VP – AI Model Validation & Governance Lead

Barclay Simpson; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Barclay Simpson in London seeks an experienced AI specialist to join the AI Validation & Governance function in a Vice President role. You will lead a team of data scientists responsible for independent testing, validation and governance of AI models, with a focus on Generative AI and Large Language Models.

You will collaborate with risk, technology, data science and business leadership to shape governance approaches, drive automation, and define best practices.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Generative AI and Large Language Models from development, testing, governance perspectives.
• Proven ability to design evaluation frameworks for AI models and lead validation programs.
• Experience in risk, governance or assurance related to AI in highly regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of data scientists focused on AI model validation and governance.
• Independently review, challenge and validate AI/ML/Generative AI models.
• Design and implement robust LLM evaluation and testing frameworks.
• Develop approaches for assessing model performance, reliability, explainability, bias and operational risk.
• Drive automation and innovation within the model validation process.
• Partner with AI development teams to improve model quality and governance standards.
• Present findings to senior stakeholders and governance committees.
• Contribute to strategic development of the AI Validation & Governance function.

Skills

Generative AI

Large Language Models

AI governance

Model validation

ML & analytics

Python

Data science tooling

Leadership

Communication

Tools

Python

Job description

Shape the future of AI governance in one of the UK’s leading financial institutions.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how organisations operate, make decisions and serve customers. As the use of Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs) and Agentic AI continues to expand, the need for robust governance, validation and oversight has never been greater.

We are seeking an experienced AI specialist to join a growing AI Validation & Governance function in a high-profile Vice President role. Reporting directly to the Head of AI Validation & Governance, you will play a pivotal role in defining how AI models are independently assessed, challenged and governed across the organisation.

This is a unique opportunity to help build the framework that will underpin the safe and effective deployment of AI at scale, while also positioning yourself as a future leader within the function.

The Opportunity

This is far more than a traditional model validation role.

You will lead a team of Data Scientists responsible for the independent testing, validation and governance of AI models, with a particular focus on Generative AI and Large Language Models. You will help develop and implement the organisation’s LLM evaluation framework, define best practice validation standards, and drive the automation of testing and assurance processes.

Alongside the technical challenge, you will work closely with senior stakeholders across risk, technology, data science and business leadership to shape the organisation’s approach to AI governance.

For the right individual, this role offers a clear pathway towards broader leadership responsibility within AI Risk and Governance over the coming years.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Data Scientists focused on AI model validation and governance
• Independently review, challenge and validate AI, machine learning and Generative AI models
• Design and implement robust LLM evaluation and testing frameworks
• Develop approaches for assessing model performance, reliability, explainability, bias and operational risk
• Drive automation and innovation within the model validation process
• Partner with AI development teams to improve model quality and governance standards
• Present findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders and governance committees
• Contribute to the strategic development of the AI Validation & Governance function

What We’re Looking For

We are open to candidates from a wide range of backgrounds. You may currently work within a bank, fintech, consulting firm, technology company or another highly regulated or data-driven environment.

Most importantly, you will bring significant hands‑on experience with Generative AI and Large Language Models, either from a model development, implementation, testing, validation or governance perspective.

We’re particularly interested in individuals with experience in:

• Generative AI, Large Language Models and emerging AI technologies
• AI model development, validation, governance or assurance
• Machine learning and advanced analytics
• Python and modern data science tooling
• Designing evaluation frameworks for AI models
• Leading technical teams and developing junior talent
• Communicating complex technical concepts to senior non-technical audiences

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to help shape the future AI governance agenda of a major organisation
• Lead the development of cutting‑edge LLM validation and evaluation capabilities
• Build and mentor a growing team of AI specialists
• Work at the forefront of Generative AI risk, governance and assurance
• Clear progression opportunity within a rapidly expanding area of strategic importance
• High visibility role with direct exposure to senior leadership

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced AI professional who wants to combine deep technical expertise with leadership, governance and strategic influence in one of the most exciting areas of modern technology.

This role is offered on a hybrid basis with 2 days per week in the London office.