Director, AML Modeling

Your Journey Starts Here:

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset. Our focus is on fostering an enriching journey that empowers you to explore diverse career opportunities while nurturing your personal growth. We are committed to creating an environment where continuous learning and development are prioritized, enabling you to thrive both professionally and personally. Here, you will find ample opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented colleagues from around the world, sharing insights and driving innovation together. Join us at Santander, where you are supported by a culture of engagement and a commitment to your success.

An exciting journey awaits, if you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

The Difference You Make:

The Director, AML Modeling is responsible for leading projects associated to AML (Anti-Money Laundering) models to prevent and detect usage of bank products and services for the purposes of money laundering, terrorist financing and sanctions avoidance. The primary role of AML modeling team is to design develop AML models. Apply both quantitative and qualitative methods and approaches to Tune and Optimize AML models.

The incumbent will be an individual contributor as well lead the team of quantitative professional by providing strategic and thorough leadership to protect the bank from AML risks. The incumbent is also responsible for managing and delivering key AML program initiatives in partnership with AML operations, technology, compliance, and business units.

Essential Functions/Responsibility Statements:

• Develops new methodologies and approaches to the management of AML model risk.

• Define QC strategy, sampling methodology, and reporting cadence in alignment with regulatory expectations and risk appetite

• Lead remediation efforts for regulatory findings, internal audit issues, and self-identified gaps.

• Oversee the creation and ongoing maintenance of AML policies, procedures, workflows, and playbooks related to AML models.

• Implement structured reporting and dashboarding for senior management and regulators.

• Lead governance forums to socialize QC results and drive accountability.

• Collaborate with Risk and Compliance teams to ensure consistency and governance across all AML documentation.

• Promotes a risk management culture by encouraging team to embrace appropriate risk practices and supporting team members in fulfilling risk management responsibilities.

• Proactively identifies areas of issues or concerns related to potential gaps in existing processes, procedures, policies, frameworks.

• Informs perspective on market environment, future trends, and emerging risk issues.

• Responds to required corrective actions in a timely and complete manner.

• Tests risk model numerical, statistical, and computational accuracy; performs outcomes analysis; and reviews model governance and control process.

• Communicates with senior management on risk modeling, decision, and data for improved efficiency, effectiveness, and/or risk reduction to the company.

• Executing model risk management activities and projects consistent with the Enterprise MRM framework, industry best-practice and regulatory guidance.

What You Bring:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

• Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, JD) or relevant graduate-level qualification preferred.

• Relevant certifications such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), CRCM, or PMP are strongly preferred

Work Experience:

• Minimum 14+ years of experience in AML, Compliance, Risk Management, models or Financial Crimes functions.

• At least 8 years in a leadership or program oversight role, preferably managing teams across AML model development, QC, audit, or compliance documentation.

• Experience working in a regulated financial institution or with regulatory bodies is a plus

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify control gaps and recommend pragmatic solutions.

• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills; able to influence across levels and functions.

• Proficient in project management tools (e.g., JIRA, MS Project, Smartsheet) and data analytics/reporting platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a high-pressure, regulatory-driven environment.

• Deep commitment to ethical conduct, regulatory compliance, and organizational integrity.

• Has proven experience in overseeing AML model development, Scenario Tuning and Optimization, Entity segmentation and resolution.

• Experience in framework and control development.

• Proven experience in addressing model risk management and audit findings.

• Knowledge in data analysis, data management and data governance.

• Knowledge of banking regulatory environment and impact on risk, management practices.

• Demonstrated various testing techniques to ensure model soundness.

• Ability to lead complex projects with outstanding awareness of the Operational Risk associated.

• Adherence to the Code of Conduct, assigned Risk Tolerance or Mandates and all organizational policies and procedures applicable.

• Strong presentation and documentation skills.

Certifications:
No Certifications listed for this job.

It Would Be Nice For You To Have:
Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.

What Else You Need To Know:

The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.

Link to Santander Benefits:

Santander Benefits - 2025 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com)

Risk Culture:

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement:

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions:

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

Employer Rights:

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

What To Do Next:

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.us to discuss your needs.