Lead Analyst - Model Validation

Starling; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Life insurance

Job summary

Starling Bank is seeking a Lead Analyst - Model Validation to join the Model Risk Oversight Team. You will validate AI/ML models and traditional models like IFRS 9, forecasting, and operational risk, producing reports and presenting findings to senior leadership.

You will collaborate with model developers and owners, drive risk-aware validation practices, and support the bank’s AI strategy while ensuring regulatory adherence and robust governance.

Qualifications

• Graduate level education preferable, ideally in a numerical degree.
• Hands-on experience in AI/ML model validation or AI model build experience; deep understanding of advanced algorithms to challenge model developers; experience with traditional credit risk or forecasting models.
• Expert in analytical tools such as Python/R/SQL/SAS and spreadsheets.
• Ability to articulate findings succinctly for 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.
• Knowledge of regulatory and risk management guidelines (e.g., EBA, CRR, PRA) is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Leading the validation and technical review of Starling’s expanding AI/ML model portfolio and traditional models.
• Producing validation reports and engaging with model developers and owners to address findings within timelines.
• Producing committee papers and presenting at committees.
• Presenting high-level validation findings to Senior leadership.
• Engaging stakeholders to enable strong model risk management throughout the lifecycle.

Skills

AI/ML validation

Credit risk

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Graduate degree

Tools

Python

R

SQL

SAS

Job description

Hello, we’re Starling. We built a new kind of bank because we knew technology had the power to help people save, spend and manage their money in a new and transformative way. We’re a fully licensed UK bank with the culture and spirit of a fast-moving, disruptive tech company. We’re a bank, but better: fairer, easier to use and designed to demystify money for everyone. We employ more than 3,500 people across our London, Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester offices.

We are looking for a talented and passionate Lead Analyst - Model Validation to join our Model Risk Oversight Team. AI is a strategic priority at Starling Bank, designed to bring tangible benefits to our customers and significantly improve operational efficiencies. As our use of AI scales across the bank, robust model risk management and strong oversight are essential. The team focuses on validating and overseeing the risks associated with all models across Starling, with an increasing focus on scrutinising advanced AI and ML techniques. If you have model validation / model build experience across a variety of models and are eager to be part of the team that plays a vital role in model risk management, we want to hear from you!

As a Lead Analyst - Model Validation, you will be responsible for:

• Leading the validation and technical review of Starling’s rapidly expanding portfolio of AI/ML models to ensure safe deployment. You will also validate traditional models such as IFRS 9, Forecasting, and Operational Risk.
• Producing validation reports whilst engaging with the model developers and model owners to ensure the validation findings are understood and can be addressed within the agreed timelines.
• 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.

This role will close at 12pm on Thursday 29th October.

• Graduate level education preferable, ideally in a numerical degree (or an equivalent work experience);
• Proven, hands‑on experience in AI/ML model validation or direct AI model build experience is required. You must possess a deep understanding of advanced algorithms to critically challenge model developers, alongside experience with traditional credit risk or forecasting models.
• Expert in the use of analytical tools such as Python/R/SQL/SAS and spreadsheets.
• 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.
• Good knowledge of regulatory and risk management guidelines, such as EBA guidelines, CRR and PRA rules would be a bonus.
• 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
• Access to initiatives like Cycle to Work and Salary Sacrificed Gym partnerships

About Us

You may be put off applying for a role because you don’t tick every box. Forget that! While we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we’re always open to discussion. So, if you’re excited about working with us, but aren’t sure if you’re 100% there yet, get in touch anyway.

We’re on a mission to radically reshape banking – and that starts with our brilliant team. Whatever came before, we’re proud to bring together people of all backgrounds and experiences who love working together to solve problems.

Starling Bank is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster diversity & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Starling Bank are considered without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

By submitting your application, you agree that Starling Bank may collect your personal data for recruiting and related purposes. Our Privacy Notice explains what personal information we may process, where we may process your personal information, its purposes for processing your personal information, and the rights you can exercise over our use of your personal information.