Model Validation Manager

Overview

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a Model Validation Manager to join a highly respected financial institution in London, where your expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of model risk management. This position offers you the chance to work at the forefront of quantitative analysis and regulatory compliance, supporting the delivery of robust model validation objectives within a collaborative and knowledgeable team.

What you'll do

As a Model Validation Manager based in London, you will be instrumental in driving excellence across all aspects of model risk management. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve conducting thorough independent validations of complex financial models-ranging from capital adequacy to pricing-ensuring they meet stringent internal standards as well as external regulatory requirements. You will collaborate closely with colleagues across departments to offer expert advice on model development processes while maintaining meticulous documentation that supports transparency and accountability. By leveraging your deep understanding of quantitative methods alongside your ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences, you will help embed a culture of continuous improvement within the team. Your proactive approach will see you researching new statistical techniques, benchmarking methodologies against industry alternatives, and proposing enhancements that strengthen overall risk management frameworks. Success in this role means not only safeguarding the integrity of critical models but also empowering others through knowledge sharing and supportive guidance.

• Support the implementation of the target operating model for a second line model validation function by contributing expert insight and technical rigour.
• Ensure all models are thoroughly validated to align with strategic aims, providing assurance that they are fit for purpose across capital, IFRS9, pricing, and other critical areas.
• Offer constructive and independent technical challenge at committee level when required, helping to shape best practices in model governance.
• Conduct comprehensive independent validations of both new and existing models by understanding their mathematical foundations, implementation nuances, and potential deficiencies.
• Apply both quantitative and qualitative techniques to assess model performance under stress scenarios, including capital calculations and back testing against risk factors.
• Propose practical solutions to address identified model deficiencies, ensuring ongoing robustness and stability of calibrations as well as suitability for intended use.
• Structure and document the current state of validation activities, assurance processes, and approval status for all relevant models in accordance with group standards.
• Provide expert support and guidance to stakeholders on model development and validation activities, promoting consistent adoption of minimum standards and effective use of templates.
• Research advanced statistical techniques for parameter estimation-including volatilities and correlations-and validate the appropriateness of proxies or fallback parameters used in models.
• Keep abreast of regulatory changes, industry best practices, and emerging quantitative methodologies to ensure ongoing compliance and relevance.

What you bring

To excel as a Model Validation Manager in this organisation's London office, you will bring substantial hands-on experience from either validating or developing sophisticated credit risk models within banking or similar financial services settings. Your background should include extensive use of advanced modelling tools-such as SAS or Python-for constructing predictive analytics on large-scale datasets. You will have demonstrated success working collaboratively within teams while also guiding others towards shared goals through clear communication. Your strong interpersonal skills enable you to translate complex technical concepts into accessible insights for stakeholders at all levels. A natural affinity for numbers underpins your analytical approach; you consistently deliver precise results even when faced with challenging deadlines or ambiguous data sets. Your academic credentials include a postgraduate qualification in a relevant quantitative field-further supported by any additional industry certifications that showcase your commitment to ongoing learning. Above all else, your curiosity drives you to stay ahead of regulatory developments while continuously seeking out new ways to enhance existing processes.

• Significant experience in validating or developing credit risk models within banking environments, demonstrating deep familiarity with modern risk management techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of extracting and manipulating data to support risk model development-including defining observation periods, outcome periods, and suitable definitions for scorecard models.
• Proficiency with leading modelling software tools such as SAS, Python, R, or Matlab for building predictive model suites using large datasets or time series data.
• A proven track record of working collaboratively within teams while also managing others effectively through clear communication and shared objectives.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills tailored for different audiences-enabling you to present complex information succinctly and persuasively.
• Exceptional numerical aptitude combined with high attention to detail; able to deliver accurate results quickly even when handling intricate analyses.
• A highly analytical mindset complemented by creativity and initiative; capable of producing workable solutions to multifaceted problems using both established methods and fresh perspectives.
• A postgraduate degree in finance, statistics, econometrics, mathematics, operational research or another quantitative discipline is essential for this role.
• Industry certifications such as FRM, CFA or SAS are desirable but not mandatory; commitment to continual professional development is highly valued.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.

About the job

Contract Type: Permanent

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Experience Level: Mid Management

Location: London

Specialism: Risk & Compliance

Focus: Risk - Market Risk

Industry: Financial Services

Salary: £70,000 - £85,000 per annum

Consultant: James Kelly

Robert Walters is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.