Senior Model Validation Manager - Commercial CCAR/CECL

M&T Bank • Buffalo, NY

1d

About The Position

Overview: The Senior Validation Manager will lead the independent validation of the Bank’s commercial capital planning, and CECL models. This role is responsible for technical leadership of the commercial CCAR/ CECL validation portfolio and management of a quantitative validation team. This is a hands on technical leadership role. The successful candidate will be expected to engage deeply in model methodology, data integrity, performance analysis, and independent replication. The position requires strong quantitative judgment, intellectual rigor, and the ability to challenge complex modeling frameworks in a clear and disciplined manner. The role reports directly to the Head of Model Risk Management and serves as the domain lead for commercial model validation. Position Responsibilities: Lead and oversee the independent validation of commercial CCAR/ CECL and capital related models, including: Probability of Default, Loss Given Default, and Exposure at Default frameworks Stress testing and capital planning models CECL estimation methodologies Direct validation activities including: Conceptual soundness assessment Independent code replication and performance testing Data quality, completeness, and reconciliation testing Benchmarking and challenger analysis Back testing and stability analysis Review of overlays and expert judgment adjustments Provide clear, risk focused approval recommendations grounded in quantitative evidence and independent analysis. Engage directly with model developers and business partners to provide technically rigorous challenge while maintaining a constructive working relationship. Drive improvements in validation practices, including automation, reproducibility, and data testing frameworks. Lead regulatory and audit interactions for the commercial portfolio, ensuring validation documentation reflects analytical depth and defensible conclusions. Develop and mentor a technically strong validation team, setting high standards for analytical quality and intellectual discipline. Scope of Responsibilities: Serve as the technical domain lead for commercial credit and capital model validation. Balance day to day execution oversight with deep technical engagement in complex validations. Partner with Credit Risk, Finance, and Treasury stakeholders to ensure model risks are clearly articulated and appropriately mitigated. Contribute to broader enhancements of the Model Risk Management framework, including risk tiering, peer review, and reporting improvements. Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Manage a team of quantitative model validators (approximately 5 to 8 professionals), with responsibility for performance management, development, and technical coaching.

Requirements

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in a quantitative discipline (including, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Business Management) with 7 years of relevant financial services experience (including model development, model validation, analytics) inclusive of 4 years’ managerial experience or in lieu of degree a combined minimum of 10 years’ higher education and relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of advanced software packages used in analytics. (e.g., SAS, QRM, Strategic Analytics, Monte Carlo software).

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Quantitative Finance, Engineering, Economics, or related quantitative discipline strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in risk model validation and/ or development.
• Significant experience validating or developing commercial credit risk, stress testing, or CECL models.
• Demonstrated expertise in: Wholesale credit modeling Data quality testing and forensic data analysis Model performance evaluation and benchmarking Regulatory expectations under SR 11-7
• Strong programming proficiency (Python or equivalent) and demonstrated ability to independently replicate and interrogate model code.
• Ability to communicate complex quantitative issues clearly to both technical and non technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated intellectual independence, sound judgment, and commitment to analytical rigor.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the independent validation of commercial CCAR/ CECL and capital related models
• Direct validation activities including: Conceptual soundness assessment Independent code replication and performance testing Data quality, completeness, and reconciliation testing Benchmarking and challenger analysis Back testing and stability analysis Review of overlays and expert judgment adjustments
• Provide clear, risk focused approval recommendations grounded in quantitative evidence and independent analysis.
• Engage directly with model developers and business partners to provide technically rigorous challenge while maintaining a constructive working relationship.
• Drive improvements in validation practices, including automation, reproducibility, and data testing frameworks.
• Lead regulatory and audit interactions for the commercial portfolio, ensuring validation documentation reflects analytical depth and defensible conclusions.
• Develop and mentor a technically strong validation team, setting high standards for analytical quality and intellectual discipline.
• Serve as the technical domain lead for commercial credit and capital model validation.
• Partner with Credit Risk, Finance, and Treasury stakeholders to ensure model risks are clearly articulated and appropriately mitigated.
• Contribute to broader enhancements of the Model Risk Management framework, including risk tiering, peer review, and reporting improvements.
• Manage a team of quantitative model validators (approximately 5 to 8 professionals), with responsibility for performance management, development, and technical coaching.

Benefits

• M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees.
• As an employer of choice, we are proud to offer competitive benefits ranging from medical and retirement to forty hours of paid volunteer time, each year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior