Model Governance, Specialist

Vanguard; Lees (PA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard is seeking a quantitative model risk professional to support independent oversight of models used across the Investment Management Group. The role performs validation, challenges assumptions, and ensures models are sound and governed.

You will work with researchers, data scientists, portfolio managers, and technology partners to advance the model risk framework and apply AI/ML-enabled investment workflows across asset classes. Hybrid work environment and visa sponsorship are available.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative discipline or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in model development, validation, or risk management.
• Experience in asset management or financial services.
• Proficiency in Python or similar analytical languages.
• Cloud/MLOps/CI/CD experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent validation of investment models across major asset classes.
• Provide effective challenge of model assumptions, methodologies, data, and controls.
• Produce high-quality validation reports for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Develop and enhance validation methodologies, procedures, and testing approaches.
• Contribute to model risk management policies, standards, and procedures.
• Advise stakeholders on governance, validation expectations, and industry practices.
• Remain current on developments in quantitative investing, AI/ML, and governance.
• Partner across investment, technology, risk, and control functions.
• Participate in special projects and broader MRM initiatives.

Skills

Python programming

Statistical analysis

Model validation

AI/ML applications

Communication

Stakeholder management

Cloud computing

MLOps

Education

Master's or PhD in quantitative discipline

Tools

Barra

Axioma

Aladdin

Job description

Overview

The Model Risk Management (MRM) Team, part of Vanguard's second line of defense, is seeking a quantitative model risk professional to support the independent oversight of models used across Vanguard's Investment Management Group (IMG).

Vanguard is a global investment management firm with a mission to give investors the best chance for investment success. Through IMG, Vanguard designs, manages, and oversees active and passive investment strategies across asset classes, investment vehicles, and geographies. These activities rely on a broad range of quantitative models, including alpha and signal models, portfolio construction and optimization models, risk models, trading models, asset allocation models, and AI/ML-enabled investment workflows.

In this role, you will perform independent validation and effective challenge of investment models, helping ensure that models are conceptually sound, appropriately governed, and fit for purpose. You will work closely with quantitative researchers, data scientists, portfolio managers, model developers, and technology partners, providing credible challenge while building strong collaborative relationships across the business.

Beyond individual model reviews, you will contribute to the continued evolution of Vanguard's model risk management framework, methodologies, standards, and practices across both traditional quantitative models and AI/ML-driven solutions.

Core Responsibilities

• Perform independent validation of investment models across major asset classes, including alpha/signal models, portfolio construction and optimization models, risk models, trading models, asset allocation models, and AI/ML-enabled investment workflows.
• Provide effective challenge of model assumptions, methodologies, data, implementation, controls, limitations, and performance monitoring frameworks.
• Produce high-quality validation reports and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Develop and enhance validation methodologies, procedures, and testing approaches to support consistent and risk-based model oversight.
• Contribute to the design and enhancement of model risk management policies, standards, and procedures across the model lifecycle.
• Advise stakeholders on model risk governance, validation expectations, and emerging industry practices.
• Remain current on developments in quantitative investing, model validation, AI/ML, and model governance.
• Partner effectively across investment, technology, risk, and control functions.
• Participate in special projects and broader MRM initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in a quantitative discipline such as Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Finance, Data Science, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience).
• 3+ years of relevant experience, ideally 7+ years, in model development, quantitative research, model validation, model risk management, or a related field.
• Experience in asset management, investment research, quantitative investing, or financial services.
• Strong knowledge in one or more areas such as:

• Equities
• Fixed Income
• Portfolio Construction & Optimization
• Alpha/Signal Research
• Risk Modeling
• Machine Learning and AI Applications

• Experience developing, testing, reviewing, or validating quantitative and/or AI/ML models.
• Programming experience in Python and/or similar analytical languages.
• Familiarity with cloud, MLOps, CI/CD, or modern model development environments is preferred.
• Familiarity with third-party investment and risk platforms (e.g., Barra, Axioma, Aladdin) is a plus.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and willingness to learn and evolve in a rapidly changing environment.
• Prior people leadership experience is a plus but not required.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission-we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.