Model Governance Specialist

Vanguard; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard is recruiting an experienced model governance professional to support the enterprise-wide model risk framework. The role involves developing, adopting and maintaining policies, standards and controls across models, data and AI, with close collaboration to Enterprise, Data, Technology and Regulatory teams.

You will contribute to training, reporting and governance processes while navigating evolving model risk in a hybrid work environment, balancing in-office collaboration with remote

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a technical field such as math, statistics, computer science
• Proven experience developing enterprise-wide policies, standards and protocols in model risk or AI
• Strong written communication and ability to explain complex model risk concepts to diverse audiences

Responsibilities

• Framework Support: develop, adopt and maintain the model risk framework, policies, standards and controls
• Committee and Management Support: prepare materials for Risk Committees and the Board; summarise model risk themes and data
• Model Inventory and Risk Appetite Support: coordinate model inventory, data quality checks; monitor appetite measures and KRIs
• Teamwork and Stakeholder Coordination: build relationships across Developers, Owners, Validators, IT, Audit, AI and Enterprise Risk

Skills

Model governance

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory awareness

Education

Advanced degree in technical field

Job description

The Role

The Model Risk Management (MRM) Governance Team, part of Vanguard's second line of defence, is seeking an experienced model governance professional to support the operation and ongoing development of the enterprise-wide model risk framework in an environment where models, data, and AI are rapidly evolving.

The team ensures that models across the organisation are transparent, well governed, and aligned with global regulatory expectations. In this role, you will support the development, adoption and maintenance of the model risk framework, including policies, standards, business processes and controls.

You will work closely with stakeholders across Vanguard to support alignment between model risk practices and other frameworks. This role places you at the forefront of how the models are governed - provides broad exposure to model risk governance and the opportunity to develop experience across emerging model, data and AI risks.

Responsibilities in this role include

• Framework Support
  • Support the development, adoption and maintenance of the model risk framework, including policies, standards, business processes and controls
  • Research and summarise industry trends to help the team assess whether the model risk framework remains effective and efficient as risks evolve
  • Coordinate with stakeholders across Vanguard to support alignment between model risk practices and Enterprise, Data, Technology, Operational and AI risk frameworks
  • Support in developing and delivering MRM trainings to stakeholders across Vanguard
• Committee and Management Support
  • Assist in preparing accurate, well-structured materials for Risk Committees, Audit Committees and the Board
  • Analyse model risk themes, emerging issues and model performance data, and prepare clear summaries for review
  • Support model risk responses and information requests for internal audit and external regulatory stakeholders
• Model Inventory and Risk Appetite Support
  • Coordinate model inventory activities, including data collection, quality checks and follow-up for enterprise-wide attestations
  • Assist with the calculation, monitoring and reporting of model risk appetite measures and associated Key Risk Indicators
• Teamwork and Stakeholder Coordination
  • Contribute to team priorities, share knowledge and take ownership of assigned governance activities
  • Build effective working relationships across the model risk community, including Developers, Owners, Validators, IT, Audit, AI and Enterprise Risk
  • Demonstrate transparency, accountability and a strong risk mindset in day-to-day work

What it takes

• Advanced degree in a technical field such as math, statistics, computer science etc.
• Proven relevant working experience of developing enterprise-wide policies, standards and protocols in model risk, AI or a related discipline
• Deep knowledge of model risk frameworks (SR11-7, SS1/23); experience with AI frameworks and the EU AI Act preferred
• Exceptional written communication skills are required, including the ability to communicate complex model risk concepts to a range of audiences from technical practitioners to senior executives
• Ability to effectively manage multiple and competing priorities
• Experience in the financial services sector is a plus
• Experience of collaborating with a variety of stakeholder teams

Special Factors

• Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position
• This is a hybrid position and would require you to work in the office 3 days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)
• Please note that we review applications on a rolling basis and may close this role early if there is a high level of interest. To avoid missing out, we recommend applying as soon as possible

This role encompasses activities that fall within the remit of UK Financial Conduct Authority ('FCA') regulation. The successful candidate will therefore be subject to UK regulatory requirements in relation to conduct rules, regulatory references and the assessment of fitness and propriety, knowledge, experience and competence. Where appropriate, the role may also be subject to approval by the UK FCA.

Why Vanguard?

Vanguard is a different kind of investment company. It was founded in the United States in 1975 on a simple but revolutionary idea: that an investment company should manage its funds solely in the interests of its clients.

This is a philosophy that has helped millions of people around the world to achieve their goals with low-cost, uncomplicated investments. It's what we stand for: value to investors.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.