Model Development Lead

Model Development Lead

Full-Time 71000 - 71000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Skipton Building Society

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of predictive models for credit risk and strategic decision-making.
  • Company: Join Skipton, a mutual organisation dedicated to making life better for its members.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, flexible working, and generous leave.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on wellbeing and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in credit risk modelling while enjoying a supportive work culture.
  • Qualifications: Strong knowledge of statistics and experience with large datasets required.

The predicted salary is between 71000 - 71000 £ per year.

This vacancy is for a permanent full-time role, 35 hours per week, working 3 days a week in our Skipton Head Office and two days from home.

Salary: £71,000 Per Annum

Closing Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2026

Join us at the forefront of credit risk modelling, where you'll lead the development and ongoing evolution of predictive models that help shape strategic decisions and ensure regulatory compliance. From IRB to IFRS 9, your expertise will be instrumental in assessing credit losses across our residential mortgage portfolio.

What You’ll Do

  • Extract, analyse and manipulate large datasets to generate meaningful insights and support credit risk modelling.
  • Develop, test and document statistical models, ensuring they are robust, reliable and fit for purpose.
  • Design and enhance analytical processes that deliver efficient, high-quality business outcomes.
  • Champion modelling best practice, governance standards and emerging techniques across the team and wider business.
  • Produce and present clear, insightful reporting to stakeholders, including senior management committees.
  • Support business change initiatives by providing constructive challenge, driving continuous improvement and adhering to established change management processes.

What You’ll Need

  • Strong knowledge of statistics, predictive modelling techniques and credit risk assessment, including capital and impairment modelling.
  • Experience working with large, complex datasets to generate insights and support decision-making.
  • Proven experience delivering complex modelling projects and managing stakeholders at all levels, including senior leaders.
  • Ability to interpret data, draw meaningful conclusions and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • A self-motivated and proactive approach, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and continuously develop your expertise.

What’s In It For You

  • Your work matters. And the way we reward you matters, too.
  • At Skipton, we offer pay and benefits that really do make life better, together with a genuine thank you for making a difference.
  • Annual discretionary bonus scheme
  • 25 days standard annual leave + bank holidays + rising 1 day per year of service to a max of 30 days
  • Matching employer pension contribution (up to 10% per annum)
  • Colleague Mortgages and access to Skipton products and services at discounted rates
  • Flexible working to help balance your commitments
  • Private medical insurance, health and wellbeing app, volunteering opportunities, cycle-to-work scheme, discounted gym memberships
  • Lifestyle perks such as a Home and Tech voucher, which can be used at John Lewis, Currys, and IKEA

We’re here to make life better for our members.

About Skipton

Our story began in 1853 in Skipton, North Yorkshire. Today, you’ll find us across England and Scotland, from Aberdeen to Plymouth. We help over a million members put down roots, save for what matters, and feel good about their money. As a mutual, they own us, so everything we do is for them. You'll feel that same fairness and purpose in how all 2,500 of our colleagues work together, too. It all means that life at Skipton is more exciting than you imagine.

What it’s like to work here

Life at Skipton: We talk and we listen to each other. And we make decisions as a team. That way, you get all the support you need to do work that works for everyone. For most of our roles there's the option of blended working, which means we mix working from home and meeting in person with three days a week in our Skipton head office and two days working from home.

We also value what everyone brings to Skipton. And we create a fair place where you can be yourself. Our colleague networks play a big role in this. They connect people with similar life experiences and make our workplace warm, friendly, inclusive and welcoming.

It’s not just our members who are important to us. You are, too. Lots of organisations talk about wellbeing, but they don’t always back it up. As a mutual, we put people first. And that includes the people who work here. So, when we say we care about your wellbeing, we mean it. Wellbeing isn't just one thing. It’s about feeling good, having energy, and being able to be yourself and perform at your best. That’s why we offer help for your mental and physical health across five key areas. What’s more, it’s help that you can actually use too - not just read about.

Model Development Lead employer: Skipton Building Society

Skipton Building Society is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant working environment in the heart of Skipton where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on work/life balance through hybrid working opportunities, employees benefit from a range of perks including a discretionary bonus scheme, annual leave, and private medical insurance, all while being part of a team that values technical leadership and personal growth.

Skipton Building Society

Contact Details:

Skipton Building Society Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Model Development Lead

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Skipton Building Society. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Model Development Lead

Statistical Modelling
Predictive Modelling Techniques
Credit Risk Assessment
Data Analysis
Large Dataset Manipulation
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Skipton Building Society.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Skipton Building Society's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Skipton Building Society

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Skipton Building Society.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Skipton Building Society will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Skipton Building Society employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.