Lead: Model Validation

Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Permanent
Full-time

8 days ago

Apply by:We're on the lookout for energetic, self-motivated individuals who share our passion for service in the banking industry. To be part of the journey, follow the steps below:1. To see what life at Capitec is all about and complete a short assessment, please2. Once you have completed the above finalize your application by clicking apply below.Join Us in Becoming the Best Bank in the World!!We appoint energized and motivated people for their potential and continuously look for talented, driven individuals to help us innovate and evolve. That is why we focus on finding the right people for the right jobs. We love what we do because we focus on making a positive difference for our clients and employees. Our company DNA is built around talented and committed teams dedicated to build a brand that we are proud of and earns the trust of our clients.Who We AreWe are a bank, but we're much more than that. We believe that banking is about enabling people to control their financial lives through banking that is simplified, accessible, affordable and delivered through personal experience. By helping our clients manage their financial lives better, we enable them to live better.Why Choose UsAt Capitec, we offer our best by living up to our CEO values in every situation - we always put the Client first, act with Energy and take Ownership. And to support people in being their best, our Employee Value Proposition offers every value to all team members through cohesive teams, growth opportunities as well as employee benefits and savings. We make it a priority to ensure that each member of the Capitec team feels welcome, valued, focused, and has the opportunity to grow.About The Role/TeamOur Model Validation team is a critical function within the organisation, responsible for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and governance of models across credit, finance, and fraud risk domains. The unit provides oversight, technical challenge, and assurance to support sound decision-making and regulatory compliance. We are seeking an experienced Data Science professional to join as a Model Validation Lead. In this role, you will provide technical expertise and leadership in the validation of advanced AI and ML models, while guiding and mentoring analysts within the team. You will be responsible for the design and execution of independent validations, the development of challenger models, and ensuring adherence to governance standards.This role requires strong technical modelling capabilities, the ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, and the professional maturity to influence outcomes in a complex and evolving environment.What You'll Be Doing

Provide subject matter expertise, oversight and guidance with regards to the technical review and validation of models used in the organisation, particularly machine learning models.
Ensure appropriate model governance and model risk management processes and standards are in place in order to manage model risk, improve and optimise model methodologies and usage.
Lead and deliver independent validations across a range of models, including credit risk, operational optimisation, financial crime, and marketing campaigns.
Provide technical oversight and mentorship to analysts, supporting skills development and professional growth.
Design and implement challenger models using advanced machine learning methods.
Research current and new machine learning algorithms to ensure proposed models are fit for purpose and market best practice is being followed.
Ensure models meet governance, regulatory, and internal risk standards.
Partner with model development teams and business stakeholders to provide effective challenge and assurance.
Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of model validation methodologies, frameworks, and best practices.

What We Are Looking For

Have 6+ years of proven experience in model development in the field of Data Science and ideally direct model validation or review experience.
Strong technical expertise in tree-based methods, neural networks, clustering, anomaly detection, and other advanced statistical or machine learning techniques.
Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS preferred) and emerging technologies such as large language models is desirable.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide junior analysts, identifying skills gaps and supporting development.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple teams and disciplines.
Able to design and deliver end-to-end on all but the most complex ML projects without supervision.
Data mining for use in analyses and predictive modelling.
Have had own model(s) reviewed and validated or directly validated models in the past.
Presenting and defending findings to model developers and senior management.

EducationMinimum: Honours Degree in Mathematics, Statistics or Data Science.Preferred: Masters Degree in Mathematics, Statistics or Data Science.If you are interested in being part of this dynamic team, on a mission to build the best bank in the world through unlocking the potential of its people, please apply. We would love to hear from you!Capitec is committed to diversity, applications to this position will strictly be considered in support of our employment equity goals.

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