Senior AI & Model Validation Lead

Starling; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Birthday leave

Buy/sell extra days

Volunteer hours

Pension scheme

Life insurance

Private medical insurance

Job summary

Starling Bank is seeking a Model Validation Manager to join the Model Risk Oversight Team in London. You will validate AI/ML and traditional models, escalating complex challenges and guiding risk governance across the model lifecycle.

The role requires leadership of quantitative teams, strong communication with senior stakeholders, and deep expertise in risk management practices. You will help shape governance frameworks and deliver validation reports to drive robust risk controls.

Qualifications

• Graduate-level education preferred in a numerical discipline or equivalent work experience.
• Proven track record building and mentoring high-performing quantitative teams.
• Extensive experience validating AI/ML and traditional models (IFRS 9, Forecasting, Operational Risk).
• Expertise with Python/R/SQL/SAS and spreadsheets.
• Strong ability to communicate findings to senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as a senior escalation point for complex validation challenges and ensure robust risk management.
• Validate diverse model types including AI/ML and traditional models across Starling.
• Contribute to model and AI risk governance framework development and enhancements.
• Produce and review validation reports and address findings with model owners.
• Lead on Risk Assurance reviews and present committee papers.
• Communicate high-level findings to Senior leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

AI/ML validation

Model risk management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Numerical degree

Tools

Python

R

SQL

SAS

Job description

Starling Bank is seeking a Model Validation Manager to join the Model Risk Oversight Team in London. You will validate AI/ML and traditional models, escalating complex challenges and guiding risk governance across the model lifecycle.

The role requires leadership of quantitative teams, strong communication with senior stakeholders, and deep expertise in risk management practices. You will help shape governance frameworks and deliver validation reports to drive robust risk controls.