Senior Decision Scientist - Validation

Senior Decision Scientist - Validation
£60,000 - £80,000 | London

Are you a credit risk modelling specialist looking to move into a high-impact validation role within a fast-growing fintech? This is an opportunity to join a well-established business where data science and automated decisioning sit at the heart of the lending proposition. You'll play a key role in ensuring credit models remain robust, scalable and effective as the business continues to expand internationally.

THE COMPANY

This fintech organisation has a strong track record of growth, profitability and innovation. They have built a highly data-driven lending platform powered by machine learning and automated credit decisioning. This role offers the opportunity to influence model governance and validation standards within a business where analytical insights directly shape commercial outcomes.

THE ROLE
As a Senior Decision Scientist within the Model Validation team, you will be responsible for independently reviewing and challenging credit risk and decisioning models across the lending lifecycle.
Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading end-to-end validation of credit risk, machine learning and decisioning models
  • Assessing model methodology, assumptions, data quality, feature engineering and target definitions
  • Evaluating model performance, calibration, stability and robustness across different portfolios and customer segments
  • Designing and maintaining model calibration and risk segmentation frameworks
  • Developing monitoring frameworks covering model performance, decision outcomes, portfolio trends and data quality
  • Identifying and investigating model deterioration, implementation issues and portfolio performance changes
  • Defining validation standards, controls and acceptance criteria for model changes and new developments
  • Collaborating closely with Data Science, Risk and Analytics teams to ensure models remain fit for purpose
  • This is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to advanced machine learning models, automated underwriting and modern fintech credit risk practices while working in a highly visible role.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Strong commercial experience in credit risk model validation
  • Experience validating credit scoring, probability of default or related risk models
  • Background within banking, lending, fintech or consulting environments
  • Knowledge of consumer lending portfolios
  • Experience assessing model performance, calibration and monitoring frameworks
  • Strong Python skills for model analysis and validation work
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
  • Exposure to IFRS 9 modelling would be beneficial but is not essential
  • Experience working with machine learning models within a regulated environment would be advantageous

SALARY AND BENEFITS

  • Base salary of £60,000 - £80,000 depending on experience
  • Hybrid working model with 3 days per week in the London office
  • Pension scheme
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Opportunity to work with a high-performing analytics and risk team
  • Clear progression opportunities within a growing data and decision science function

HOW TO APPLY
Please register your interest by sending your CV to Rachael through the Apply link.

Job Details

Company
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment
Location
London, South East England, United Kingdom
Hybrid / Remote Options
Employment Type
Full-Time
Salary
£60,000 - £80,000 per annum
Posted