Senior Director AI Model Validation

Attendance

Hybrid

Job number

32985

Category

Manager

Status: Permanent

Type of Contract

Permanent

Schedule: Full-Time

Full Time / Part Time?

Full-Time

Posting date

08-May-2026

Area(s) of interest: Business intelligence and data

Location(s): Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto

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. Our personalized training programs, based on learning through action, allow you to master your role and develop new areas of expertise. Tools such as the Data Academy, language training, the Harvard Learning Center, and coaching and mentoring support are available to you at all times.

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

Languages:

English, French

Reason to require this language: you will need to discuss frequently with our service providers or partners who speak a language other than French.

Skills

Critical Thinking Diversity & Inclusion Emotional Intelligence Innovation Management Risk Management Teamwork Data-Driven Decision-Making Decision Making Learning Agility Mobilization Resiliency Strategic Vision Strategy Execution Team Alignment Managerial Courage

Your benefits

In addition to competitive compensation, upon hiring you’ll be eligible for a wide range of flexible benefits to help promote your wellbeing and that of your family such as:

* Health and wellness program, including many options

* Flexible group insurance

* Generous pension plan

* Employee Share Ownership Plan

* Employee and family assistance program

* Preferential banking services

* Involvement in community initiatives

* Telemedicine service

* Virtual sleep clinic

We have an offer that keeps up with trends as well as your needs and those of your family.

Our dynamic work environments and cutting-edge collaboration tools foster a positive employee experience. We value employees’ ideas. Whether through our surveys or programs, regular feedback and ongoing communication are encouraged.

Making a bold move in a people-first environment

We’re a bank on a human scale that stands out for its courage, entrepreneurial culture, and passion for people. Our mission is to have a positive impact on people’s lives. Our core values of partnership, agility, and empowerment inspire us, and inclusion is central to our commitments. We aim, wherever possible, to provide a barrier-free and accessible environment to all employees.

We strive to provide accessibility measures throughout the recruitment process within the limits of our available resources. If you require accommodations, feel free to let us know during our initial conversations. We welcome all candidates! What can you bring to our team?

Join us!

Apply

For an environment that supports your career path

There are many varied opportunities for you to progress and develop, and move ahead in your career. This includes on-the-job learning and training, co-development and pairing with other employees, professional support and mentoring, internal career days or discussion forums with our leaders.

For an inclusive and diverse environment

We foster inclusion in an environment where each person’s unique qualities, whether visible or invisible, are celebrated and valued. We welcome all candidates! What can you bring to our team?