Model Validation Manager

Essential Function / major duties and responsibilities of the job

•      Independently perform model validation according to MRM’s validation standards.

•      As part of validation, it may become necessary to independently code replications of the models used in production.

•      For models already independently replicated for MRM, the Model Validation Manager will need to run the MRM model and reconcile against production model runs.

•      Document this review and challenge in validation reports.

•      MRM is engaging a professional firm to perform a significant part of CLS’s model validation book of work. The Model Validation Manager will collaborate with this firm for the validation of certain models.

•      Communicate effectively with model owners/developers: In the course of validation to obtain clarification and to request specific data and production model outputs. Post validation to manage the finding lifecycle: Achieving agreement on validation findings and observations, including corrective action plans to remediate the findings, and reviewing model owner requests for finding closures.

•      Actively contribute to validation report / validation finding peer reviews, to ensure consistency in validation work across all validators.

Leadership

•      Apply soft skills to build consensus and stakeholder buy-in.

Experience / essential and desired for successful job performance

•      3 years’ experience in model validation or model development at a regulated financial institution.

•      Knowledge of US Banking Regulations (Federal Reserve Board)

•      Understanding of settlement and clearing, and the differences is a plus.

Knowledge, skills and abilities / competencies required for successful job performance

·      Perform independent model validation, under the guidance of the Lead Model Validator.

·      Ability to write, review, critique, and improve long validation reports

·      Interact with model owners / model developers on all issues of model validation and subsequent actions, such as agreement on findings, finding remediation plans, finding closure reviews, etc.

·      Ability to code independent replications of production models, based on model documentation and, if required, further clarification directly obtained from model owners / model developers.

·      Participate in peer review of model validation reports.

Success factors / ‘How’. Personal characteristics contributing to an individual’s ability to excel in the position

·      Strong quantitative skills.

·      Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.

·      High ethical standards and a profound sense of integrity and confidentiality.

·      Challenging assumptions and maintaining independence and objectivity.

·      Build consensus, to influence both internal and external stakeholders.

·      Results oriented team player.