Overview

A leading financial institution is seeking a Senior Model Validation Manager to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of its credit risk models. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact by leading the review and technical validation of credit models, ensuring they are managed in line with policy, regulation, and risk appetite.What you''ll do

As Senior Model Validation Manager, you will be at the forefront of ensuring that all credit risk models used by the organisation meet stringent regulatory standards while supporting robust risk management practices. Your day-to-day activities will involve conducting independent validations on both new developments and existing models—primarily those underpinning IRB and IFRS 9 requirements—across retail and commercial banking portfolios. You will be responsible for managing findings from these validations through careful documentation and follow-up. In addition to producing analytical reports that inform senior management decisions, you will oversee broader aspects of model risk management such as maintaining inventories and frameworks. Collaboration is central to this role; you will work hand-in-hand with development teams as well as other stakeholders throughout the bank. By mentoring junior colleagues and deputising for senior leaders when needed, you will help shape both current operations and future strategy within the model validation function.Conduct thorough end-to-end independent validations for new and existing credit risk models in compliance with internal policies and UK regulatory requirements, focusing on IRB and IFRS 9 across diverse portfolios.Track open validation findings meticulously, ensuring all documentation is accurate and evidence is robust for closure in line with best practice standards.Produce detailed qualitative and quantitative analyses to support model approval processes while providing insightful reporting for senior management decision-making.Oversee key activities within Model Risk management, including regular reviews of the bank''s Model Inventory and ongoing maintenance of the Model Risk Framework.Collaborate closely with Model Development teams and other risk areas to ensure comprehensive understanding of model assumptions, limitations, and performance.Research emerging trends in model validation to implement best practices that align with evolving regulatory expectations within the UK financial sector.Support junior team members by overseeing their validation exercises, offering guidance, feedback, and mentorship to foster their professional development.Deputise for the UK Head of Model Risk and Validation when required, taking on additional responsibilities that prepare you for future progression into this leadership role.Engage proactively with stakeholders across the business to build strong working relationships that facilitate effective communication around model risk issues.Champion a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance validation processes and contribute positively to the overall risk management framework.What you bring

To excel as Senior Model Validation Manager, your background should reflect significant hands-on involvement with credit risk models—especially those aligned with IRB and IFRS 9 standards—within a regulated financial setting. Your academic achievements should underscore your analytical strengths while your technical expertise enables you to interrogate complex data sets effectively. Beyond technical prowess, your interpersonal abilities are crucial: you must be able to communicate intricate ideas simply yet persuasively whether engaging peers or presenting insights at board level. Experience guiding less experienced colleagues will allow you not only to share knowledge but also nurture talent within the team. Your approach should be grounded in collaboration; success comes from working together towards common goals rather than operating in isolation. Finally, your adaptability ensures that processes remain robust even as industry regulations evolve.Extensive experience in either model development or validation within financial services, particularly involving Probability of Default (PD), Loss Given Default (LGD), and Exposure at Default (EAD) models under IRB and IFRS 9 frameworks.An advanced degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics or another numerate discipline that demonstrates your strong analytical capabilities.Proficiency in programming languages such as Python combined with familiarity using statistical modelling techniques relevant to credit risk assessment.Excellent written and verbal communication skills enabling you to present complex technical concepts clearly to audiences at all levels across the organisation.Demonstrated ability to provide supportive leadership by mentoring junior team members while fostering accountability within project teams.A proven track record building collaborative relationships with stakeholders from various departments to achieve shared objectives efficiently.Experience acting as a subject matter expert (SME) for validation functions within regulated environments is highly desirable.Strong organisational skills allowing you to manage multiple priorities simultaneously without compromising attention to detail or quality standards.A commitment to upholding best practices in model governance while remaining adaptable in response to changing regulatory landscapes.Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates

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