AVP – Model Risk & Validation

Barclay Simpson; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Barclay Simpson is recruiting a Senior Model Risk Analyst in London to own the end-to-end model risk management for a defined subset of models within a broader inventory. You will validate, monitor and review changes, and report findings to senior management.

You will benchmark designs, review backtesting and stress tests, and propose calibrations. Strong Python/SQL skills and the ability to communicate complex results to diverse stakeholders are essential.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in mathematics, statistics, quantitative finance or a related field.
• Experience in model validation, quantitative analysis or risk analytics at a level commensurate with this role, including the ability to lead complex model reviews independently.
• Strong knowledge of market risk, liquidity risk or initial margin models.
• Python and SQL skills, plus an understanding of option pricing, statistical risk modelling, backtesting and stress testing.
• The ability to present complex findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the end-to-end model risk management process for a defined subset of models within a wider inventory, covering validation, ongoing monitoring, change reviews and the communication of findings to senior management.
• Assess model design and assumptions, benchmark results, review backtesting and stress testing, and evaluate proposed changes and calibrations.
• Identify weaknesses and recommend practical improvements to manage risk.
• Use Python to develop tools that strengthen validation and monitoring.
• Collaborate with model developers and oversight teams to ensure robust risk controls.

Skills

Python

SQL

Stakeholder communication

Model validation

Leadership

Education

MSc or PhD in mathematics, statistics, quantitative finance or related field

Tools

Backtesting tools

Stress testing frameworks

Job description

If you want broad quantitative exposure and genuine ownership, this role offers both. You’ll take responsibility for the end-to-end model risk management process for a defined subset of models within a wider inventory, covering validation, ongoing monitoring, change reviews and the communication of findings to senior management.

We are working with a major financial markets organisation to hire a Senior Model Risk Analyst. The model inventory spans market risk, liquidity risk and initial margin, giving you the chance to work across different methodologies and collaborate directly with the people developing, using and overseeing the models.

You’ll assess model design and assumptions, benchmark results, review backtesting and stress testing, and evaluate proposed changes and calibrations. Where you identify weaknesses, you’ll explain the risk and recommend practical improvements. You’ll also use Python to develop tools that strengthen validation and monitoring.

This role will suit someone who enjoys technical depth, asks incisive questions and wants to see their work influence how models are managed.

You’ll bring:

• An MSc or PhD in mathematics, statistics, quantitative finance or a related field
• Experience in model validation, quantitative analysis or risk analytics at a level commensurate with this role, including the ability to lead complex model reviews independently.
• Strong knowledge of market risk, liquidity risk or initial margin models
• Python and SQL skills, plus an understanding of option pricing, statistical risk modelling, backtesting and stress testing
• The ability to present complex findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Experience with exchange-traded derivatives or an FRM, PRM or CFA qualification would be useful.

This role is 5 days per week in the office.

If you’re ready to own a meaningful part of a model risk inventory while continuing to broaden your technical experience, I’d be pleased to tell you more.