We’re on a mission to back the UK’s small businesses like no one else 🚀

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and we’re here to help them win. We’ve built a platform that uses clever data to get them the funding they need in minutes, not weeks.

At Funding Circle, we have the restless energy of a fintech start-up with the stability of a public company. It’s a unique mix that gives Circlers the autonomy to take ownership and the scale to make an impact that truly counts.

We’re a high-performing team that chooses to lift each other up. We challenge, we champion, and we have each other’s backs - because we know that when we stand together, we move faster and build better.

The impact is real: Last year alone, the businesses on our platform generated £7.2bn for the UK economy 📈 Come and join a mission that matters!

[Read our Impact Report] | [See our Trustpilot]

The role ⚡

📍 London (Hybrid) | 🤝 3 days in the office | 💰 Competitive Salary + Benefits

This role is a key part of our Second Line Credit Risk Team, which provides independent oversight of the credit strategies and models developed by our First Line teams.

We are seeking a Lead Model Validation Analyst to independently review and validate a wide range of financial models, including those for marketing, acquisitions, customer management, and impairment provisioning. This is a critical position to ensure our models are robust, accurate, and compliant with regulatory standards.

• Perform independent validation of all key models used by the business. This involves assessing the model's conceptual soundness, data integrity, and implementation

• Work closely with model developers and business units to address model risks and ensure timely resolution of identified issues

• Provide oversight for ongoing model performance monitoring and recalibration activities

• Prepare comprehensive validation reports detailing the review process, findings, and recommendations. Communicate these findings effectively to model owners, developers, and senior management

• Ensure all validation activities and model documentation comply with internal policies and external regulatory guidance

• Contribute to the enhancement of the model validation framework and methodologies to keep pace with industry best practices and evolving regulatory requirements

What we’re looking for 🌱

We value deep expertise, but a growth mindset and good energy are what really make our team click. We’re a group that chooses to lift each other up and think smart every day.

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a quantitative field such as Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science. A Ph.D. is a plus

• 7+ years of experience in model development, model validation, or a related quantitative risk management role, preferably within the financial services industry

• Strong knowledge of financial products, risk management principles, and statistical modeling techniques

• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment, fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders to resolve model challenges

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, able to work independently with minimal guidance

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Proficiency in programming languages such as SQL, Python, R

• Familiarity with regulatory guidance on model risk management, such as IFRS9

• Able to take ownership of redesigning departmental workflows, using AI to automate complex tasks and drive operational efficiency

• Competently able to Identify high-impact AI use cases and implement advanced prompting techniques to solve multi-layered business challenges

We’re building a place where everyone truly feels they belong. Even if your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you.

Why join us? 💜

We back you to build an incredible career. As a flexible-first employer, we use a "best of both" approach. We’ll see you in our London office to collaborate – with barista coffee and subsidised Just Eat lunches on us!

Our Circler Proposition focuses on five areas:

• Flexibility: We provide a benefit allowance you can tailor to your own life and family.

• Health: This includes private medical and dental, health assessments, and access to a digital GP.

• Wealth: We offer life assurance, share schemes, and financial coaching.

• Development: You get a dedicated annual learning allowance to help you level up.

• Lifestyle: We have electric car and cycle-to-work schemes, plus season ticket loans.

We also have award-winning parental leave policies. We're here to support you through the big life moments, from fertility treatments to new additions to the family.

Ready to join a mission that matters? We’d love to chat!