Model Risk & Validation Lead

The Model Risk & Validation Lead position is a crucial role on the Model Risk Management team, which is a new and expanding unit at Guardian. As 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 scope of products including but not limited to life, annuity, disability, group business, and funding agreements, with a focus on statutory and economic frameworks. Risks pertaining 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 amongst the internal team as well as with the various business areas is essential towards achieving success in this role.

You will

• Perform validations of models across the company in an independent manner, which includes but is not limited to:

• Collecting models, documentation, and other relevant artifacts.

• Engaging in meetings with the modeling teams and other relevant stakeholders to understand the modeling processes and develop knowledge on product or technology details.

• Reviewing the end-to-end process of the model, which includes the input, calculation, and output components, as well as the governance procedures, controls, and other relevant aspects of the models and processes.

• Understanding the model methodologies and assumptions and challenge for weaknesses.

• Recording and organizing all findings and/or 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 including supporting validation efforts during model development phases.

• Address any 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 within the Model Risk Management framework.

• Support the Head of Model Risk Governance through independent assessment and challenge of model assumptions within the Model Risk Management framework, 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.

• Support independent data risk assessments on model-adjacent data assets, such as applications.

• 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 company culture that understands and adheres to model risk management best practices.

You are

• A self-motivated person, able to work independently.

• A strategic thinker, with the ability to “connect the dots” across the organization, and develop creative solutions to dynamic, complex, and unique business challenges.

• A trusted partner who can build strong and effective relationships across a wide range of stakeholders and customers.

• Technically proficient regarding model and process infrastructure as well as being an effective communicator.

• Results-oriented and able to execute tasks efficiently.

• Comfortable setting direction within a growing model validation function.

You have

• 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.

Reporting Relationship

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

Location

Hybrid role - 3 days in office in the Hudson Yards, NYC or Bethlehem, PA office; 2 days WFH