Model Risk Manager

At Rabobank, models are the backbone of digital transformation, regulatory compliance, and key banking processes such as client due diligence, pricing, capital positioning, and stress testing. They enable more lending and enhanced client journeys with less capital, while also carrying inherent risks.

Model Risk Management (MRM) plays a crucial role by maximizing the benefits of models and advanced analytics, enabling accurate decision-making, regulatory compliance, and protection against financial and reputational losses. Across the bank, MRM ensures that models are fit for purpose, accurate, used as intended, and meet both internal and external expectations through validation activities, business advisory, and model risk governance and oversight. MRM is organized into three portfolio domains: Financial Markets & Treasury, Core, and Non-Financial, plus one Model Risk Strategy domain for overarching governance and oversight.

Rabobank operates in an environment characterized by rapid technological advancements, regulatory complexities, and shifting market dynamics. These trends require an adaptable and future-fit workforce, as well as scalable and sustainable ways of working. The team is looking for dynamic, adaptable, and business-oriented partners to help ensure the MRM department remains resilient, mature, and future fit.

If you are a visionary end-to-end model risk manager, dedicated to managing the model lifecycle while harmonizing business value with risk management objectives, you can contribute to this journey in the MRM Financial Markets & Treasury domain. Your expertise and commitment will be pivotal in supporting the bank’s success and license to operate, while enabling strategic impact in a rapidly evolving model landscape.

You and your job

A dynamic and business-focused Model Risk Manager with a proven track record in executing model risk management, including validation activities. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to translate business insights into effective model risk management.

You will orchestrate the complete model lifecycle, ensuring that models are robust, compliant, well understood, within risk appetite, and capable of adding business value. You bring a balanced skill set that includes a technical background, effective communication, project and stakeholder management, and business acumen. You will foster collaboration across departments and ensure that model risk management aligns with broader CRO strategy and objectives.

Practical examples

• Lead 2nd line model risk management activities throughout the model lifecycle.
• Create added value for the business and bridge business knowledge within the model risk domain.
• Manage stakeholders and projects.
• Balance insights combining regulatory, sustainability, and business needs.
• Act as a business partner towards fit-for-purpose models.

Top responsibilities

• Oversee model risk management throughout the entire model lifecycle, ensuring appropriate model quality, regulatory compliance, and alignment with business insights and requirements.
• Lead and execute model validations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including business representatives, 1LoR, and 2LoR risk management partners.
• Ensure balanced reporting and accuracy and quality of model validation reports, providing actionable feedback and recommendations for improvement.

You and your unique talents

You possess a strong sense of responsibility and are motivated by delivering results. You can manage diverse stakeholders, understand the needs of each stakeholder, and develop win-win solutions.

• Hold a Master’s or PhD degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Mathematics, Econometrics, Finance).
• Have 3+ years of experience in banking and quantitative risk management, preferably with exposure to Financial Markets and/or Treasury models.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills, effectively aligning diverse stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes and maintain trusted relationships.
• Have a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements related to model risk management in the financial services industry.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively, translating complex and technical topics into understandable messages for diverse audiences.
• Exhibit adaptability and a proactive problem-solving mindset, thriving in dynamic environments while managing multiple priorities and driving continuous improvement.
• Have a proactive mindset, with the ability to balance detail, timelines, and business priorities in project planning and execution.
• Have excellent English communication skills, both in writing and oral communication.