Model Validator

The Model Risk Management MRM Team, part of Vanguards second line of defense, is seeking an experienced model risk professional to support independent oversight of quantitative models used across Vanguards Investment Management Group IMG.

Vanguard is a global investment management firm with a mission to give investors the best chance for investment success. Through its Investment Management Group, Vanguard designs, manages, and oversees a broad range of active and passive investment strategies across asset classes, vehicles, and geographies, supporting mutual funds, ETFs, and institutional mandates. These activities rely on quantitative models spanning portfolio construction, risk management, trading, asset allocation, and performance measurement, including an increasing use of advanced analytics and machine learning techniques.

In this role, you will lead the independent validation and challenge of models used within IMG, ensuring they are conceptually sound, well-governed, and fit for purpose. You will work closely with data scientists, quantitative developers, investment strategists, and technology partners, providing credible challenge while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with the business.

Core Responsibilities

• Perform and lead independent validation of investment models across major asset classes, covering portfolio construction, signaling, risk management, trading, asset allocation, and performance measurement
• Provide effective challenge of model assumptions, methodologies, data implementation, and limitations, with a focus on material risk drivers
• Produce high-quality validation reports that meet internal standards, communicate validation findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior investment and risk leaders
• Develop, maintain, and enhance validation procedures to support a consistent risk-based approach for independent validation and effective challenge of investment management models
• Contribute to the design and enhancement of model risk management policies, standards, and procedures across the full model lifecycle, inventory development, validation, approval, and ongoing monitoring
• Support the MRM team in advising stakeholders on Model Risk policy and other relevant standards as needed
• Maintain understanding of industry trends in model validation and provide updates to stakeholder teams to enhance the knowledge and awareness of best practices and act as an SME
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• PhD degree in a quantitative discipline such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in model development or model validation
• Broad knowledge of relevant modeling frameworks and standards is required
• Strong knowledge of financial products across at least one of the asset classes (equities, fixed income, etc.)
• Experience in the asset management business (sell side or buy side) is required
• Familiarity with risk models, counterparty liquidity, internal capital market risk is a plus
• Knowledge of programming languages, including Python and MATLAB
• Knowledge of technology platforms, such as AWS SageMaker, used for model development and deployment, CICD is a requirement
• Experience developing, testing, or validating AIML models is a plus
• Excellent communication, negotiation, diplomacy, and presentation skills is a must
• Broad knowledge of risk management at financial institutions preferred
• Experience validating third-party models and familiarity with third-party models and platforms used in asset management (e.g., Aladdin, Axioma, Barra, etc.) preferred
• Ability to deal effectively with a variety of stakeholder teams
• Ability to effectively manage multiple and competing priorities of the team and department as well as ones own priorities and time
• Exhibits flexibility and excellent judgment

Special Factors

• Sponsorship: Vanguard is offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we dont just have a mission-were 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.