Model Governance Lead, Credit

Plaid•San Francisco, CA

6d•$207,600 - $306,600

About The Position

We drive the evolution of Model Governance for Plaid’s Credit products. We work closely with Plaid’s Credit insights team, including Product, Data Science, and Engineering, to support the development and responsible use of next-generation Credit scores and attributes based on cash flow and Plaid’s network. As the Model Governance Lead, Credit, you will own and execute the Model Governance program for Plaid’s Credit products. You will help ensure that the models supporting Plaid’s Credit Score and Insights products are conceptually sound, appropriately validated, well-documented, and fit for their intended use. You will work independently while partnering closely with model owners and cross-functional stakeholders. You will provide thoughtful challenge, identify risks and limitations, and help teams improve models and governance practices over time.

Requirements

7+ years of experience building and owning a model governance program.
Experience in model validation, model risk management, model development, or Data Science.
Deep knowledge of models built for credit purposes.
Strong understanding of machine learning modeling concepts and techniques, such as XGBoost, and what constitutes rigorous, defensible model validation.
Familiarity with newer modeling techniques, such as foundation models and neural networks.
Experience assessing data and feature inputs, conceptual soundness, model performance, stability, limitations, and appropriateness of use.
A genuinely independent, detail-oriented, and curious mindset.
Comfort providing meaningful challenge to model owners and stakeholders rather than simply documenting their work.

Nice To Haves

Experience working at a FinTech is a plus.

Responsibilities

Own and execute the Model Governance program for Plaid’s Credit products.
Ensure models supporting Plaid’s Credit Score and Insights products are conceptually sound, appropriately validated, well-documented, and fit for their intended use.
Work independently while partnering closely with model owners and cross-functional stakeholders.
Provide thoughtful challenge, identify risks and limitations, and help teams improve models and governance practices over time.
Assess the conceptual soundness, data, features, performance, stability, and intended use of credit models.
Identify model weaknesses and translate them into clear, actionable remediation plans.
Partner with Product, Data Science, and Engineering teams to strengthen model development and validation practices.
Create clear, rigorous documentation that helps customers understand and trust the models behind Plaid’s Credit products.
Bring curiosity, sound judgment, and constructive challenge to complex modeling decisions.
Help shape responsible use of machine learning as Plaid develops new Credit scores and attributes.