Model Validation Specialist

Leeds Building Society; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to 12%

Hybrid working

Pension contributions up to 10%

26 days holiday + bank holidays + 5‑p,

Mortgage & Saver products

EV/Cycle to Work scheme

Volunteer days

Job summary

Leeds Building Society is seeking a Model Validation Specialist for a 12-month fixed term contract in our Risk division. You will perform independent validation across residential mortgage IRB and other credit models to ensure soundness, proper implementation and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has strong Python/SAS/SQL skills, experience in credit risk model validation within financial institutions, and excellent communication to explain complex issues to non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience in credit risk / IRB model development or validation within a financial institution.
• Understanding of residential mortgage portfolios, risk drivers and lifecycle credit risk behaviour.
• Experience with model performance metrics and validation techniques.
• Knowledge of model risk management regulatory requirements (preferred).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex issues to non-technical stakeholders.
• High levels of independence, integrity and professional judgement.
• Self-motivated with good planning and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent model validation reviews of residential mortgage IRB and other credit-related models.
• Provide oversight of models to ensure concept soundness, proper implementation and regulatory compliance; support validation of other financial models as required.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independence & judgement

Tools

Python

SAS

SQL

Job description

How you'll help us live our purpose

We've been helping our members save for their future and buy a home of their own since 1875. By joining us, 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 one we're proud of. And you can play your part too – join our dedicated Risk division on a 12 month fixed term contract as a Model Validation Specialist and play an important part in that purpose by providing independent, expert challenge across the models that help us understand credit risk, make sound decisions and meet regulatory expectations.

How you'll make a difference

You will perform independent model validation reviews and oversight of the Society's residential mortgage IRB and other credit-related models to ensure they are conceptually sound, appropriately implemented, and are compliant with internal policies and external regulations. In addition, the role will support with the independent validation of other financial models performed within the team, as required.

What will you bring to the role?

• Knowledge and experience of using Python, SAS and other programming languages e.g. SQL.
• Be highly numerate with proven experience of credit risk / IRB model development or validation within a financial institution.
• A good understanding of residential mortgage portfolios, risk drivers, and lifecycle credit risk behaviour.
• Experience of model performance metrics, validation techniques and ideally knowledge of model risk management regulatory requirements is preferred.
• Excellent analytical skills and a strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex issues to non-technical stakeholders.
• High levels of independence, integrity and professional judgement.
• Be a self-motivator with good planning and organisational skills.

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

• An annual colleague bonus of up to 12%
• Hybrid working with 60% of your time at home
• Matched pension contributions of up to 10%
• 26 days holiday, plus bank holidays and holiday purchase scheme of up to 5 days each year
• Colleague Mortgage and Saver products
• Electric vehicle scheme/ Cycle to Work scheme
• 2 days' volunteering per year

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

Why choose Leeds Building Society?

Our business is centred around our people. Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do and we're extremely proud of our Inclusive Employers Gold accreditation in 2023. 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.

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

Leeds Building Society is devoted to creating a culture and workplace that is representative of the communities we serve. If you'd like to work with us but are unsure if you meet the full criteria for a role, please contact the recruiter as we'd like to find out more about the skills and experience that you could bring to the Society. We're committed to supporting you to be at your best and if you'd like to discuss any reasonable adjustments, please reach out to us on [e-mail].

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