Head of Governance - Model Risk Management

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Overview:

We're seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Head of Governance - Model Risk Management to shape and lead an enterprise-wide model risk framework in an environment where models, data, and AI are rapidly evolving. This leader will ensure models across the organization are transparent, well-governed, and aligned with global regulatory expectations-driving defensible practices, strong oversight, and meaningful risk insight for senior leadership and regulators.

If you are passionate about elevating governance, influencing enterprise decision-making, and building a culture of accountability and risk excellence, this is a high-impact opportunity to lead the future of model and AI governance.

Responsibilities:

Framework Leadership

• Lead the development, adoption and maintenance of the model risk framework, including policies, standards, business processes, and controls.
• Monitor industry trends to ensure the model risk framework remains effective and efficient in managing evolving risks.
• Partner with leaders across Vanguard to ensure model risk practices are well integrated with Enterprise, Data, Technology, Operational, and AI risk frameworks.

Committees and Senior Management Engagement

• Support the Model Risk committee and oversee establishment of supporting Divisional Model Risk Governance forums.
• Prepare executive-level materials for Risk Committees, Audit Committees and the Board.
• Provide meaningful insights on model risk themes, emerging issues and model performance trends.
• Establish robust processes for challenge, escalation and dispute resolution.

Regulatory, Audit and Compliance

• Serve as liaison for model risk with internal (audit) and external (regulatory) stakeholders.
• Ensure timely remediation of regulatory and audit findings.
• Stay current on evolving global regulations, execute gap assessments and drive remediation efforts to ensure on-going compliance.

Model Inventory and Risk Appetite

• Direct cross-functional processes such as enterprise-wide model inventory attestation to support completeness and accuracy.
• Support development and reporting of the model risk appetite and associated Key Risk Indicators.

Technology, Data and Processes

• Partner with the technology product owner to define requirements for model life cycle platforms.
• Ensure governance processes are automated, scalable and executed to high data quality standards.

Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Lead the team of governance professionals.
• Partner closely with the broader model risk community and connecting stakeholders (Developers, Owners, Validators, IT, Audit, AI and Enterprise Risk).
• Promote a culture of transparency, accountability and the risk mindset.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a technical field (e.g., math, statistics, computer science).
• At least eight years of relevant experience, including four years developing enterprise-wide policies, standards and protocols in model risk, AI or a related discipline.
• Deep knowledge of model risk frameworks (SR11-7, SS1/23); experience with AI frameworks and the EU AI Act preferred.
• Ability to drive enterprise-wide change and managing complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and executive-presence skills with proven experience presenting to senior committees and managing executive-level stakeholders.

Special Factors

Sponsorship
Vanguard is offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission-we're 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.