Head of Enablement, Advisory - BMO Insurance

The Head of Enablement, Advisory is a newly created leadership role which reports to the SVP & Head, Advisory, and sits at the centre of product marketing, market intelligence, sales technology, and strategy execution, bringing these capabilities together into a single, cohesive enablement function. It ensures advisors, business development teams, and partners have the tools, insights, and support needed to drive sustainable growth and a world-class client experience. This is a dynamic role that is both hands on and strategic. The mandate is twofold: assess market opportunities and priorities and translate them into strategic clarity for the team, while enabling execution at scale through tools, insights, and advisor-centered design.

Key Accountabilities

Sales Enablement:

• Own the design and delivery of a best-in-class advisory enablement ecosystem, including product marketing materials, sales concepts, competitive positioning, and advisor experience
• Lead the development of go-to-market strategies across products, segments, and distribution channels
• Ensure consistent, high-quality enablement across MGA and National Accounts channels
• Develop advisor-facing education and practice management content that strengthens advisor productivity and deepens their business relationship with BMO Insurance
• In partnership with sales leadership, lead cross-functional planning and delivery of strategic advisor events and shape advisor recognition and engagement programs

Market Intelligence & Distribution Insights:

• Build and maintain a real-time view of the distribution landscape, including:
  • MGA performance, concentration, and relationship health
  • Advisor sentiment and feedback loops
  • Macro-economic market trends and competitor intelligence
• Act as a strategic advisor to the team by providing forward-looking insights that shape strategy and decisions
• Provide input into product development and innovation by synthesizing advisor feedback, competitive gaps, and market shifts

Sales Technology & Tools:

• Oversee the sales technology stack, including illustration tools, CRM integration, and advisor-facing platforms
• Partner with Technology and Transformation teams to ensure tools are:
  • Fit-for-purpose for advisors
  • Integrated across the sales journey
  • Enabling speed, transparency, and decision-making
  • Expanding sales tech beyond point solutions into a connected advisor ecosystem

Marketing & Content Strategy:

• Lead the annual product marketing plan for the advisory channel
• Oversee all advisor communications and ensure alignment with the broader BMO Insurance brand - consistent, simple, and worth reading
• Lead the creation of advisor-facing content for all life, annuity, and segregated fund products, translating complex product mechanics into clear and compelling material that aligns with advisor needs and business priorities
• Partner with Brand and Digital teams to scale content distribution and engagement

Performance, Governance & Continuous Improvement:

• Manage, coach, and develop a high performing team
• Establish governance to prioritize initiatives and allocate resources effectively across enablement activities
• Lead a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging data, advisor feedback, and market insights
• Lean into AI across the mandate, modeling what AI-enabled distribution support looks like while maintaining the human element central to advisory

Candidate Profile

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Canadian life insurance and/or wealth management, with meaningful time in distribution, enablement, product marketing, product management, or distribution strategy
• Deep understanding of independent advisor distribution models and sales dynamics across MGAs and National Accounts, including advisor behaviour, economics, and decision drivers
• Strong product knowledge across individual life, annuities, and segregated funds, and a demonstrated interest in product innovation
• Strong analytical and data-driven mindset, with experience leveraging insights to shape strategy and KPIs
• Strong storyteller with exceptional written and verbal communication
• Experience leading and developing teams, influencing across functions in a matrixed environment, establishing clear accountability, and driving change
• Ability to move between strategic and tactical priorities and from concept to delivery

Nice to have:

• Relevant professional designation (CLU, CFP, TEP, FSA/FCIA, CFA, etc.) or advanced degree (MBA)
• Existing relationships across MGA, National Accounts, and advisor communities
• Working familiarity with Canadian insurance taxation and advanced sales concepts
• Experience supporting a platform or technology modernization
• Bilingualism (French/English)