitigates program risks, taking into account jurisdictional issues, and raises any issues or concerns to senior leaders and other stakeholders.
  • Analyzes the impact and effectiveness of the program through periodic reviews.
  • Recommends adjustments to the overall program, policy or processes within the business/group in accordance with the Risk Appetite Statement, Governance and Corporate Policy.
  • Supports the business/group through internal/external audits or regulatory examinations and assists in development of action plans to resolve any identified issues.
  • Provides support to the development and delivery of training and awareness programs within the business/group to increase awareness of and compliance to risk management requirements.
  • Focus is primarily on business/group within BMO; may have broader, enterprise-wide focus.
  • Exercises judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve problems within given rules.
  • Works independently on a range of complex tasks, which may include unique situations.
  • Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.

    Qualifications:

  • Typically between 4 - 6 years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Program Management - Good.
  • Technical proficiency gained through education and/or 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.

Salary:

$57,500.00 - $106,500.00

Pay Type:

Salaried

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.

Other facts

Tech stack
Analytical Skills,Organizational Skills,Collaboration,Risk Management,Compliance,Operational Risk,Change Management,Data Analysis,Problem Solving,Communication,Influence Skills,Program Management,Stakeholder Management,Training Development,Performance Monitoring,Control Systems

About BMO

We’re a bank, but there’s more to it than that. ​

When you join BMO, it opens a world of opportunities. This is a team that's committed to helping you succeed – personally and professionally. Because at BMO, when you grow, we grow. ​

You know your worth and so do we. That’s why we offer the right mix of learning programs, on-the-job experiences, and opportunities to build personal and professional connections – so you can build a meaningful career and thrive as a part of a winning culture.  ​

Sound like your kind of place? Then we should be co-workers.

Team size: 10,001+ employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Financial Services

What you'll do

  • The Risk Specialist will support the implementation and administration of first line of defense programs, ensuring compliance and efficiency. They will collaborate with various stakeholders to foster a strong risk management culture and develop risk mitigation strategies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does BMO pay for a Risk Specialist?

BMO offers a competitive compensation package for the Risk Specialist role. The salary range is USD 58k - 107k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.

What does a Risk Specialist do at BMO?

As a Risk Specialist at BMO, you will: the Risk Specialist will support the implementation and administration of first line of defense programs, ensuring compliance and efficiency. They will collaborate with various stakeholders to foster a strong risk management culture and develop risk mitigation strategies..

Why join BMO as a Risk Specialist?

BMO is a leading Financial Services company. The Risk Specialist role offers competitive compensation.

Is the Risk Specialist position at BMO remote?

The Risk Specialist position at BMO is based in Chicago, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Risk Specialist position at BMO?

You can apply for the Risk Specialist position at BMO directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about BMO on their website.