VP of Model Risk & AI Validation

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 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.