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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Validate financial models and promote a risk culture within a dynamic team.
- Company: Join USS, a leading pension scheme with a focus on collaboration and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health services, and personal development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial futures while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in programming, model validation, and a solid understanding of financial markets.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Business Area: Financial Risk
Place of Work: London
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.
About the role
In your role as Senior Quantitative Model Risk Associate, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to support the Investment Model Risk Manager, Head of USSIM Financial Risk, Group CRO and Head of USSIM Enterprise & Operational Risk in ensuring all models within USSIM are regularly reviewed, at the least to the level required by the USS Model Risk Framework.
The role will be focused on expanding the model validation work established in the Financial Risk team to the Funding Strategy, Investment and Finance functions, involving significant cooperative engagement with model owners across these areas and ultimately helping the Investment Model Risk Manager implement a model risk culture in USSIM based on clear standards of model documentation, validation, and quality assurance (QA) processes.
The role specifically covers:
- Validation of models in the Financial Risk, Funding Strategy, Investment and Finance functions, ensuring compliance with the Model Risk Framework and aiming to increase model coverage in line with priorities identified alongside key stakeholders.
- Working with model owners across all functions to promote a model risk culture within USSIM, including the ongoing maintenance of detailed process documentation, timely validation of new models/model changes and strong QA practices.
- Working with Risk Champions to ensure model risk events are understood and linked to model validation conclusions.
- Support the Model Risk and Control team with end-to-end assessments of processes around models and work with model owners to improve controls where applicable.
What you will be doing
As a trusted part of the Financial Risk team you will:
- Scope and execute the initial validation of models in the Funding Strategy, Investments and Finance functions, including developing the necessary quantitative tools if required.
- Update validations on an annual basis for higher risk models and ensure methodology changes are validated timely and ahead of implementation.
- Improve the quantitative capabilities of the Model Risk and Control team by developing analytics that can be leveraged for multiple models.
- Help promote a model risk culture in USSIM by regularly interacting with model owners and providing ad hoc model risk support as required.
- Ensure risk events are followed by appropriate remediation actions.
About you
We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.
To be successful in the role you will have:
- Excellent programming (Python, SQL, Excel, AI)
- Experience developing or validating risk or investment models
- Solid understanding of financial markets and instruments gained through courses or experience
- Ability to break down complex concepts into simple components
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Proficient at prioritisation, project organisation, and management of multiple workstreams
- Intellectual curiosity – willingness and ability to investigate and develop new ideas
Why join us?
At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team. Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits!
How we will reward you
- Great starting salary
- Generous annual leave package
- Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay)
- Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent
- Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Our culture and values
Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them ‘front and centre’ of what we do. This is embedded through our values:
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Excellence
About us
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and other higher education institutions in the UK. We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for almost 577,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest private defined benefit pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £76.8bn (at 31 March 2025).
USSIM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible so we can attract diverse candidates and recruit the best talent. We want all candidates to perform at their best during the recruitment process, so if you need any reasonable adjustments or if there is anything we can do to help support you through your recruitment journey please let us know by contacting resourcing@uss.co.uk.
Senior Quantitative Model Risk Associate in Slough employer: Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd)
Contact Detail:
Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantitative Model Risk Associate in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those already at USS. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role involves programming and model validation, be ready to discuss your experience with Python, SQL, and financial models in detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for the role! When you’re chatting with interviewers, let them know why you’re excited about contributing to USS and how you can help promote a model risk culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantitative Model Risk Associate in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Quantitative Model Risk Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in model validation and financial risk, and don’t forget to mention your programming skills in Python and SQL!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong verbal and written communication skills are key for this role, use your application to demonstrate how you can break down complex concepts. A clear and concise writing style will help us see your ability to communicate effectively.
Highlight Your Curiosity: We love candidates who show intellectual curiosity! In your application, share examples of how you've investigated new ideas or improved processes in your previous roles. This will show us that you're proactive and eager to learn.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd)
✨Know Your Models Inside Out
As a Senior Quantitative Model Risk Associate, you'll be dealing with various models. Make sure you understand the models relevant to the Financial Risk, Funding Strategy, and Investment functions. Brush up on their validation processes and be ready to discuss how you would approach model validation and compliance with the USS Model Risk Framework.
✨Showcase Your Programming Skills
Given the emphasis on programming languages like Python, SQL, and Excel, prepare to demonstrate your technical skills. Bring examples of past projects where you've developed or validated risk models, and be ready to explain your thought process and the tools you used.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Strong verbal and written communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to interact with model owners and stakeholders. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a model you've worked on to showcase your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves significant engagement with various teams. Be prepared to discuss your experience working collaboratively and how you’ve contributed to fostering a model risk culture in previous roles. Highlight any instances where you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
