VP Model Risk Management

Wintrust Financial Corp; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Disability Insurance

Parental Leave

401(k) plan with company match

FSA

Employee Stock Purchase Plan at 5%

Critical Illness Insurance

Accident Insurance

Transportation and Commuting Benefits

Banking Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Wintrust Corporate Risk Management in Rosemont, IL, seeks a seasoned Model Risk Vice President to lead the Model Risk Management team and validate bank-wide AI, ML, and econometric models in line with SR 26-02/OCC 2026-13 and internal policies.

You will supervise validators, guide methodology, deliver risk reports, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to strengthen the model governance framework while upholding regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of progressive experience in model development or model risk management in U.S. financial institutions.
• Deep knowledge of traditional statistical modeling methods (OLS, logistic regression, survival modeling).
• Moderate knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches (gradient boosting models, neural networks, k-means clustering).
• Familiarity with performance evaluation metrics for LLMs.
• PhD or Master’s in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Engineering, or other quantitative field related to Artificial Intelligence.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with machine learning frameworks and data science libraries.
• Excellent analytical skills and strong written communication ability.

Responsibilities

• Validate all types of models used in Wintrust.
• Perform model validation work directly when required, including programming in Python.
• Work with the Head of Model Risk Management to continually evolve validation practices, processes, and MRM policy.
• Manage and implement a comprehensive model validation framework and process for all the models in the inventory system, including AI models.
• Follow emerging trends in AI technology and regulation and refine validation processes and AI use policy when needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess and enhance models to support business strategy.
• Deliver comprehensive management reports on both individual and aggregate model risk.
• Facilitate regulatory examinations and internal audits of the modeling process and lead the model governance sessions to ensure compliance and foster continuous improvement in model risk management practices.

Skills

Model Risk

Python

Statistics

Machine Learning

LLMs

Education

PhD or MSc in a quantitative field

Tools

ML Frameworks

Job description

Wintrust provides community and commercial banking, specialty finance and wealth management services through its 16 bank charters and nine non-bank businesses. Wintrust delivers the sophisticated solutions of a large bank while staying true to the relationship-focused, personalized service of our community banking roots. We serve clients in all 50 states with more than 200 branch banking locations in Illinois, southwestern Florida, northwestern Indiana, west Michigan and southern Wisconsin and commercial banking offices in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Mich., and in key branch banking locations throughout Illinois. Our people are the heart of our business and we are proud to rank consistently as a top place to work. Wintrust is a $66 billion financial institution based in Rosemont, Illinois, and listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “WTFC.”

Why join us?

An award-winning culture! We are rated a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune (past 12 years) and Employee Recommended award by the Globe & Mail (past 6 years). Competitive pay and discretionary or incentive bonus eligible. Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, a 401k plan with a generous company match and tuition reimbursement to name a few. Promote from within culture.

Why join this team?

Hybrid Work Schedule – Split your time working remotely and at our Corporate Headquarters in Rosemont, IL. We foster an inclusive environment for an individual to grow and work independently. Opportunity to interact with management level, experienced professionals - higher visibility. Wintrust has a great culture that comes from the top down. Gain experience and further your career by joining a growing organization.

Position Overview

Wintrust Corporate Risk Management is seeking a highly motivated Model Risk Vice President to join our Model Risk Management (MRM) team in Rosemont. As a key leader in the MRM department, supervise a team of model validation experts in the work of validating bank-wide AI systems/Machine Learning/statistical/econometric/ mathematical and qualitative (expert judgment) models in compliance with SR 26-02/OCC 2026-13, Model Risk Management (MRM) policy, AI policy, and internal procedures.

What You’ll Do

• Perform validations of all types of models used in Wintrust.
• Conduct some model validation work directly when required, including programming in Python.
• Work with the Head of Model Risk Management to continually evolve validation practices, processes, and MRM policy.
• Manage and implement a comprehensive model validation framework and process for all the models in the inventory system, including AI models.
• Follow emerging trends in AI technology and regulation and refine validation processes and AI use policy when needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess and enhance models to support business strategy.
• Deliver comprehensive management reports on both individual and aggregate model risk.
• Facilitate regulatory examinations and internal audits of the modeling process and lead the model governance sessions to ensure compliance and foster continuous improvement in model risk management practices.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of progressive experience in model development or model risk management within midsize or large U.S. financial institutions.
• Deep knowledge of traditional statistical modeling methods (OLS, logistic regression, survival modeling, etc.).
• Moderate knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches (gradient boosting models, neural networks, k-means clustering, etc.).
• Familiarity with performance evaluation metrics and techniques for LLMs.
• PhD or Master’s in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Engineering, or other quantitative field related to Artificial Intelligence.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with machine learning frameworks and data science libraries.
• Excellent analytical skills and strong written communication ability.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Short-term and long-term Disability Insurance
• Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan at 5% discount
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Transportation and Commuting Benefits
• Banking Benefits
• Pet Insurance Compensation

The estimated salary range for this role is $135,000-$165,000, along with eligibility to earn an annual bonus. Actual salaries may vary based on several factors, such as a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience. #LI-ONSITE

From our first day in business, Wintrust has been proud to serve a variety of unique communities and people from all walks of life. To build a company that reflects the communities we serve, we believe that fostering a unique and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed will support our ongoing success.

Wintrust Financial Corporation, including community banking and financial services subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

Wintrust provides community and commercial banking, specialty finance and wealth management services, delivering the sophisticated solutions of a large bank through a relationship-focused approach built from our community banking roots.

Wintrust may collect personal information from you in connection with the application process. Wintrust complies with the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, and its policy may be found here.