Head Model Risk Validation

Model Risk Validation Head GCC

Location: Chennai India

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Model Risk Validation Lead to establish and lead a Model Risk Management capability within a Global Capability Center. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for building a globally aligned model validation function ensuring robust governance and supporting enterprise-wide model risk management activities.

The successful candidate will lead the development of a high-performing validation team oversee model validation activities across multiple risk domains and collaborate with global stakeholders to deliver high-quality independent model validation services. This role offers the opportunity to shape a Center of Excellence for model risk management while driving operational excellence regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Capability Development

- Establish and operationalize the Model Risk Validation function within the GCC.

- Define the target operating model governance framework service scope and long-term capability roadmap.

- Build mentor and lead a high-performing team of model validation professionals.

- Drive the transition from vendor-supported operations to a sustainable in-house delivery model.

Model Validation & Oversight

- Lead independent validation of financial and risk models including documentation reviews methodology assessments benchmarking sensitivity analysis independent testing and validation reporting.

- Support validation activities across credit risk IFRS 9/ECL stress testing compliance and other financial risk models.

- Review and challenge model assumptions methodologies limitations and validation outcomes.

- Ensure validation deliverables meet established governance documentation and quality standards.

Governance & Risk Management

- Develop and maintain quality assurance peer review and control testing processes.

- Support model inventory management periodic reviews change validations ongoing monitoring and model risk reporting.

- Monitor validation progress remediation activities key risk indicators (KRIs) and operational metrics.

- Escalate material model risks control weaknesses and delivery concerns to leadership as appropriate.

Vendor & Delivery Management

- Manage external partners supporting model validation activities.

- Define and monitor service levels related to quality productivity documentation and turnaround time.

- Facilitate knowledge transfer and capability development within the internal team.

- Reduce vendor dependency through structured capability building and process maturity.

Stakeholder Management

- Partner with global Model Risk Management Model Validation and Risk teams across multiple regions.

- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and ensure effective communication on validation outcomes risks and remediation efforts.

Operational Excellence

- Oversee model validation operations control testing model risk reporting and governance activities.

- Drive automation process standardization and continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and scalability.

- Promote best practices across the model lifecycle and support the adoption of model lifecycle management tools.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelors or Masters degree in Finance Mathematics Statistics Economics Engineering Data Science or a related quantitative discipline.

- 14 years of experience in Model Risk Management Model Validation or Model Development within the banking or financial services industry.

- Strong understanding of mathematical finance statistics and quantitative risk modeling.

- Experience validating credit risk IFRS 9/ECL stress testing or other financial risk models.

- Deep knowledge of model governance frameworks and regulatory expectations.

- Experience establishing or scaling offshore/GCC capabilities is highly desirable.

- Proven leadership experience building and managing high-performing teams.

- Experience managing third-party vendors and hybrid delivery models.

- Familiarity with model lifecycle management tools and validation frameworks.

- Strong stakeholder management communication and influencing skills.

Preferred Skills

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

- Experience with statistical programming tools such as Python R SAS or SQL.

- Knowledge of model lifecycle management model governance and regulatory standards.

- Experience driving automation and process improvement initiatives.

- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional and geographically distributed teams.