Model Validation Manager

We’re Starling, a fully licensed UK bank with the culture and spirit of a fast-moving, disruptive tech company. We employ more than 3,500 people across our London, Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester offices.

We are looking for a talented and passionate Model Validation Manager to join our Model Risk Oversight Team. Our team plays a critical role in validating and overseeing the risks associated with all models across Starling, particularly those involving AI and other advanced modeling techniques.

As a Model Validation Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Acting as a senior escalation point for complex validation challenges, fostering a culture of technical excellence and navigating difficult conversations with model developers and senior leadership to ensure robust risk management practices.
• Supporting the validations of different types of models used across Starling, such as AI and ML models supporting our business operations, as well as more traditional models like IFRS 9, Forecasting, and Operational Risk.
• Playing a vital role in Model and AI risk governance framework development and enhancements.
• Producing and reviewing validation reports while engaging with the model developers and model owners to ensure the validation findings are understood and can be addressed within the agreed timelines.
• Leading on Risk Assurance reviews.
• Producing committee papers and presenting at committees.
• Presenting high-level validation findings to Senior leadership.
• Engaging and forming close relationships with the key stakeholders to enable good model risk management practices throughout the model lifecycle.

Requirements:

• Graduate-level education is preferred, ideally in a numerical discipline (or equivalent work experience).
• Proven track record of building, mentoring, and managing high-performing technical teams of quantitative analysts. Ability to coach staff through complex AI and traditional model validations.
• Extensive experience overseeing a broad portfolio of model types. Must possess deep, hands-on expertise in validating advanced AI/ML algorithms alongside strong proficiency in traditional risk models (e.g., IFRS 9, Forecasting, Operational Risk).
• Expert in the use of analytical tools such as Python/R/SQL/SAS and spreadsheets.
• Good knowledge of model and AI risk management and governance industry best practice and regulations.
• Ability to articulate findings from analysis in a succinct and clear way that is suitable for the target audience.
• Organised, flexible and adaptable, with the ability to switch between tasks seamlessly.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday (plus take your public holiday allowance whenever works best for you)
• An extra day’s holiday for your birthday
• Annual leave is increased with length of service, and you can choose to buy or sell up to five extra days off
• 16 hours paid volunteering time a year
• Salary sacrifice, company enhanced pension scheme
• Life insurance at 4x your salary
• Private Medical Insurance with VitalityHealth including mental health support and cancer care. Partner benefits include discounts with Waitrose, Mr&Mrs Smith and Peloton
• Generous family-friendly policies
• Perkbox membership giving access to retail discounts, a wellness platform for physical and mental health, and weekly free and boosted perks