Lead Model Validation

SUMMARY:
My client is looking for an experienced, motivated, and self-driven professional to join their team as a Model Validation Lead. If you enjoy making a meaningful impact through data and advanced analytics, this is your opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and innovative environment.

POSITION INFO:
The Model Validation function is critical to my client’s organisation, ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and governance of models across risk, operations, and analytics.

As a Model Validation Lead, you will provide technical expertise in validating advanced AI and ML models, mentor analysts, and ensure adherence to governance standards. You will design and execute independent validations, develop challenger models, and collaborate with stakeholders. This role requires strong technical modelling skills and excellent collaboration to influence outcomes in a complex environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide subject matter expertise and guidance on the validation of models, particularly machine learning models
• Ensure robust model governance and risk management processes are in place
• Lead independent validations across a range of models, including operational, risk, and analytics models
• Mentor and support analysts’ professional development
• Design and implement challenger models using advanced ML methods
• Research new ML algorithms and methodologies to ensure models follow best practice
• Ensure models meet governance, regulatory, and internal standards
• Partner with development teams and stakeholders to provide challenge and assurance
• Contribute to the enhancement of model validation frameworks and best practices

• Education: Bachelors degree in Maths/Stats or related
• Experience: 6+ years of proven experience in model development, with direct model validation or review experience preferred
• Strong technical expertise in tree-based methods, neural networks, clustering, anomaly detection, and other advanced ML/statistical techniques
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS preferred) and emerging technologies such as large language models is a plus
• Ability to mentor and develop junior team members
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Able to design and deliver end-to-end ML projects independently
• Experience with data mining, predictive modelling, and presenting findings to senior stakeholders