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.

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

If we’re lucky to receive a lot of interest, we may close the advert early, please ensure to submit your applications as soon as possible.  

Say hello to Virgin Money 

Virgin Money is so much more than just a bank. As part of the Nationwide group, together we're the UK's first full-service mutual bank serving millions of retail and business customers and all driven by our purpose; Banking but fairer, more rewarding and for the good of society. With us, you’ll be part of an organisation uniquely positioned to make a difference to the lives of customers, communities and broader society and embark on a collaborative, customer obsessed, and fun-filled career journey. Embrace the weekdays, enjoy fantastic perks, and make a meaningful positive difference. Time to discover what it means to be part of the first mutual full-service banking provider.  

Be yourself at Virgin Money 

At Virgin Money, we celebrate everyone. We have fun, think big, and relentlessly include each other, all in pursuit of our purpose: Banking – but fairer, more rewarding, and for the good of society.  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

Please note: If we receive a high volume of eligible applications, we may need to prioritise candidates whose skills and experience most closely align with the role, while still ensuring fair and equitable consideration for all applicants.

Now the legal bit 

Although some of our roles allow you to be based anywhere in the UK, 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.