Lead Analyst - Model Validation

Starling; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Birthday day off

Buy/sell extra days

Volunteer time

Life insurance 4x salary

Private Medical Insurance

Perkbox membership

Cycle to Work

Gym membership

Job summary

Starling Bank is seeking a Lead Analyst - Model Validation to join the Model Risk Oversight Team in Manchester. The role focuses on validating AI/ML models and traditional risk models, producing verification reports, and presenting findings to senior leadership.

You will lead validation activities, engage with model developers, and drive risk management practices across the model lifecycle in a fast-moving fintech environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate level education preferable, ideally in a numerical degree.
• Proven hands-on experience in AI/ML model validation or AI model build experience is required.
• 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 the target audience.

Responsibilities

• Lead validation and technical review of Starling's AI/ML models to ensure safe deployment.
• Produce validation reports and engage with developers to address findings within timelines.
• Prepare committee papers and present at committees.
• Present high-level validation findings to Senior leadership.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships to enable good model risk practices throughout the lifecycle.

Skills

Python

SQL

R

SAS

Analytical communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Numerical degree

Tools

Python

SQL

R

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.

Requirements

• 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.

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 yearSalary 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.