What are the responsibilities and job description for the SENIOR MODELING LEAD position at EXL?
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Modeling Lead to provide Strategic & Technical oversight across multiple AI/ML workstreams. In this role, you will direct a team of data scientists / modelers through full model development lifecycle, ensure consistency in modeling standards and governance practices, and serve as primary liaison between technical teams and senior stakeholders. Ideal candidate brings 9-10 years of modeling experience and a proven ability to operate effectively at both strategic and technical levels.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and technical leadership across multiple AI/ML modeling workstreams, ensuring alignment with business
- Oversee full model lifecycle across all workstreams — including development, validation, independent assessment, performance optimization, monitoring, documentation, and governance.
- Establish and enforce consistent modeling standards, methodology frameworks, explainability practices, and bias testing protocols across team.
- Act as a primary escalation point for model risk, governance issues, technical challenges, partnering with risk, compliance as needed.
- Lead model review and approval processes, ensuring all models meet internal governance requirements and applicable regulatory standards.
- Translate complex modeling outcomes and technical findings into clear, actionable insights for executive and non-technical stakeholders.
- Drive evaluation and adoption of emerging AI/ML tools, platforms, and methodologies, providing evidence-based recommendations to leadership.
- Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of senior and mid-level modelers, fostering a culture of technical rigor and continuous improvement.
- Define team's long-term analytical roadmap, balancing innovation with BAU delivery.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with data engineering, technology, operations, and business teams to align modeling solutions with broader organizational objectives.
Qualifications & Experience
- 10 years of progressive experience in quantitative modeling, data science, or applied AI/ML, with at least 3 years in a team leadership or senior technical lead capacity.
- Broad expertise across multiple modeling domains, such as predictive analytics, NLP, optimization, or AI platform evaluation.
- Strong proficiency in Python; familiarity with modern AI/ML frameworks, MLOps tooling, and large-scale data platforms.
- Deep understanding of end-to-end model lifecycle, including model risk management, validation frameworks, and regulatory expectations.
- Proven ability to lead and develop cross-functional modeling teams in a fast-paced, delivery-oriented environment.
- Experience engaging with model risk, audit, compliance, or regulatory stakeholders, and navigating governance and approval processes.
- Exceptional communication skills & ability to present complex technical concepts clearly to stakeholders.
- Track record of driving adoption of emerging AI/ML technologies in a structured manner.
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative discipline preferred.
Salary : $150,000 - $165,000