Director, Model Risk Management

Job Description

Job Description

First Merchants Bank is seeking a Director, Model Risk Management to join our team! The Director of Model Risk Management (MRM) leads the enterprise-wide Model Risk Management program, ensuring robust governance, regulatory compliance (SR 11-7, OCC 2011-12), and credible challenge across all model-related activities. This role aligns model risk strategy with business growth, digital transformation, and AI / ML adoption. Additional responsibilities include oversight of internal model reviews, third-party validations relationships, contributions to strategic planning and merger and acquisition (M&A) due diligence.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities :

• Program Leadership & Governance

Design, implement, and continuously enhance the Model Risk Management program, including frameworks, policies, procedures, standards, and technology tools.

Manage second-line vendor relationships for model validation, including proposals, statements of work, quality control, and payment processing.

Apply risk-based judgment to evaluate model appropriateness, complexity, and potential impact on business decisions, and determine the level of validation required.

Serve as primary liaison with regulators on model risk topics, including emerging regulatory trends (e.g., AI governance, climate risk modeling).

Partner with business lines, support functions, model users, and external experts to ensure models meet quality standards and regulatory expectations.

Develop and sustain a model risk talent pipeline, including internships, rotational programs, and succession planning.

Serve as a member of key risk committees, including but not limited to : Operational Risk Committee, Asset Liability Committee, Credit Policy Management Committee, and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Committee.

Reassess the maturity and effectiveness of the MRM program through peer benchmarking, ongoing education, and regulatory feedback.

To be successful in this position, we require the following :

The following would be a plus :

First Merchants offers the following :

A little about us :

First Merchants is guided by a genuine philosophy of being a meaningful place to work and having a prosperous impact across all walks of life throughout the communities we serve, including consumers, businesses and other organizations. Our Vision, Mission and Team statement reflect and reinforce that authentic service philosophy.

Our Vision is :

To enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.

Our Mission is :

To be the most responsive, knowledgeable, and high-performing financial organization for our clients, teammates, and shareholders.

Our Team :

"We are a collection of dynamic colleagues with diverse experiences and perspectives who share a passion for positively impacting lives. We are genuinely committed to attracting and engaging teammates of diverse backgrounds. We believe in the power of inclusion and belonging."

Apply today to begin your career with us!