Model Validation Lead

Leeds Building Society; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working 2 days in office

Bonus up to 15%

Matched pension up to 10%

30 days holiday

Job summary

Leeds Building Society is seeking a Model Validation Lead within the Prudential & Enterprise Risk division to provide independent validation and oversight of models and quantitative methods. You will shape and embed the enterprise-wide model risk management framework, coordinating with senior stakeholders and committees to strengthen decision-making.

The role requires substantial IRB experience, strong analytical capability (Python/SAS/SQL), and a proven ability to build regulator relationships

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in model development or independent validation within financial services, including hands-on IRB expertise.
• Experience leading the design, implementation and embedding of an enterprise-wide model risk management framework, aligned to the wider risk framework and regulatory expectations.
• Strong understanding of model risk appetite, policy, governance, validation techniques, performance metrics and aggregate risk reporting.
• Ability to build constructive relationships with regulators and respond to assurance and reporting needs of senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent validation and oversight of models and quantitative methods.
• Lead the design, embedding and maintenance of the enterprise-wide model risk management framework.
• Communicate findings clearly to Boards, Risk Committees and senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with regulators and key partners to support assurance and reporting requirements.

Skills

Python

SAS

SQL

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Job description

How You'll Help Us Live Our Purpose

We've been helping our members save for their future and buy their own home since 1875. Join us and you'll play a big role in helping us to put home ownership within reach of more people, generation after generation.

How You'll Help Us Live Our Purpose

We've been helping our members save for their future and buy their own home since 1875. Join us and you'll play a big role in helping us to put home ownership within reach of more people, generation after generation. It's a purpose that drives everything we do. And you can play your part too – join our Prudential & Enterprise Risk division as a Model Validation Lead.

How You'll Make a Difference

As a senior leader within Prudential & Enterprise Risk, you'll create an inclusive, supportive environment where your team can thrive while delivering independent validation and oversight of our models and quantitative methods. You'll provide clear, objective assurance that they are sound, well controlled and meet regulatory expectations. By setting a clear direction, coaching colleagues and building trusted relationships, you'll shape and embed our enterprise-wide model risk management framework and work collaboratively with senior stakeholders and committees to strengthen decision-making across the Society.

What will you bring to the role?

• Substantial experience in model development or independent validation within financial services, including essential hands-on IRB expertise.
• Experience leading the design, implementation and embedding of an enterprise-wide model risk management framework, aligned to the wider enterprise risk framework and regulatory expectations.
• A strong understanding of model risk appetite, policy, governance, validation techniques, performance metrics and aggregate risk reporting.
• The confidence and sound judgement to build constructive relationships with regulators and respond effectively to the assurance and reporting needs of Board Risk Committee and senior leaders.
• Strong analytical and technical capability, including Python, SAS or SQL, with the ability to explore complex model risk issues, offer thoughtful challenge and communicate clearly.
• Inclusive senior and people leadership experience, with the ability to develop others, support high-performing teams, lead change and deliver shared enterprise-wide outcomes.

And in return, you'll get the best from us:

• Hybrid working – 2 days per week in the office
• Annual bonus of up to 15%
• Matched pension contributions up to 10%
• 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays and holiday purchase scheme

We'll give you a place to belong with the support to learn, develop and shape a meaningful career.

Why choose us?

We're committed to equal opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity.

Our business is centred around our people. Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, as shown by our Inclusive Employers Gold accreditation in 2023 and 2025.

You'll be joining a truly purpose-focused culture which helped us win the Leading with Purpose award at the 2023Business Culture Awards. This recognises how we've embedded our purpose with our colleagues, and the actions we've taken to put home ownership within reach of more people, generation after generation.