Lead: Model Validation

SUMMARY:
Are you an experienced data science professional with a passion for ensuring that advanced models are robust, reliable, and well-governed? We’re looking for a Lead — Model Validation to take ownership of independent validations, challenger models, and governance standards in a fast-paced financial environment.

POSITION INFO:
In this role, you’ll play a critical part in safeguarding the accuracy and integrity of models across credit, finance, fraud, and operational domains. You’ll thrive here if you enjoy combining technical expertise with leadership, guiding a team, and influencing outcomes at a senior level — all while working with cutting-edge machine learning techniques and emerging technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver independent validations across credit risk, operational optimisation, financial crime, and marketing models.
• Provide subject matter expertise and technical review of advanced AI and ML models.
• Build challenger models using state-of-the-art machine learning methods.
• Research and apply best practices in model development, ensuring models meet governance, regulatory, and risk standards.
• Mentor and guide junior analysts, supporting technical and professional growth.
• Collaborate with model developers and business stakeholders, providing effective challenge and assurance.
• Contribute to the enhancement of validation methodologies, frameworks, and tools.

• Education: Honours Degree in Mathematics, Statistics or Data Science.
• Experience:
  • 6+ years’ experience in model development within Data Science, with direct exposure to model validation or review.
  • Strong expertise in tree-based methods, neural networks, clustering, anomaly detection, and other advanced ML/statistical techniques.
• Skills:
  • Experience with cloud platforms (AWS preferred) and familiarity with emerging technologies such as large language models.
  • Excellent stakeholder management, communication and facilitation skills across multiple disciplines.