Model Risk & Validation Lead

Model Risk & Validation Lead

The Model Risk & Validation Lead position is a crucial role on the Model Risk Management team, a new and expanding unit  such, this person will have the opportunity to contribute to the strategy and execution of this developing team. The Model Risk Management team oversees a portfolio that includes life, annuity, disability, group business, and funding agreements, with a focus on statutory and economic frameworks.

Risks related to the emerging and quickly evolving space of artificial intelligence will command specific attention, as well as those related to assumption governance and oversight.

Effective collaboration and engagement among the internal team and with the various business areas is essential toward achieving success in this role. You will perform validations of models across the company in an independent manner, including but not limited to the following activities.

• Collect models, documentation, and other relevant artifacts.
• Engage in meetings with modeling teams and other stakeholders to understand the modeling processes and develop knowledge on product or technology details.
• Review the end-to-end process of the model, including input, calculation, and output components, as well as governance procedures, controls, and other relevant aspects.
• Understand the model methodologies and assumptions and challenge for weaknesses.
• Record and organize all findings and issues that may arise from the validation exercises.
• Verbally communicate validation results and discuss issues or challenges with targeted internal audiences and other stakeholders.
• Engage in the entire model lifecycle, supporting validation efforts during model development phases.
• Address potential future misstatements or inaccuracies through facilitating optimal model and process design and implementation of preventative and detective controls.
• Contribute to the continued growth and development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics risk management through independent governance and validation activities.
• Support the Head of Model Risk Governance through independent assessment and challenge of model assumptions, including reasonableness, limitations, interdependencies, governance controls, alignment with intended use, and experience tracking.
• Maintain and manage the model validation findings inventory, including issue severity assessment, remediation tracking, and validation closure support.
• Lead presentations related to model validation outcomes, emerging model risks, and thematic observations across the enterprise.
• Communicate with targeted internal audiences and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with the model risk management policy and foster a culture that adheres to best practices.

• 5+ years of experience in the insurance or financial services industry, preferably with experience in actuarial science and/or risk management.
• Very strong technical skills with a variety of modeling platforms.
• Proven leadership and communication skills.
• The ability to accelerate impact and the desire to lead change.
• FSA preferred but not required.
• A self‑motivated person who can work independently, a strategic thinker with the ability to “connect the dots” across the organization, and a trusted partner who can build strong and effective relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Results‑oriented and able to execute tasks efficiently.
• Comfortable setting direction within a growing model validation function.

You will report to the Head of Model Risk Governance, who reports to our Head of Model, AI, and Data Risk.

Hybrid role – 3 days in office in the Hudson Yards, NYC or Bethlehem, PA office; 2 days WFH. Salary Range: $ – $ (base pay; may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation).

Guardian offers contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues, including benefits for full‑time eligible employees. For more details, please visit the Guardian benefits page.

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants…