Business Unit:  Group Risk, Model Risk Management
Salary range: up to circa £70,000 per annum DOE + red-hot benefits
Location:  Remote – UK Flexible
Contract type:  Permanent

Our Team

Ensuring we have robust Model Risk Management frameworks in place is essential for us to manage risk arising from using models for our decision making while complying with complex regulations and increasing regulatory expectations. With the advent of new technologies such as Machine Learning and Generative AI we see a huge drive in the financial modelling space that must be managed appropriately. This is where our team comes in! We provide and evidence oversight in the form of independent validations and reviews, where we work with stakeholders across the bank to ensure robust model development activities.

As our team is expanding, we are looking for a Manager within Independent Model Validation. As part of the team, you’ll help to secure the foundations of our business decisions by providing quantitative and qualitative validations across our model landscape. Your work will not only provide senior management with the confidence in knowing the risks involved in using Machine Learning and Generative AI models but can also shape the future direction of how validations are undertaken in novel areas. Ultimately, you will be contributing to making our customers happier about money!

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting a team of specialist model validators covering an array of model types and performing highly analytical validations.
• End-to-end managing of Machine Learning validations of new and revised models to ensure models across the business are fit for purpose.
• Providing Artificial Intelligence and mathematical expertise to inform the discussion between Model Development and Model Risk Management in the model build and model review process.
• Utilising your technical skills in data manipulation and extraction
• Generating model validation reports and ensure that validation actions are followed through to a resolution.
• Presenting model validation findings to technical forums and through governance committees. Tailoring the material presented to the audience when required to ensure appropriate understanding and appreciation of issues.
• Applying the adoption of best practice approaches to model validation, including influencing frameworks to continually enhance the validation process.
• Providing expert-level input and challenge into model and strategy developments and changes throughout the model lifecycle.

We need you to have

• A numerical degree (MSc or above) or equivalent work experience
• Significant and demonstrable experience in machine learning and artificial intelligence modelling techniques.
• Substantial experience with Large Language Models and Generative AI principles and methodologies.
• Extensive experience with model development and/or model validation in some of the following areas: Fraud, Financial Crime.
• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Advanced knowledge of at least one programming language, e.g., Python/SQL
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical specialists.
• Strong Leadership skills and superb people management skills

It’s a bonus if you have but not essential

• Demonstrable experience in Machine Learning Engineering or DevOps
• Technical knowledge of Model Risk Management and Capital Requirement Regulation
• Experience of leading a team in a fast-paced environment including effective resource management, positive behaviours, and performance coaching/development to build capabilities.

Share with us:

• Attach on your CV links with your open-source websites (i.e Github, Kaggle, Hugging Face etc). We would love to see your work!

Red Hot Rewards

• Generous holidays - 38.5 days annual leave (including bank holidays and prorated if part-time)​ plus the option to buy more.
• Up to five extra paid well-being days per year​. 
• 20 weeks paid, gender-neutral family leave (52 weeks in total) for expectant parents and those looking to adopt. 
• Market-leading pension.
• Free private medical cover, income protection and life assurance.
• Flexible benefits include Cycle to Work, wellness and health assessments, and critical illness. 

And there's no waiting around, you'll enjoy these benefits from day one.

Feeling insatiably curious about this role? If we’re lucky to receive a lot of interest, we may close the advert early and would hate you to miss out.

We're all about helping you Live a Life More Virgin, so happy to talk flexible working with you.

Say hello to Virgin Money
We’re making great strides towards achieving our ambition of becoming the UK’s best digital bank.  As a full-service digital bank with a heritage stretching back over 180 years, we’re a workforce to be reckoned with, and we're putting the full power of our experience behind disruptive ideas that reinvent the role a bank plays in people's lives. We're customer-obsessed and work tirelessly to deliver on our purpose, ‘Making You Happier About Money.’ This means we're able to do banking differently, and by innovating and working together we can make a real difference by creating memorable moments and red-hot experiences for our millions of customers. Join us and Live a Life More Virgin that empowers you with choice and flexibility in how you work. 

Be yourself at Virgin Money
Our purpose is to make people happier about money, this means seeing and feeling the world as our customers do by creating a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of our customers and communities.  We’re committed to creating an inclusive culture where colleagues feel safe and inspired to contribute, speak up and be heard.  

As a Disability Confident Leader, we're committed to removing any obstacles to inclusion.  If you need any reasonable adjustments or support making your application, contact our Talent Acquisition team careers@virginmoney.com

 It’s important to note that there may be occasions where it’s not possible to interview all candidates declaring a disability who meet the essential criteria for the job. In certain recruitment situations such as receiving a high-volume of applications, we may need to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled and non-disabled applicants. 

Now the legal bit
Living A Life More Virgin allows our colleagues to be based anywhere in the UK (if the role allows it), but we'll need you to confirm you have the right to work in the UK.

If you're successful in securing a role with us, there are some checks you need to complete before starting. These include credit and criminal record checks and three years' worth of satisfactory references. If the role is part of the Senior Manager Regime and Certification Regime, it requires enhanced pre-employment checks – we'll ask for six years of regulatory references, and once in the role, you'll be subject to periodic employment checks.