National Director, Wills and POA

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The National Director, Wills & Powers of Attorney is responsible for the strategic leadership, governance, oversight, and ongoing evolution of BMO Trust Company's national Will and Power of Attorney (POA) program. The role provides enterprise-wide leadership for program standards, quality management, governance, risk oversight, and business execution while supporting advisors and specialists across Canada.

Working closely with Trust Professionals and business leaders, the successful candidate will establish and maintain program frameworks, oversee the Will Bank governance model, provide technical expertise and escalation support, and drive initiatives that enhance client experience, operational effectiveness, and business growth.

Key Accountabilities

• Leads the strategic direction, governance, and ongoing development of BMO Trust Company's national Will and POA program.
• Establishes and maintains national standards, templates, required clauses, operating procedures, and best practices supporting Will and POA activities.
• Oversees the governance and quality management framework of the Will Bank program, including quality control standards, monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provides technical expertise, coaching, guidance, and escalation support to Trust & Estate Advisors (TEAs), Trust & Estate Consultants (TECs), Will & Estate Advisors (WEAs), Trust Officers, and other internal partners across Canada.
• Serves as the senior subject matter expert on Will and POA-related matters, providing consultation on complex client, business, and operational issues.
• Partners with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Operations, and Trust leadership teams to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, trust company standards, and fiduciary obligations.
• Develops and maintains program reporting, quality metrics, dashboards, and management information to monitor effectiveness and identify opportunities for enhancement.
• Leads the implementation of program enhancements, process improvements, and strategic initiatives to support business growth, client experience, and operational effectiveness.
• Identifies emerging trends, regulatory developments, and industry best practices impacting estate planning, wills, powers of attorney, and fiduciary services.
• Builds effective relationships with internal stakeholders and influences decision-making across business groups.
• Leads change management initiatives, stakeholder communications, training programs, and adoption activities related to the Will and POA program.
• Supports the development of business cases, strategic recommendations, and program roadmaps that align with BMO Trust Company and BMO Private Wealth objectives.
• Operates as a senior specialist resource across BMO and influences how teams and business groups work together to achieve desired client and business outcomes.
• Takes measured risks while protecting the Bank by applying the Risk Management Framework in the execution of accountabilities and ensuring adherence to applicable policies, standards, procedures, laws, and regulations.

Qualifications

• Typically 9+ years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• LLB-JD is required. LLM, TEP is an asset
• Deep expertise in estate planning, wills, powers of attorney, fiduciary services, trust administration, wealth planning, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-wide programs, governance frameworks, strategic initiatives, or business transformation efforts.
• Strong knowledge of trust company operations, risk management, governance, and compliance requirements.
• Experience developing and implementing standards, controls, quality frameworks, and operating procedures.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and manage complex stakeholder relationships across multiple functions.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to lead change and drive execution in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Experience working with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients and families is an asset.
• Experience within trust companies, private wealth management, estate planning, legal services, or fiduciary businesses is preferred.

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: