Head of Model Optimization

About this role:

Wells Fargo is seeking a Head of Model Optimization to lead strategic initiatives across model monitoring, enablement, and data engineering. This role is pivotal in driving consistency, innovation, and operational excellence across the model portfolio.

In this role, you will:

• Lead multiple specialized teams focused on model operations, optimization, and enablement, integrating design thinking, modern technology, and regulatory awareness.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a standardized model monitoring framework to ensure consistent performance tracking and risk management across the enterprise.
• Partner with AI teams and model developers to understand business and data needs, recommending tailored solutions and enabling rapid insight generation from models used in strategic decision-making.
• Direct efforts in data identification, onboarding, and feature engineering to support scalable and efficient use case development.
• Resolve complex model operations issues and guide the development of policies and standards for high-impact models, ensuring compliance with legal, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
• Translate theoretical and mathematical concepts into actionable strategies that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align model optimization efforts with long-term business goals.
• Manage resource allocation and budgeting to support strategic objectives in Quantitative Model Solutions.
• Foster a culture of innovation and talent development to build a high-performing team aligned with business strategy.
• Stay current with LLMs, multimodal models, and GenAI frameworks (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, Hugging Face, LangChain).

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of quantitative model solutions or quantitative model operations experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
• 4+ years of management or leadership experience

Desired Qualifications:

• Proven experience in developing and implementing model monitoring frameworks.
• Strong consultative skills with AI and data science teams.
• Expertise in data engineering and feature development for machine learning or statistical models.
• Familiarity with regulatory environments and compliance standards in model governance.
• Deep understanding of ML, LLMs, and GenAI technologies
• Expertise in responsible AI practices and regulatory alignment

Job Expectations:

• This position offers a hybrid work schedule
• This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship
• Candidate must reside within a reasonable commute to a location listed in the posting.

San Franciso, CA pay range:  215,000 to 355,000

Pay Range
 

Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, experience, or work location. The range listed is just one component of the compensation package offered to candidates.

$215,000.00 - $355,000.00

Posting End Date:

2 Oct 2025

*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

We Value Equal Opportunity

Wells Fargo 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, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.

Applicants with Disabilities

To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace.  Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.

Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:

a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.

b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.