VP, Operational Risk Oversight - Technology

Job Description:

Role Summary/Purpose:

This role owns the independent Operational Risk Management oversight of Synchrony’s Technology processes across the end-to-end systems development lifecycle (SDLC), including requirements and design, development, testing, implementation, and ongoing maintenance. The role focuses on assessing people, process, and technology risks related to application delivery and change, including secure development, DevOps practices, cloud implementations, third‑party/enterprise platforms, and Generic AI solutions. This includes providing risk-informed challenge and credible oversight to ensure technology solutions for clients and employees are delivered in a controlled, compliant, and resilient manner.

Our Way of Working

We’re proud to offer you flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. Occasionally you will be required to commute or travel for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events. 

*Field Sales and some Commercial team roles may have varied location requirements based upon partner obligations or preferences. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Accountable for overall Operational Risk oversight of Synchrony’s technology delivery and change processes across the SDLC, including governance, controls, and execution practices from intake through release and post‑implementation monitoring.

• Provide risk expertise to support the design and integration of Risk Management practices into technology delivery methodologies, including establishing and reinforcing appropriate governance and control expectations.

• Monitor the prioritization and funding of technology initiatives, including participation in key business forums.

• Develop and apply risk-based prioritization criteria to identify and engage with significant technology initiatives requiring independent oversight (e.g., strategic programs, acquisition integrations, platform modernizations, and large-scale business projects).

• Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the company’s software delivery practices and control environment, including:

  • Requirements management and solution design governance

  • Secure SDLC and vulnerability remediation practices

  • DevOps controls, release governance, and environment management

  • Quality Assurance and test strategy (unit, integration, performance, UAT)

  • Change Management and production implementation controls

  • Operational readiness, resiliency, and post‑implementation validation

• Provide oversight and credible challenge for cloud and emerging technology implementations, including risk considerations for architecture, data protection, identity/access controls, vendor dependencies, and resiliency.

• Oversee risk considerations for Generic AI solutions used in technology delivery or embedded in products, partnering with stakeholders to evaluate governance, model/solution controls (as applicable), data usage, and implementation risk.

• Engage with Senior Leadership to understand IT strategy, roadmaps, and delivery patterns to align independent oversight priorities; translate project objectives, deliverables, and risks for broader leadership audiences.

• Leverage analytics and data to drive efficient risk-based oversight, identify trends/themes, and target deep dives where risk is elevated.

• Work closely with other Risk disciplines, including Compliance & Risk Testing, to ensure coordinated oversight, reduce duplication, and strengthen end-to-end coverage of technology risks.

• Lead and publish formal risk reviews of IT processes and technology solutions, including clear observations, severity, and remediation expectations.

• Develop reporting and executive-ready overviews of priorities, thematic observations, and emerging risks to maximize visibility and engagement with Business and Risk leaders.

• Periodically report review and oversight activities and assessment results to the Technology Risk Subcommittee.

• Engage in regulatory and audit exams and periodic updates to represent risk perspectives and priorities related to SDLC, application delivery, secure development, cloud, and emerging technology implementations.

• Evaluate privacy related concerns in system development and implementation.

• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 6+ years experience in Financial Services, or in lieu of degree, 10+ years experience in Financial Services

• Experience leading cross functional processes

• Experience with large-scale technology and business projects

• Knowledge of Information Technology and application development lifecycle

• Understanding of Cloud systems, including development and security, particularly in the AWS environment.

• Understanding of emerging technologies requirements, such as Generative AI development requirements

• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required

Desired Characteristics:

• Strong leadership skills

• Self-starter

• Effective communications, problem solving & presentation skills

• Risk Management exposure

• Demonstrated project management experience

• Prior IT PMO, SDLC Governance, or Technology Risk Oversight experience

• Working knowledge of secure development practices, change/release governance, testing disciplines, and/or DevOps controls

• Familiarity with cloud delivery and implementation risk considerations

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver on demanding deadlines with minimal supervision

• Master’s / MBA degree

• Strong PC proficiency (Microsoft Suite, including: Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

• Experience with or awareness of Agile methodology (helpful but not a primary emphasis)

• Risk, IT Audit or security professional certifications

Grade/Level: 13

The salary range for this position is 130,000.00 - 210,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge.

Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You must be 18 years or older

• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent

• You must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding process

• You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.

• New hires (Level 4-7) must have 9 months of continuous service with the company before they are eligible to post on other roles.  Once this new hire time in position requirement is met, the associate will have a minimum 6 months’ time in position before they can post for future non-exempt roles.  Employees, level 8 or greater, must have at least 18 months’ time in position before they can post.  All internal employees must consistently meet performance expectations and have approval from your manager to post (or the approval of your manager and HR if you don’t meet the time in position or performance expectations).

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.  We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 

Our Commitment:

When you join us, you’ll be part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard – but valued. Together, we’re building a future where we can all belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where community and passion intersect to offer a safe space to learn and grow.

This starts when you choose to apply for a role at Synchrony. We ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We’re proud to have an award-winning culture for all. 

Reasonable Accommodation Notice:

• Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

• If you need special accommodations, please call our Career Support Line so that we can discuss your specific situation. We can be reached at 1-866-301-5627.   Representatives are available from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time

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