Senior Modeling Lead - Banking

Job Description

Job Description

Position: SENIOR MODELING LEAD

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 9-10+ YEARS

Location: Plano, TX & San Antonio, TX

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Modeling Lead to provide strategic and technical oversight across multiple AI/ML workstreams. In this role, you will direct a team of data scientists / modelers through full model development lifecycle, ensure consistency in modeling standards and governance practices, and serve as primary liaison between technical teams and senior stakeholders. Ideal candidate brings 9-10+ years of modeling experience and a proven ability to operate effectively at both strategic and technical levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership across multiple AI/ML modeling workstreams, ensuring alignment with business
• Oversee full model lifecycle across all workstreams — including development, validation, independent assessment, performance optimization, monitoring, documentation, and governance.
• Establish and enforce consistent modeling standards, methodology frameworks, explainability practices, and bias testing protocols across team.
• Act as a primary escalation point for model risk, governance issues, technical challenges, partnering with risk, compliance as needed.
• Lead model review and approval processes, ensuring all models meet internal governance requirements and applicable regulatory standards.
• Translate complex modeling outcomes and technical findings into clear, actionable insights for executive and non-technical stakeholders.
• Drive evaluation and adoption of emerging AI/ML tools, platforms, and methodologies, providing evidence-based recommendations to leadership.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of senior and mid-level modelers, fostering a culture of technical rigor and continuous improvement.
• Define team's long-term analytical roadmap, balancing innovation with BAU delivery.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with data engineering, technology, operations, and business teams to align modeling solutions with broader organizational objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in quantitative modeling, data science, or applied AI/ML, with at least 3 years in a team leadership or senior technical lead capacity.
• Broad expertise across multiple modeling domains, such as predictive analytics, NLP, optimization, or AI platform evaluation.
• Strong proficiency in Python; familiarity with modern AI/ML frameworks, MLOps tooling, and large-scale data platforms.
• Deep understanding of end-to-end model lifecycle, including model risk management, validation frameworks, and regulatory expectations.
• Proven ability to lead and develop cross-functional modeling teams in a fast-paced, delivery-oriented environment.
• Experience engaging with model risk, audit, compliance, or regulatory stakeholders, and navigating governance and approval processes.
• Exceptional communication skills & ability to present complex technical concepts clearly to stakeholders.
• Track record of driving adoption of emerging AI/ML technologies in a structured manner.
• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative discipline preferred.