AI Model Risk Domain Partner

Function description

At Rabobank, models, advanced analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are core enablers of our digital transformation, regulatory compliance, and critical banking processes such as customer excellence, client due diligence, pricing, credit decisioning, stress testing and financial markets activities. These capabilities not only allow us to achieve more impact with fewer resources, but also improve key decisions being data driven, capital efficiency or better client experiences.

At the same time, the increasing use of AI and advanced models brings new and evolving risks, including model, data, ethical, operational and compliance risks, that require strong yet adaptive governance, transparency and oversight throughout their lifecycle.

Model Risk Management (MRM), in close cooperation with the wider CRO domain, plays a central role in ensuring that Rabobank makes effective, responsible and compliant use of models (including AI and advanced analytics). Together we ensure that models across the bank are fit for purpose, well understood in term of limitation and capability, used as intended and aligned with both internal standards and external regulatory expectations. This is achieved through lifecycle governance, validation, advisory activities, and risk oversight.
MRM is organised into one Model Risk Strategy (MRS) domain, responsible for overarching governance and strategic oversight on Model- AI Risk, and three portfolio domains (Non‑Financial Risk, Core, and Financial Markets & Treasury).

In response to rapid technological innovation, increased regulatory scrutiny (including AI‑specific regulation), and growing cross‑domain dependencies, MRM is strengthening its role as a strategic enabler and gatekeeper for AI Risk Governance. We are therefore seeking a senior professional to act as a Domain Partner within Model Risk Management, supporting the organization in driving adaptive AI Risk related initiatives, change programmes and operational excellence across MRM, CRO and Rabobank as a whole.

While this role is firmly positioned within MRM, it has a clear cross‑domain and enterprise‑wide scope, acting as a connective force between MRM, the wider CRO domain, and (business) stakeholders to ensure coherent, scalable and responsible AI deployment.

If you are a seasoned leader with strong risk and AI expertise, and you enjoy shaping strategy, adaptive governance and change in partnership with the (business) stakeholders, we look forward to hear from you.

You and your job

As a Domain Partner within Model Risk Management, you act as a senior advisor, change leader and connector on behalf of MRM. You support the Head of Model Risk Strategy and the Managers responsible for AI Risk Governance, Oversight and Validation on the strategic agenda, with a particular focus on AI and advanced analytics that cut across portfolios, domains and organisational boundaries.

You bring a strong MRM and risk foundation, combined with the ability to translate emerging AI developments into practical and adaptive governance, operating models and change initiatives. You play a key role in embedding an integrated, risk‑aware and responsible AI culture, while safeguarding quality, consistency and regulatory alignment.

Your background may be rooted in a specific risk or modelling domain, but you have demonstrated experience in leading complex, innovative, cross‑domain initiatives and operating effectively in a matrix organisation. You are comfortable balancing strategic direction with operational execution and thrive in environments that require clarity, alignment and continuous improvement.

Practical Examples 

• Lead and embed AI‑ and advanced analytics‑related operational, governance and organisational initiatives within Model Risk Management, in close cooperation with CRO (IT, Data, Compliance) and (business) stakeholders;
• Support the Head of Model Risk Strategy and the Managers responsible for AI Risk Governance, Oversight and Validation in planning, prioritisation, execution and alignment of cross‑domain initiatives within MRM, across CRO and, where relevant, wider Rabobank;
• Act as an MRM ambassador and partner in bank‑wide AI initiatives, ensuring that model and AI risk considerations are embedded early and consistently;
• Drive alignment between MRM standards, AI strategy, regulatory expectations and operational practices, enabling scalable and responsible adoption;
• Contribute to building One MRM culture, mentoring and coaching experts and strengthening cross‑portfolio collaboration;
• Steer and advise internal and external discussions on model risk, AI regulation and market developments, translating these into concrete implications for MRM policies, frameworks and ways of working.

Facts & Figures

• 43,822 Rabobank colleagues around the world;
• Exposure to all the risk types across the bank;
• 36 hours per week.

Top 3 responsibilities

• Drive cross‑domain alignment within Model Risk Management on AI and advanced analytics, ensuring consistency, quality and efficiency across portfolios;
• Act as a senior change leader and strategic partner to the Head of Model Risk Strategy, strengthening MRM’s role in CRO‑wide and bank‑wide AI initiatives with stakeholder focus;
• Bridge regulation, innovation and best practices from an MRM perspective, translating evolving model and AI regulation into pragmatic and future‑proof governance and operations.

Together we achieve more than alone

We believe in the power of difference. Bringing together people's differences is what makes us an even better bank. So, we are very curious about what you can bring to our team at MRM.

We work as one effective, purposeful, passionate, and results-driven team at Rabobank. Speaking of Rabobank: We are a Dutch bank that operates in 38 countries for over 9,500,000 customers. Together with our customers, members and partners we strive for a world in which everyone has access to healthy food and a sustainable future

You and your talent

You are driven by simplicity, speed, continuous improvement and sustainable impact. You combine strategic thinking with strong execution power and are motivated by strengthening MRM’s contribution to Rabobank’s AI ambitions. You:

• Have deep expertise in Model Risk Management and risk oversight (8+ years), or similar experience, with strong affinity for AI and advanced analytics;
• Hold a Master’s or PhD degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g. Mathematics, Econometrics, Finance, Engineering, Computer Science or similar);
• Are capable of driving a risk‑aware and responsible AI culture within MRM and across departments and lines of defence;
• Are skilled at challenging the status quo and leading complex change and transformation initiatives from an MRM perspective;
• Are a self‑starter with an innovative mindset, curiosity for adaptive risk management and emerging AI developments;
• Balance operational efficiency, quality standards, regulatory compliance and business value in a pragmatic way;
• Stay up to date with industry trends, model risk and AI regulation, and proactively anticipate their impact on MRM;
• Understand multiple risk types, AI‑specific risks and the three lines of defence model;
• Encourage thoughtful innovation within risk management, without compromising MRM standards;
• Bring knowledge of Financial Markets & Treasury (model) risk, considered an advantage;
• Have a consultancy or advisory background, which is advantageous given the senior stakeholder engagement and change focus of the role.

This is a role suitable for Grade 11 on a 36-hour working week. You can find all terms of employment on rabobank.jobs/en/conditions-of-employment.

You and the job application process

• Any questions about the job content? Contact Niels Baars, Head of Model Risk Strategy via Niels.Baars@rabobank.nl
• Any questions about working at Rabobank and the process? Contact Joris Opdam, Corporate Recruiter Risk Management via Joris.Opdam@rabobank.nl
• We will hold the interviews face to face.
• You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions on https://rabobank.jobs/en/faq/.
• A security check is part of the process.
• We respect your privacy.

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