Lead: Model Validation

Recruiter:

Network Recruitment

Job Ref:

NFP016084/LLR

Date posted:

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Location:

Johannesburg, South Africa

Salary:

Market Related

SUMMARY:
Are you a highly analytical Data Scientist with a passion for AI, machine learning, and model governance? Join one of South Africa’s most innovative banks in a strategic leadership role where your technical expertise will shape the future of responsible banking.

POSITION INFO:
As part of the Model Validation team, you’ll step into a critical leadership role focused on the independent validation of AI and machine learning models across credit, finance, and fraud risk domains. This role offers the unique opportunity to combine technical depth with business influence, guiding model assurance efforts and mentoring Junior Analysts while ensuring compliance with internal and regulatory standards.

If you’re looking to lead impactful work that drives meaningful outcomes, and be part of a people-first culture with a commitment to innovation and excellence, then this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the validation of machine learning and statistical models across a range of domains including credit risk, fraud, and marketing.
Provide subject matter expertise on model governance, risk management, and technical review best practices.
Develop and implement challenger models using advanced ML algorithms, ensuring model robustness and compliance.
Mentor and support Junior Analysts, driving continuous skills development and professional growth.
Collaborate with business and model development teams to deliver effective challenge, oversight, and assurance.

Job Experience and Skills Required:

Education:
- Minimum: Honours Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, or Data Science.
- Preferred: Master’s Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, or Data Science.
Experience:
- Minimum of 6 years' experience in model development in data science, with direct experience in model validation or technical review.
- Exposure to regulatory model governance frameworks and risk management processes.
Skills:
- Strong proficiency in ML techniques, including tree-based models, neural networks, anomaly detection, and clustering.
- Ability to develop end-to-end ML models and challenger models independently.
- Cloud platform experience (preferably AWS); exposure to emerging technologies like large language models is advantageous.
- Stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to present findings to senior management and Model Developers.
- Experience with data mining and extracting data for predictive modelling.
- Previous experience having models reviewed or having conducted reviews on behalf of other teams.
- Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
- Passion for mentoring, innovation, and continuous learning.

Apply now!

Please send your CV to

For more exciting Risk Management & Data Science vacancies, please visit: ð />
I also specialise in recruiting in the following:

Credit Risk Modelling
Model Validation
Data Science in Financial Services
Fraud Analytics
Machine Learning & AI Governance
Quantitative Risk

If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider the vacancy application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable roles or positions.

For more information, contact:
Louide le Roux
Recruitment Consultant – Risk & Analytics
Connect with me on LinkedIn!

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