Senior Model Validation Manager

Investec is a distinctive Specialist Bank serving clients principally in the UK and South Africa. Our culture gives us our edge: we work hard to find colleagues who'll think out of the ordinary and we put them in environments where they'll flourish. We combine a flat structure with a focus on internal mobility. If you can bring an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to learn and collaborate to your work, this could be the boost your career deserves.

Are you an experienced professional in Model Risk & Validation looking to make a significant impact in the financial services industry? Investec is seeking a Senior Model Validation Manager, leading the review and technical validation of the models used within the bank, to help ensure the bank's models are managed in line with policy, regulation and risk appetite, as well as supporting the oversight of validation exercises conducted by junior members of the team. This will also include deputisation responsibilities for the UK Head of MR&V, and an excellent opportunity for future career progression into heading up the UK model validation team.

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the independent review and challenge of the models used within Investec Bank plc and help ensure we manage Model Risk in line with policy, regulation, risk appetite and UK best practice.

About the Team: The Model Risk & Validation team plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of our credit risk models, including Probability of Default (PD), Loss Given Default (LGD), and Exposure at Default (EAD) models. The team conducts end-to-end independent model validations for our new and existing models (which predominantly includes IRB and IFRS 9 across retail and commercial portfolios). We work collaboratively to ensure that our models meet regulatory standards and support the bank's risk management framework.

What you will be doing:

• Model Validation: Conduct end-to-end independent validations for new and existing models in compliance with internal policies and UK regulatory requirements, predominantly including IRB and IFRS 9 across retail and commercial portfolios.
• Findings Management: Track open validation findings and ensure accurate documentation and evidence for closure.
• Analysis & Reporting: Produce qualitative and quantitative analyses to support model approval processes and provide insights for senior management reporting.
• Model Risk Management: Oversee Model Risk management activities, including reviewing the bank's Model Inventory and maintaining the Model Risk Framework.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Model Development and other risk areas to ensure a clear understanding of models, assumptions, and limitations.
• Best Practice Implementation: Research and implement best practices for validating credit risk models in line with regulatory expectations.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience: Extensive experience in model development or validation, particularly with PD, LGD, and EAD models under IRB and IFRS 9 frameworks.
• Educational Background: Advanced degree in a numerate field (Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, etc.) with strong analytical skills.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in programming (Python) and familiarity with statistical modelling techniques.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Leadership: Strong leadership abilities with experience mentoring junior team members and driving accountability.
• Collaboration and prioritisation: Ability to build strong working relationships and work collaboratively with different stakeholders on various projects across the bank and act as an SME for the Validation function.

As part of our collaborative & agile culture, our working week is 4 days in the office and one day remote. Investec offers a range of wellbeing benefits to make our people feel healthier, balanced and more fulfilled in their lives inside and outside of work. Here is a selection of what we offer; Wellbeing Subsidy, Corporate Gym Membership, Virtual GP, Peppy Health App (Fertility, Menopause and Early Parenthood), Optional Private Medical & Dental Insurance, Monetary Non-contributory Pension & Discretionary Bonus, Life & Income Protection, Life Assurance, Critical Illness & Income Protection, Travel Season Ticket Loan & Electric Vehicle Scheme.

Embedded in our culture is a sense of belonging and inclusion. This creates an environment in which everyone is free to be themselves which helps to drive innovation, creativity and ultimately business performance. At Investec we want everyone to find it easy to be themselves, and to feel they belong. It’s a responsibility we all share and is integral to our purpose and values as an organisation.