Director, US Model Validation

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

CIBC’s US Model Risk Management team provides independent oversight to help ensure models are validated, monitored, and governed in line with CIBC policy, US requirements, and regulatory expectations. The Director, US Model Validation provides effective challenge on model validation activities and leads the US Model Performance Management function as part of the second line of defense. The role reviews validation reports and outcomes to ensure conclusions, findings, and recommendations are rigorous, well-supported, and fit for purpose. It oversees model performance monitoring across the US portfolio, including issue identification, escalation, tracking, and remediation, to help ensure models remain appropriate for their intended use. The Director leads and develops the team supporting US Model Performance Management and contributes to governance, audit, attestation, and regulatory review activities. The position uses leadership and sound judgment to strengthen model risk oversight, elevate validation quality, and identify emerging risks and themes across the US business. It is based in Chicago, Illinois, with a hybrid arrangement requiring four or more days per week on-site and other days remote. The role is regular, with 40 weekly hours, and is not available for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in model validation, model risk management, model performance monitoring, quantitative analytics, or a related oversight function within a large US bank.
Experience developing and implementing strategic team goals.
Experience coaching employees and inspiring successful team performance.
Experience in quantitative modeling techniques, model validation practices, model performance monitoring, model risk management principles, and US regulatory requirements.
A degree or diploma in a quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Finance, Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science.
Ability to investigate complex quantitative issues and assess whether validation methodologies, monitoring approaches, performance metrics, and conclusions are appropriate for a model’s purpose, complexity, and regulatory use.
Ability to present technical conclusions, challenge positions, and risk themes clearly and credibly to senior stakeholders and governance committees.
Must be legally eligible to work at the specified location; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

12+ years of relevant experience and advanced exposure across multiple model types and risk categories.
Hands-on proficiency with Python, R, SAS, SQL, MATLAB, or similar analytical platforms.
An advanced degree, such as a Master’s or PhD.

Responsibilities

Provide independent US oversight of model validation activities to ensure alignment with CIBC policy, US requirements, and applicable regulatory expectations.
Review and challenge model validation reports, including scope, methodology, assumptions, testing, findings, and conclusions.
Lead the US Model Performance Management function, overseeing model performance monitoring, threshold breaches, issue escalation, remediation tracking, and governance reporting.
Identify gaps, weaknesses, inconsistencies, and emerging risks in validation and performance monitoring activities.
Escalate material concerns, policy exceptions, and regulatory issues to appropriate stakeholders and governance forums.
Manage the US Model Performance Management team through work allocation, quality oversight, coaching, and development.
Contribute to governance, audit, attestation, and regulatory review activities.
Maintain current knowledge of US model risk management guidance and regulatory expectations.