Explore Head of Model Review & Governance jobs and step into a critical senior leadership role at the intersection of quantitative finance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. This profession is centered on establishing and overseeing the strategic framework that ensures all quantitative models used within a financial institution are robust, reliable, and used appropriately. Professionals in this capacity are the ultimate guardians of model risk, ensuring that the complex mathematical engines driving trading, valuation, and risk assessment do not expose the firm to unintended financial or reputational harm. A Head of Model Review & Governance typically leads a dedicated team of quantitative analysts and validators. Their core responsibility is to design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive model governance policy that meets both internal standards and external regulatory expectations. This involves managing the entire model lifecycle inventory, from initial development and validation through to ongoing performance monitoring and retirement. They coordinate rigorous, independent validation activities across all asset classes, challenging model assumptions, methodologies, and implementation. Crucially, they act as a key liaison and subject matter expert, bridging the gap between front-office quantitative researchers and traders, risk management teams, and senior executives or auditors. They must ensure that the governance framework is both rigorous and pragmatic, fostering a culture of strong risk management without stifling innovation. Typical requirements for these high-level jobs are stringent, reflecting the role's significance. Candidates almost universally possess an advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Financial Engineering, or a related field. A deep, practical understanding of derivative products, their pricing models, and associated financial risks is non-negotiable. The role demands extensive experience—often 10+ years—in quantitative finance, with a background that may include model development, validation, or risk management, preferably with some front-office exposure to understand business pressures. Technical proficiency in programming languages like Python or C++ for building validation tools is standard. Beyond technical acumen, success requires exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills to advocate for sound governance practices and explain complex model issues to diverse audiences. For those seeking to shape the risk culture at the highest level, Head of Model Review & Governance jobs represent a pinnacle career opportunity combining deep quantitative expertise with strategic oversight and leadership.
