Head of Governance - Model Risk Management in Manchester

We’re seeking a strategic and forward‑thinking Head of Governance – Model Risk Management to shape and lead an enterprise‑wide model risk framework in an environment where models, data, and AI are rapidly evolving. This leader will ensure models across the organization are transparent, well‑governed, and aligned with global regulatory expectations—driving defensible practices, strong oversight, and meaningful risk insight for senior leadership and regulators. If you are passionate about elevating governance, influencing enterprise decision‑making, and building a culture of accountability and risk excellence, this is a high‑impact opportunity to lead the future of model and AI governance.

Responsibilities

• Framework Leadership: Lead the development, adoption and maintenance of the model risk framework, including policies, standards, business processes, and controls. Monitor industry trends to ensure the model risk framework remains effective and efficient in managing evolving risks. Partner with leaders across Vanguard to ensure model risk practices are well integrated with Enterprise, Data, Technology, Operational, and AI risk frameworks.
• Committees and Senior Management Engagement: Support the Model Risk committee and oversee establishment of supporting Divisional Model Risk Governance forums. Prepare executive‑level materials for Risk Committees, Audit Committees and the Board. Provide meaningful insights on model risk themes, emerging issues and model performance trends. Establish robust processes for challenge, escalation and dispute resolution.
• Regulatory, Audit and Compliance: Serve as liaison for model risk with internal (audit) and external (regulatory) stakeholders. Ensure timely remediation of regulatory and audit findings. Stay current on evolving global regulations, execute gap assessments and drive remediation efforts to ensure on‑going compliance.
• Model Inventory and Risk Appetite: Direct cross‑functional processes such as enterprise‑wide model inventory attestation to support completeness and accuracy. Support development and reporting of the model risk appetite and associated Key Risk Indicators.
• Technology, Data and Processes: Partner with the technology product owner to define requirements for model life cycle platforms. Ensure governance processes are automated, scalable and executed to high data quality standards.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Management: Lead the team of governance professionals. Partner closely with the broader model risk community and connecting stakeholders (Developers, Owners, Validators, IT, Audit, AI and Enterprise Risk). Promote a culture of transparency, accountability and the risk mindset.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a technical field (e.g., math, statistics, computer science).
• At least eight years of relevant experience, including four years developing enterprise‑wide policies, standards and protocols in model risk, AI or a related discipline.
• Deep knowledge of model risk frameworks (SR11-7, SS1/23); experience with AI frameworks and the EU AI Act preferred.
• Ability to drive enterprise‑wide change and managing complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and executive‑presence skills with proven experience presenting to senior committees and managing executive‑level stakeholders.

Special Factors

Sponsorship: Vanguard is offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don’t just have a mission—we’re on a mission. To work for the long‑term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in‑person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission‑driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long‑term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.