Director, Product Ownership & Applied AI Evaluations

Director, Product Ownership & Applied AI Evaluations

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Please note this role is subject to Hybrid Work Model, 2-3 days / week work in office) non-negotiable. Must be a Senior Leader (people manager) with solid experience in AI / Gen AI Products and Portfolios.

Position Overview

The Director / Product Owner at BMO Bank is a strategic and influential role responsible for shaping, delivering, and managing innovative AI-driven products and solutions within highly regulated financial environments. This role requires exceptional leadership in aligning business objectives with cutting-edge AI technologies, ensuring robust product-market fit, customer-centric innovation, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Directs, researches, builds, and implements scalable artificial intelligence systems capable of learning and making predictions to business requirements. Enhances data pipelines and lakes to ensure data is clean, accurate, and optimized for machine learning models. Monitors, evaluates, and optimizes learning processes to continuously improve high-performance models. Works with other data and analytics professionals to optimize, refine, automate and scale analysis into repeatable analytics solutions and decision support tools.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the designs and development of machine learning (ML) and deep learning systems / products

Run hands-on machine learning tests and experiments. Train and retrain systems to prevent drift and optimize results.

Solve complex problems with multi-layered data sets, extend existing ML frameworks and optimize existing machine learning libraries.

Develop Machine Learning apps, implement algorithms, and build tools to apply ML frameworks.

Build interdependent teams that collaborate across functional and operating groups to create the highest value for all stakeholders.

Attract, retain, and enable the career development of top talent.

Improve team performance, recognize and reward performance, coach employees, support their development, and manage poor performance.

Operate at a group / enterprise-wide level and serve as a senior specialist resource across BMO.

Influence how teams / groups work together.

Apply expertise and think creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and find solutions to multiple, interdependent, complex problems.

Communicate abstract concepts in simple terms.

Foster strong internal and external networks and work with and across multiple teams to achieve business objectives.

Anticipate trends and respond by implementing appropriate changes.

Strategic Product Vision & Roadmap

Oversee a product portfolio, define and articulate the vision, strategy, and roadmap for AI / GenAI products.

Involved in tactical plans for market analysis, customer pain points, and Design Thinking methodologies to validate product-market fit.

Prioritize product backlog ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Product Lifecycle Leadership

Lead by example in driving the complete AI product lifecycle from concept and MVP development to full-scale product launch, optimization, and eventual retirement.

Ensure products are developed with clear personas, validated business cases, and measurable outcomes.

Oversee product activation strategies, collaborating closely with go-to-market, pricing, and positioning teams.

Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-functional Leadership

Serve as the voice of business and customer, translating business requirements into actionable plans and clear acceptance criteria.

Foster high-performing, collaborative cross-functional teams including data scientists, engineers, designers, compliance, and risk management professionals.

Address blockers proactively, ensuring smooth adoption through strategic communication, training, and documentation.

Market Insight & Continuous Improvement

Own the strategy to monitor product performance, gathering stakeholder feedback and iteratively enhancing product offerings.

Keep abreast of AI trends, competitive intelligence, and regulatory landscape to maintain product relevance and market leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related discipline, PhD level education.

Professional Experience

Minimum 10+ years in product management, product portfolio leadership within an innovation-driven environment.

5+ years specifically managing AI, ML, or GenAI product teams.

Demonstrated success in regulated industries (Financial Services, Healthcare, etc.) with thorough understanding of compliance, ethics, and risk management.

Proven hands-on expertise in applying Design Thinking methodologies, achieving strong Product-Market Fit, and managing complex stakeholder environments.

Skills & Competencies

Exceptional understanding of AI / ML concepts, use cases, and responsible AI practices (including AI Evaluation and AI Governance).

Advanced skills in product lifecycle management within agile and hybrid methodologies.

Proficient in market analysis, strategic thinking, and synthesizing research into actionable strategies.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, data-driven decision-making capabilities.

Excellent verbal and written communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to navigate ambiguity and lead confidently in complex, cross-functional environments.

What We Offer

Opportunity to lead pioneering AI initiatives in a forward-thinking, innovative banking environment.

Commitment to professional growth, continuous learning, and career development.

Collaborative culture focused on diversity, inclusion, and innovation.

Salary $164,400.00 - $285,600.00

Pay Type Salaried

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.

About Us

At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose : Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.

BMO is 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.

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