Risk Manager – Model Validation

About the Opportunity

This permanent position at FIL Fondsbank (FFB) in Kronberg, Germany, offers the chance to join a dedicated Risk Management team focused on safeguarding the bank's stability by systematically identifying, evaluating, and managing various risks, ensuring regulatory compliance and robust capital maintenance.

Your Team

You will be part of the Risk Management team committed to regulatory adherence and proactive risk mitigation, supporting the overall financial security of the institution.

Your Role

As an independent 2nd Line validation professional, you will oversee the validation lifecycle of all models employed by FFB. Your scope includes validating risk models of varying complexity spanning Market, Credit, Liquidity, IRRBB, Business, Pension risks, ICAAP, stress testing, and End User Computing (EUC) models. Your goal is to maintain a compliant, well-documented, audit-ready model environment consistent with MaRisk, CRR/KWG, and binding internal standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance the comprehensive Model Inventory, managing risk categorization and validation scheduling.
• Perform independent validations assessing model objectives, data integrity, methodology, implementation accuracy, core assumptions, and output quality, ensuring clear independence from model development teams.
• Produce concise and decision-oriented validation reports, recommending model approvals or usage restrictions, and presenting findings to governance bodies including the Executive Committee.
• Support the governance of EUC tools by cataloging and evaluating them, enforcing control standards, and assisting owners with compliance obligations.
• Drive continuous enhancements in model lifecycle procedures, including change management, documentation, and decommissioning, while maintaining robust templates and guidance materials.
• Facilitate audit and regulatory examinations by BaFin, Deutsche Bundesbank, and internal auditors.
• Promote a strong model risk culture through collaboration and advisory support to 1st line model owners.

Candidate Profile

• 3 to 5 years experience in model validation or model risk management within banking or asset management sectors.
• A degree in a quantitative discipline or equivalent expertise (Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Physics).
• Sound knowledge of regulatory frameworks like MaRisk, CRR/KWG, and guidance from EBA/ECB relevant to model governance.
• Proficient in evaluating a broad spectrum of models including operational risk, credit, market, liquidity, IRRBB, ICAAP, stress testing, and EUC.
• Skilled at producing comprehensive documentation aligned with German supervisory requirements and capable of communicating validation results effectively to senior leadership.
• Hands-on experience with Python (preferred) and/or R, including familiarity with version control, reproducible workflows, and data visualization.
• Strong independent judgment capabilities and ability to objectively challenge model owners and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills in both English and German.
• High ethical standards coupled with curiosity, resilience, and a pragmatic, results-focused approach.

Rewards and Benefits

The role offers a comprehensive benefits package emphasizing employee wellbeing, personal development, and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance. Diversity and equal opportunity are core commitments, fostering an inclusive environment welcoming all backgrounds.