Model Validation Specialist

Leeds Building Society; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working - 2 days per week in an

Annual bonus up to 12%

Matched pension contributions up to 10

26 days holiday plus holidays

Colleague Mortgage and Saver products

2 days volunteering per year

Job summary

Leeds Building Society is seeking a Model Validation Specialist to support independent validation of financial models and deterministic methods. You will assess model design, data, assumptions, implementation and outputs, and communicate conclusions to stakeholders.

You will work with the Model Validation Lead and cross-functional teams, applying Python and other tools, while contributing to risk management and regulatory alignment. This role offers hybrid working and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Experience of model validation and/or model development within financial services.
• Knowledge of model classes such as residential mortgage IRB models, scorecards, IFRS 9.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Programming and data-handling experience using Python, SQL, SAS, or R.
• Ability to explain technical issues to stakeholders clearly and succinctly.
• Organised, rigorous approach with commitment to quality.

Responsibilities

• Deliver independent validation reviews of key models and deterministic quantitative methods.
• Prepare clear review documentation and committee materials.
• Support the model risk management framework and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate across Prudential Risk, Risk, Finance and Internal Audit.
• Keep abreast of regulatory developments and industry best practice.

Skills

Model validation

Financial risk models

Python

SQL

SAS

R

Analytical skills

Tools

Python

SQL

SAS

R

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.

It's a purpose that drives everything we do. And you can play your part too - join our Prudential & Enterprise Risk team as a Model Validation Specialist on either a permanent or 18-month fixed term basis.

This is an opportunity to use your quantitative expertise to support the independent validation and oversight of our financial and credit risk models and deterministic quantitative methods. Working with the Model Validation Lead and wider Prudential Risk team, you'll help ensure models are conceptually sound, appropriately implemented and compliant with internal policies and external regulations.

How you'll make a difference

You'll deliver independent validation reviews of key models and deterministic quantitative methods through analysis, testing and evidence gathering. You'll assess model design, data, assumptions, implementation and outputs, identify limitations and potential improvements, validate model changes and mitigants, and help ensure documentation meets internal standards and regulatory expectations.

You'll prepare clear review documentation and committee materials, maintain constructive communication with model owners, and work collaboratively across Prudential and Enterprise Risk, Risk, Finance and Internal Audit. You'll also support the model risk management framework, help develop analytical and challenger solutions using tools such as Python and AI or machine learning, contribute to climate risk modelling and scenario analysis, and keep abreast of regulatory developments and industry good practice.

What will you bring to the role?

• Experience of model validation and/or model development within financial services, covering relevant credit or financial risk models across the model lifecycle.
• Knowledge of model classes such as residential mortgage IRB models (PD, LGD and EAD), scorecards, IFRS 9, affordability, forecasting, stress testing, market risk, capital, liquidity or pricing.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to structure problems, assess evidence and draw clear conclusions from data.
• Practical programming and data-handling experience using Python, SQL, SAS, R or a similar tool.
• An understanding of model risk drivers, statistical techniques, model performance metrics and validation approaches, with the ability to assess model design, data, assumptions, implementation and outputs.
• The ability to work independently with support from the Model Validation Lead, manage multiple reviews, priorities and deadlines, and recognise when issues need escalation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to explain technical issues and validation conclusions clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders and document work to a high standard.
• A well-organised and collaborative approach, strong attention to detail, professional curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

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

• Hybrid working - 2 days per week in the office
• Annual bonus of up to 12%
• Matched pension contributions up to 10%
• 26 days holiday, plus bank holidays and holiday purchase scheme
• Colleague Mortgage and Saver products
• 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 us

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. 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 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.