Model Risk & Validation Lead

The Model Risk & Validation Lead position is a crucial role on the Model Risk Management team, which is a new and expanding unit at Guardian. As such, this person will have the opportunity to contribute to the strategy and execution of this developing team. The Model Risk Management team oversees a scope of products including but not limited to life, annuity, disability, group business, and funding agreements, with a focus on statutory and economic frameworks. Risks pertaining to the emerging and quickly evolving space of artificial intelligence will command specific attention, as well as those related to assumption governance and oversight. Effective collaboration and engagement amongst the internal team as well as with the various business areas is essential towards achieving success in this role. You willPerform validations of models across the company in an independent manner, which includes but is not limited to: Collecting models, documentation, and other relevant artifacts.Engaging in meetings with the modeling teams and other relevant stakeholders to understand the modeling processes and develop knowledge on product or technology details.Reviewing the end-to-end process of the model, which includes the input, calculation, and output components, as well as the governance procedures, controls, and other relevant aspects of the models and processes. Understanding the model methodologies and assumptions and challenge for weaknesses.Recording and organizing all findings and/or issues that may arise from the validation exercises. Verbally communicate validation results and discuss issues or challenges with targeted internal audiences and other stakeholders. Engage in the entire model lifecycle including supporting validation efforts during model development phases. Address any potential future misstatements or inaccuracies through facilitating optimal model and process design and implementation of preventative and detective controls.  Contribute to the continued growth and development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics risk management through independent governance and validation activities within the Model Risk Management framework. Support the Head of Model Risk Governance through independent assessment and challenge of model assumptions within the Model Risk Management framework, including reasonableness, limitations, interdependencies, governance controls, alignment with intended use, and experience tracking. Maintain and manage the model validation findings inventory, including issue severity assessment, remediation tracking, and validation closure support. Support independent data risk assessments on model-adjacent data assets, such as applications.Lead presentations related to model validation outcomes, emerging model risks, and thematic observations across the enterprise.Communicate with targeted internal audiences and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with the model risk management policy and foster a company culture that understands and adheres to model risk management best practices. You areA self-motivated person, able to work independently. A strategic thinker, with the ability to “connect the dots” across the organization, and develop creative solutions to dynamic, complex, and unique business challenges. A trusted partner who can build strong and effective relationships across a wide range of stakeholders and customers. Technically proficient regarding model and process infrastructure as well as being an effective communicator. Results-oriented and able to execute tasks efficiently. Comfortable setting direction within a growing model validation function. You have5+ years of experience in the insurance or financial services industry, preferably with experience in actuarial science and/or risk management. Very strong technical skills with a variety of modeling platforms. Proven leadership and communication skills. The ability to accelerate impact and the desire to lead change. FSA preferred but not required.Reporting RelationshipYou will report to the Head of Model Risk Governance, who reports to our Head of Model, AI, and Data RiskLocationHybrid role - 3 days in office in the Hudson Yards, NYC or Bethlehem, PA office; 2 days WFHSalary Range:$103,450.00 - $169,960.00The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.Our PromiseAt Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.Inspire Well-BeingAs part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at . Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.Equal Employment OpportunityGuardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.AccommodationsGuardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site.Visa SponsorshipGuardian is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment visas. In order to be a successful applicant. you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship.Notice Regarding Guardian’s Use of Artificial Intelligence in RecruitmentAs part of Guardian’s job application process, Guardian may use artificial intelligence tools (“AI Tools") to automate the sorting and filtering of information provided by applicants as part of its preliminary screening. This preliminary screening may be used to help identify applicant materials and resumes relative to their indication that the applicant meets the requirements for the specific job for which they are applying, as specified in the listing posted on Guardian’s jobs website (Careers at Guardian at ). At Guardian, we do not use AI Tools to substantially assist or replace human judgment or discretionary decision making in our hiring process. All hiring decisions will be made by Guardian colleagues.Please be aware that if you apply for a specific position with Guardian, you will have the choice of opting out of Guardian’s use of AI Tools during the job application process. If you would like to request an alternative process that does not utilize AI Tools or would like to request a reasonable accommodation, within ten business days of your position application, you must email your request to View email address on click.appcast.io, making sure to provide your name and job requisition identification number. Guardian will retain your applicant materials and resume and all information therefrom in accordance with Guardian’s document retention policy, a copy of which you may request via View email address on click.appcast.io, at applicable times, Guardian will make public the most recent bias audit results for such AI tools, which may be found here. Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.SummaryLocation: New York; BethlehemType: Full time