SMALL BUSINESS OFFICER

Our Small Business Officer (SBO) is responsible for acquiring new mass small business relationships and proactively developing and retaining high potential business banking relationships with lending needs up to $100,000. Assists assigned retail branches with achieving mass small business goals and partners with retail team members to coach and train on acquisition strategies, retention tactics, and customer inquiries related to mass small business. Independently interprets and provides recommendations and solutions unique to each client's specific banking needs.

+ Focuses on acquisition of new small business customers and retention and deepening of existing relationships.

+ Acquires new small business relationships through in person prospecting, outside calling, networking, and referrals. Makes a substantial number of outside, in-person calls on prospects and portfolio clients through designated retail branch assignments in a specific geography area.

Additionally, the SBO provides technical expertise for proactive credit analysis, structuring, pricing, and overall transactions assessment within the assigned portfolio / jurisdiction. Provides advisory support to the team to provide insights on the accuracy and consistency of decisions relative to risk strategies, policies, and appetite. Identifies deficiencies and recommends corrective action plans. Makes credit and pricing decisions and recommendations in accordance with sound credit-granting principles in compliance with Bank policies and procedures.

+ Identifies prospective customers, and/or refers customers with Personal Banking and/or more complex needs to appropriate personnel.

+ Understands the local market and proactively develops relationships with centres of influence.

+ Develops internal and external networks and referral sources to ensure ongoing growth of BMO's business.

+ Answers inquiries and provides accurate information about business banking products and services.

+ Responds to information requests and follows established protocols.

+ Resolves or escalates issues.

+ Develops and maintains long-term, profitable relationships and expands organizations wallet share within the assigned portfolio.

+ Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations.

+ Monitors and tracks performance and addresses any issues.

+ Designs and produces regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards.

+ Coordinates the management of databases; ensures alignment and integration of data in adherence with data governance standards.

+ 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.

+ Leads or participates in defining the communication plan designed to positively influence or change behavior; develops tailored messaging; and identifies appropriate distribution channels.

+ Provides advice and support with a focus on unique and complex credit transactions; provides day-to-day technical support for team members.

+ Independently examines credit transactions and related reporting (e. g. exception reports) for adherence to transactional policies and procedures.

+ Develops risk profiles, credit structuring of lending proposals, and completes credit investigations.

+ Examines individual transactions for the designated portfolio and aggregates portfolio information to monitor, analyze, and report on the quality of credit activities and risk-related decisions.

+ Understands customer needs and offers financial solutions that meet customer goals.

+ Understands the local market and proactively develops relationships with centers of influence.

+ Develops internal and external networks and referral sources to ensure ongoing growth of BMO's business.

+ Recommends and implements solutions based on analysis of issues and implications for the business.

+ Delivers exceptional customer service to build trust by providing expertise, responsive service, and support.

+ Assists in the development of strategic plans.

+ Identifies emerging issues and trends to inform decision-making.

+ Develops solutions and makes recommendations based on an understanding of the business strategy and stakeholder needs.

+ Provides input into the planning and implementation of operational programs.

+ Provides advice and guidance to assigned business/group on implementation of solutions.

+ Ensures alignment between stakeholders.

+ Supports the execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

+ Helps determine business priorities and best sequence for execution of business/group strategy.

+ Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic 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.

+ Executes work to deliver timely, accurate, and efficient service.

+ Develops, maintains, and executes a business plan, including relationship management strategies, to achieve customer retention objectives.

+ Develops client rapport and instils confidence to develop credibility and earn their trust as relationship manager.

+ Identifies business needs, designs/develops tools and training and coaching programs to address observed trends and skill gaps; may include delivery of training to audiences.

+ Follows security and safeguarding procedures and applies due diligence in accordance with Banks policies and ethical standards for the prevention of loss due to fraud, robbery, counterfeiting, money laundering, or defalcation.

+ Adheres to business banking lending processes, policies, procedures, legal, regulatory, audit, and ethical requirements.

+ Maintains the confidentiality of customer and Bank information in compliance with Bank policies and procedures.

+ Identifies risks and takes appropriate actions, including all documentation and other regulatory requirements to maintain operational integrity.

+ 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.

+ Successful completion of CMS Compass Program or equivalent knowledge and experience required.

+ Strong knowledge of business banking products, lending processes and loan documentation, and supporting policies, procedures, and technologies.

+ Strong experience wit.