Head of Validation, Model Risk Management

Overview

The Head of Validation Model Risk is a senior leadership role responsible for setting enterprise direction for model validationdelivering independent risk-based oversight across a diverse portfolio of models spanning investment and risk management fraud and compliance finance and HR and rapidly evolving Gen AI and agentic use cases. This role serves as the senior authority for model validation setting the bar for defensible methodologies rigorous challenge and clear decision-ready risk communication to senior leaders. The Head of Validation will strengthen model risk culture and lifecycle discipline across the enterprisedriving timely issue remediation elevating validation quality and consistency and ensuring Vanguards practices remain aligned with regulatory and audit expectations.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Leads a highperforming multidisciplinary model validation team responsible for validating a diverse portfolio of models including investment and risk management fraud and compliance finance and HR as well as Gen AI and Agentic use cases
• Develop and mentor talent to promote strong technical capabilities and a high-quality validation process

Validation Oversight & Approval

• Serve as the final approval authority for validation reports on higher-risk models
• Ensure validation conclusions are robust wellsupported and communicated clearly to stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise

Model Risk Governance & Lifecycle Management

• Oversee adherence to enterprise model lifecycle requirementsincluding model inventory accuracy change management ongoing monitoring and issue remediation.
• Drive timely resolution of modelrelated issues and noncompliance escalating when necessary
• Strengthen modelrisk culture across the enterprise through targeted training outreach and proactive engagement with model owners and developers

Methodology & Practice Leadership

• Define maintain and continually enhance the methodologies and test approaches used in model validation
• Ensure comprehensive assessment of conceptual soundness performance data quality implementation accuracy and other model risk considerations
• Lead the evolution of validation techniques for emerging modeling approaches including LLMenabled and agentic systems

Standards Policies & Quality Assurance

• Own the enterprises model development and model validation standards guidelines procedures and templates.
• Establish and oversee quality assurance mechanismsincluding peer review thematic reviews and consistency checksto ensure embedment of high-quality validation practices.

Executive Reporting & Model Risk Insights

• Deliver clear actionable reporting on key model risks model uncertainty issue remediation and emerging trends to senior committees and executives.
• Support the development and enhancement of divisional and enterprise modelquality scorecards and contribute to the riskappetite process

Senior Stakeholder Regulatory & Audit Engagement

• Serve as a primary point of contact for regulators internal audit and senior leaders on model validation related matters
• Articulate validation rationales modeling assumptions and risk implications clearly and confidently to supervisory authorities and executive stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in technical field (e.g. Masters or doctoral degree in quantitative discipline such as Mathematics Statistics or Economics).
• 10 years of experience across model development model validation and model risk management including a minimum of five years leading multilayered model validation teams.
• Extensive experience with a broad range of model types including machine learning/LLMbased models.
• Deep knowledge of modelrisk management principles and regulatory frameworks (e.g. SR26-2 SS1/23) and demonstrated experience engaging with regulators and internal audit.
• Strong technical proficiency with programming languages and analytical tools such as Python R or C and familiarity with emerging technologies AI governance and modern model development practices.
• Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear actionable insights for senior executives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills including experience presenting to senior committees executives and regulatory bodies.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with stakeholders to balance effective challenge practical solutions and business objectives.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

About Vanguard

At Vanguard we dont just have a missionwere 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.