Lead Model Validation

About the role

In this hybrid role based at our Chicago Headquarters, you will serve as a contributor within the second line of defense, perform independent model validations and support oversight of the Model Risk Management (MRM) program. Validate a broad range of models used across credit risk, treasury management (ALM), finance, underwriting, and related areas, includes both traditional statistical models and artificial intelligence (AI) models. Partner with model owners, users, and MRM leadership to assess model soundness, identify model risk, and support compliance with internal policies and regulatory guidance.

Essential Responsibilities

• Independently execute model validations that are accurate, timely, and compliant with MRM policies, standards, and procedures across credit, market, operational risk, loss forecasting, stress testing, ALM, AML, fraud, pricing, and CECL models.
• Apply sound analytical judgment to evaluate model input data, conceptual soundness, performance, implementation, and governance.
• Prepare and document validation reports, including findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations for model owners and management.
• Partner with AI Governance stakeholders to assist with review and onboarding on new AI solutions.
• Assess ongoing performance monitoring results and identify potential model weaknesses, emerging risks, and areas requiring remediation.
• Support the ongoing enhancement of model validation methods, tools, templates, and practices in alignment with evolving regulatory guidance and industry standards.
• Review and challenge validation work performed by third-party vendors, including evaluation of methodologies, conclusion quality, and appropriateness of findings.
• Partner with first-line model owners and users to support effective issue management, remediation planning, and closure of validation findings.
• Present validation results and risk assessments to MRM leadership and other stakeholders in a professional and constructive manner.
• Support model risk governance activities, new model onboarding, including inventory maintenance, periodic inventory recertification, and inventory reporting to applicable committees per MRM Standard.
• Demonstrate discretion, integrity, and professionalism in handling sensitive information and managing differing viewpoints or conflicts.

Education

Minimum: 4 Year Bachelors Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Quantitative Finance, Engineering, Computer Science or related.
Preferred: Graduate Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Quantitative Finance, Engineering, Computer Science or related.

Experience

Minimum: 5 Years of build, test, implement, or validate models within the financial services industry or related.
Preferred: 7 Years of build, test, implement, or validate models within the financial services industry or related.
In Lieu of Education: 8 Years of build, test, implement, or validate models within the financial services industry or related.

Compensation & Benefits

Typical hiring range: $95,100.00 to $163,100.00 Annually. Actual compensation will be determined using factors such as experience, skills & knowledge.

Benefits include:

• Health care, vision, dental, and 401k with employer match
• Annual performance bonus
• Work from home up to 3 days a week
• Paid parental leave
• Employee discount programs
• Time off including paid personal and sick days
• 11 paid holidays
• Education reimbursement

Note that eligibility and cost of benefits can vary depending on the number of regularly scheduled hours, and job status such as regular full-time, regular part-time, or temporary employment.