Model Development Manager

1001 Absa Bank; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Absa Bank is seeking an experienced Model Development Manager to lead end-to-end development of PD, LGD and EAD models for Regulatory Capital and IFRS9 impairments in a banking or consulting setting.

You will own the model development lifecycle, drive governance and implementation, mentor teammates, and stay ahead of industry trends to ensure robust risk modelling capabilities.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years of hands-on model development experience in credit risk modelling (PD, LGD and/or EAD).
• At least 2 years’ experience managing model development teams or leading model development projects.
• Strong understanding of Regulatory Capital and IFRS9 frameworks and related modelling requirements.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior analysts within a model development environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the full end-to-end model development lifecycle, including development, implementation and governance.
• Lead development, calibration, and documentation of PD, LGD and EAD models for Regulatory Capital and IFRS9 purposes.
• Ensure governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance across modelling initiatives.
• Collaborate with validation, credit, finance, audit and other stakeholders to support model governance.

Education

Bachelor's Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Job description

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together...one story at a time. With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group. Belonging at Absa Absa is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds. In support of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) commitments and Employment Equity objectives, preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities. We encourage applicants who may require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process to let us know so that appropriate support can be provided.

Job Summary

Join a diverse team of dynamic model developers. We are looking for experienced Model Development Managers with a strong quantitative background in developing PD, LGD and EAD models for Regulatory Capital and IFRS9 impairments within a banking or consulting environment.

Job Description

Accountabilities: Take ownership of the full end-to-end model development lifecycle, including development, implementation and governance, to meet relevant business-as-usual and project timelines Lead the development, calibration, enhancement and documentation of PD, LGD and EAD models for Regulatory Capital and IFRS9 purposes Manage delivery timelines, priorities and dependencies across multiple modelling initiatives Ensure that all model development activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with regulatory requirements, risk management frameworks and internal policies and standards Understand and manage risks and risk events (incidents) relevant to the model development process Work closely with model validation, credit, finance, audit and other stakeholders to support model governance and implementation requirements Provide directional expertise to enhance model building skills across the team, including transferring knowledge and experience to junior team members and peers Support mentoring, performance management, talent management and succession planning within the team Keep up with industry trends, emerging modelling methodologies and regulatory developments to ensure increased capability and capacity to build robust models Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the broader modelling and risk environment

Qualification and Experience

BSc/MSc Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Statistics or Actuarial Science A minimum of 3–4 years hands-on model development experience in credit risk modelling, specifically across PD, LGD and/or EAD models. At least 2 years’ experience managing model development teams and/or leading model development projects. Proven experience managing the full end-to-end model development lifecycle, including development, implementation, monitoring and governance. Strong understanding of Regulatory Capital and IFRS9 frameworks and associated modelling requirements. Experience mentoring and developing junior analysts within a model development environment. Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

At Absa, our story is not a single narrative. It’s thousands of individual journeys unfolding across Africa and beyond. From colleagues serving customers in local communities to teams shaping financial solutions across borders, Absa is built on people who bring their lived experiences, ambitions and perspectives into the workplace every day. Whether you’re starting your career, a seasoned leader or somewhere in between, your contribution is seen, valued and connected to something bigger. Our presence across Africa – which spans personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management, and insurance – exists because of the people who show up in their roles with purpose. Across Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, our colleagues are shaping what Absa becomes in each market. Beyond the continent, teams in global offices and a technology hub support and extend the stories that prove that African talent can lead, influence and innovate on the global stage. At Absa, your story matters because progress is driven by human experience, not hierarchy. When people are enabled to bring their whole selves to work, they don’t just build careers. They help shape the future of Africa’s financial services landscape.