Assistant Manager, AI Independent Validation (Model Risk Office) in Halifax

LOCATION(S): Bristol, Halifax, Cardiff, Edinburgh or Leeds

HOURS: Full-time

WORKING PATTERN: Our work style is hybrid, which involves spending at least two days per week, or 40% of our time, at one of our office sites. Colleagues with disabilities can be supported with workplace adjustments including hybrid working expectations in line with our Flexibility Works policy.

SALARY: £57,150 - £63,500

What you'll be doing! An excellent opportunity for a highly motivated candidate to join the newly established Markets & AI Modelling team within the Model Risk Office (MRO) at Lloyds Banking Group. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic and evolving AI team, providing considerable scope for personal and professional development. Our Purpose: Better Models, Better Decisions, Better Outcomes.

Some of the activities you'll be involved in:

• Assist with independent validation and periodic reviews of AI and GenAI models, ensuring models are robust, fair, explainable, and aligned with applicable regulations.
• Engage with a diverse array of use cases, improving your technical expertise across the LBG modelling landscape and throughout the entire model lifecycle, from development to monitoring and maintenance.
• Develop benchmark models and conduct quantitative analysis / recoding, predominantly using Python/GCP.
• Review model documentation to evaluate the soundness of the model and infrastructure, from inputs to use of the outputs.
• Raise validation challenges/findings owners and follow through to resolution.
• Provide clear, concise, and actionable reporting on validation outcomes and AI risk assessments to senior members of the team.
• Applying judgement in reviewing and supporting Risk Classifications to enable rapid assessment of model risk.
• Contribute to the improvement of validation frameworks and processes related to AI models.
• Track emerging trends in AI technologies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards, to ensure our practices are aligned with the evolving AI landscape.

Why join us? Join us and, give us your best and we'll give you ours. Here, you'll make a difference to customers, you'll enjoy a fulfilling career where you're free to be yourself. Great colleagues, amazing workspaces, hybrid working and huge career opportunities-you'll find them all here.

What we're looking for?

• Professional experience working in AI Model Development / Validation, or a similar quantitative role within financial services or other regulated industries; or a recent relevant PhD.
• A numerate degree or equivalent experience, for example in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or Physics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to critically evaluate complex AI systems and models.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to communicate complex quantitative concepts clearly to non-technical customers.
• Ability to work proactively and independently, manage your time optimally, and deliver high-quality outputs within set timelines.

And any experience of these would be a plus:

• Proficiency in Python programming and experience using AI-specific frameworks or libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, LangChain, LlamaIndex, or similar tools; proficiency in SQL.
• Hands-on experience or strong theoretical knowledge of AI and GenAI techniques and methodologies.
• Familiarity with cloud AI platforms such as GCP Vertex AI and BigQuery, Azure AI, or similar enterprise-level AI deployment environments.
• Experience or knowledge of regulatory requirements and frameworks relevant to AI, such as the EU AI Act, GDPR, SS1/23, and industry best practice in AI ethics and governance.

This is a place for you: Our ambition is to be the leading UK business for diversity, equity and inclusion supporting our customers, colleagues and communities, and we're committed to creating an environment in which everyone can thrive, learn and develop. We were one of the first major organisations to set goals on diversity in senior roles, create a menopause health package, and a dedicated Working with Cancer Initiative. We offer reasonable workplace adjustments for colleagues with disabilities, including flexibility in office attendance, location and working patterns. And, as a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for a fair and proportionate number of applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role with a disability, long-term health or neurodivergent condition through the Disability Confident Scheme. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to reduce or remove barriers. Just let us know what you need.

We also offer a wide-ranging benefits package, which includes:

• A generous pension contribution of up to 15%
• An annual performance-related bonus
• Share schemes including free shares
• Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
• 28 days' holiday, with bank holidays on top
• A range of wellbeing initiatives and generous parental leave policies

Ready for a career where you'll learn and thrive? Apply today and find out more.