Senior Director AI Model Validation (Laval)

A career as a senior director AI ML Models Validation in the Model Risk Management team at National Bank means acting as a leader of independent AI and machine learning model validation. This role allows you to have a concrete impact on the organization by strengthening the reliability, governance, and sustainability of models that influence and often drive business decisions, customer outcomes, and risk management through your expertise in advanced analytics, model risk, and strategic leadership.

Your role

• Define and oversee the enterprise strategy, operating model, and validation plan for AI and machine learning models based on risk, materiality, and model inventory coverage
• Lead, develop, and coach a team of model validators by setting clear expectations, supporting skills development, and ensuring consistent quality standards
• Provide independent validation and effective challenge of AI and machine learning models before and after production use, including conceptual soundness, assumptions, data suitability, and fitness for purpose
• Oversee the design and execution of validation testing, including benchmarking, replication, sensitivity and robustness analyses, performance monitoring, and outcome testing
• Assess model risks related to modern AI and machine learning techniques, including stability, drift, generalization, operational resilience, explainability, and bias where applicable
• Drive issue management and remediation by defining severity, agreeing on corrective actions, monitoring progress to closure, and confirming effectiveness through independent re-testing
• Spearhead and champion the development of AI validation tools across the Model Validation Group

Your team

Within the Model Risk Management department, you are part of a multidisciplinary team and report to the managing director responsible for the function. Your team stands out for its rigorous approach, its independence of thought, and its ability to influence stakeholders across data science, technology, risk, and business teams. A hybrid work environment and a flexible, adaptable schedule are offered to support your quality of life. The Bank values continuous development and internal mobility.

Prerequisites

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree and at least six to ten years of experience in model risk, model validation, or related fields, including significant experience with AI/ML models
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing teams within model validation, quantitative risk, data science governance, or an independent challenge function
• Strong expertise in statistics, machine learning, and validation methodologies, including testing design, performance evaluation, and lifecycle controls
• Proficiency with analytics and data environments, including Python or R and SQL, with the ability to review code, pipelines, and model outputs
• In-depth knowledge of model risk management frameworks, including documentation standards, change management, auditability, issue tracking, and ongoing monitoring

Benefits

• Health and wellness program, including many options
• Versatile group insurance
• Generous pension plan
• Employee Share Ownership Plan
• Employee and family assistance program
• Preferential banking servicesInvolvement in community initiatives
• Telemedicine service
• Virtual sleep clinic