Models and Methodologies Director

• We are looking for an exceptional candidate who brings a strong blend of technical expertise and extensive experience (10 years or more) across all asset classes (but in particular, in Rates and Credit), ideally obtained in a valuation function, risk management function, model validation function or trading role in a top tier investment bank.
• The ideal candidate should have a MSc and/or PhD in a technical area such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, Quantitative Finance or a related technical field. An advanced academic background is crucial for tackling the complex challenges that come with the role.
• The candidate’s experience should include a direct involvement in the development and/or validation of valuation models/methodologies, such as model valuation adjustments and other fair value adjustments, Prudent Valuation Adjustments and IPV methodologies, among others.
• Experience in interacting with regulators during deep dives/audits of valuation controls and valuation models/methodologies is highly desirable, demonstrating the capability to handle direct regulatory scrutiny and challenge.
• The candidate should have strong financial product knowledge and a track record in dealing with Traders and Front Office Quantitative Analysts on valuation-related issues. This interaction is vital for ensuring that the models/methodologies are also challenged against ongoing market levels and trader insights.
• The role demands a strong ability to focus and solve detailed and complex problems with precision. The candidate should also be able to see the big picture and explain the various concepts clearly to different audiences, from senior management to technical experts, as required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are important for the role, as well as being a team player and working collaboratively in a constructive environment.
• The candidate should also support knowledge sharing within the team by conducting coaching and training.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as VBA, Python, R, C++ and other relevant programming languages will be a plus, as well as hands-on experience in building AI agents.

Purpose of the role

Responsible for the independent review, challenge and validation of valuation models and methodologies including, but not limited to, Fair Value Adjustments (FVAs), Prudent Valuation Adjustments (PVAs) and Independent Price Verification (IPV) methodologies. 

Accountabilities

• Drive consistency across asset classes in what regards the validity and appropriateness of models, methodologies and their associated documentation 
• Supporting Finance teams in the identification of their inventory of quantitative and qualitative models and quantitative processes  
• Support the enhancement of models and methodologies to ensure ongoing compliance with the accounting standards and with the regulatory requirements, as well as in line with best market practices 
• Enhance the valuation control standards and ensure these are kept in line with the relevant regulatory requirements and the model governance standards, 
• Engagement with the models owners such as Valuation Control (VC) and Front Office Quants teams, as required, to challenge and enhance valuation models/methodologies and its  associated documentation. 
• Perform the role of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in the model validation of Qualitative (valuation) models, in line with the firm’s model validation and approval framework, whilst collaborating with Model Risk Management, and provide assistance on the validation of Quantitative (valuation) models, when required.  
• Collaborate with Model Risk Management to influence, support and enhance the firm’s model governance framework. 
• Design and implementation of tools and processes that enable the ongoing, transparent monitoring of the appropriateness of models and methodologies, in collaboration with the model owners. 
• Support responses to Regulatory feedback on the aforementioned themes and develop solutions/remediations when required  

Director Expectations

• To manage a business function, providing significant input to function wide strategic initiatives. Contribute to and influence policy and procedures for the function and plan, manage and consult on multiple complex and critical strategic projects, which may be business wide..
• They manage the direction of a large team or sub-function, leading other people managers and embedding a performance culture aligned to the values of the business. Or for an individual contributor, they lead organisation wide projects and act as deep technical expert and thought leader, identifying new ways of working and collaborating cross functionally. They will train, guide and coach less experienced specialists and provide information affecting long term profits, organisational risks and strategic decisions..
• Provide expert advice to senior functional management and committees to influence decisions made outside of own function, offering significant input to function wide strategic initiatives.
• Manage, coordinate and enable resourcing, budgeting and policy creation for a significant sub-function.
• Escalates breaches of policies / procedure appropriately.
• Foster and guide compliance, ensure regulations are observed that relevant processes in place to facilitate adherence.
• Focus on the external environment, regulators, or advocacy groups to both monitor and influence on behalf of Barclays, when appropriate.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of how the function integrates with the business division / Group to achieve the overall business objectives.
• Maintain broad and comprehensive knowledge of industry theories and practices within own discipline alongside up-to-date relevant sector / functional knowledge, and insight into external market developments / initiatives.
• Use interpretative thinking and advanced analytical skills to solve problems and design solutions in often complex/ sensitive situations.
• Exercise management authority to make significant decisions and certain strategic decisions or recommendations within own area.
• Negotiate with and influence stakeholders at a senior level both internally and externally.
• Act as principal contact point for key clients and counterparts in other functions/ businesses divisions.
• Mandated as a spokesperson for the function and business division.

All Senior Leaders are expected to demonstrate a clear set of leadership behaviours to create an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver to a consistently excellent standard. The four LEAD behaviours are: L – Listen and be authentic, E – Energise and inspire, A – Align across the enterprise, D – Develop others.

All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship – our moral compass, helping us do what we believe is right. They will also be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge and Drive – the operating manual for how we behave.