Chief Model Risk Officer | SL | Santander UK plc | Triton Square London | Internal Mobility

Chief Model Risk Officer | SL | Santander UK plc | Triton Square London | Internal Mobility

Country: United Kingdom

IT STARTS HERE

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organisation, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

As Chief Model Risk Officer, you will lead Santander UK’s second-line model risk function, accountable for the effective management and control of model risk across the Bank. You will set the strategic direction for model risk, lead independent model validation and provide the governance, oversight and challenge required to ensure models are reliable, robust and fit for purpose.

This role will be based out of London Triton Square.

You will shape how model risk management evolves in response to changing business needs, regulatory expectations and developments in modelling, data and emerging technologies, including AI. Working across Santander UK and with Group, you will combine deep model risk expertise with strategic leadership to strengthen the Bank’s approach to model risk while supporting transformation and change.

We’re shaping the way we work through innovation, collaboration and the freedom to explore new ideas. Key deliverables in role will include:

• Set the strategic direction for model risk across Santander UK, evolving the approach in line with business priorities, the changing model environment and Group strategy.

• Develop and maintain the Model Risk Framework, Policy and Appetite, ensuring model risks are effectively identified, assessed, managed, controlled and reported across the Bank.

• Chair the Model Risk Control Forum and exercise approval authority for the approval and use of models, providing effective governance, independent challenge and escalation of material model risks.

• Lead independent model validation, ensuring models are reliable, robust and fit for purpose and that validation practices meet Group standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Shape the Bank’s approach to model risk as modelling techniques and emerging technologies, including AI, continue to develop, ensuring associated risks are appropriately understood and controlled.

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with the PRA, ECB, FCA and other relevant regulators, including leading regulatory engagement and deep dives on models and connected activities.

• Provide model risk expertise, recommendations and independent challenge through senior governance and decision-making forums, identifying issues and weaknesses and ensuring they receive appropriate attention.

• Lead and develop the specialist model risk function, setting clear direction, building capability and creating a culture of excellence.

• Support and influence the wider Group model risk agenda, enabling effective alignment between Santander UK and Group strategy, transformation and change.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills and experience essential for success in this role:

• Deep expertise in model risk and independent model validation, underpinned by strong quantitative knowledge and significant experience of risk modelling and validation within financial services. (Required)

• Strong strategic leadership capability, with experience setting direction in a complex risk environment and translating strategy into clear priorities and effective delivery.

• Strong understanding of financial services regulatory frameworks, combined with the credibility and experience to build effective relationships with regulators and lead engagement on complex model risk matters.(Required)

• Significant experience operating within senior governance and decision-making forums, using sound independent judgement to provide clear recommendations and constructive challenge on complex risk issues. (Required)

• Strong understanding of AI, advanced analytics and evolving modelling techniques, including their implications for model risk management, independent validation and control.

• Proven senior leadership of specialist teams and managers, with the ability to set clear direction, develop capability and build commitment around a shared strategy.

• Experience leading transformation and change within a complex risk or control environment, evolving approaches while maintaining effective risk management, governance and control.

• Strong influencing and relationship-management capability, with the confidence to challenge senior stakeholders constructively and deliver outcomes across organisational and functional boundaries.

• Ability to operate effectively within a complex international organisation, balancing local requirements with wider strategic priorities and influencing stakeholders across different cultures.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technical and model risk matters into clear, relevant insight for senior stakeholders.

WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT

At Santander, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we make sure you feel valued, supported and rewarded in return.

Here, recognition goes beyond pay. It’s about the pride you feel in your work, the impact you have on customers and communities, and the opportunities you have to grow and thrive personally and professionally.

• Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
• Wellbeing that goes beyond work. We work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
• Support for every life stage from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
• Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.
• Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what’s possible across our international network.

READY TO BE RECOGNISED? IT STARTS WITH YOU.

At Santander, we’re proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation.

We’re committed to creating a recruitment experience that’s accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates. We want our people to thrive, at work and at home, while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow.

To make this possible, our roles are site based with a hybrid working pattern, where colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro-rata for part time roles). When applying, please consider the travel distance, time and cost to your chosen office location(s).

We welcome applications on the understanding that, should you be offered this role, there may be no relocation package available. Santander will pay the employer mandatory government fees that are required to pay in connection with visa sponsorship. You may be liable for your own personal employee immigration and relocation costs.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS:

If you are currently employed by Santander UK plc on TSB Legacy terms or by TSB and choose to apply for this Santander vacancy, please be aware that, if successful, you will move onto full Santander terms and conditions of employment and will no longer be part of the TSB Legacy population with effect from the start date of your new role.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

This job advert will close on the Friday 16th at midnight.

If you want to know more about the opportunity, please contact,

Christian Mathiesen, Talent Manager - Executive Hiring and Onboarding christian.mathiesen@santander.co.uk

The Santander Way

Santander is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

Ready to make it happen?

It starts with you. It starts here.