AVP, Operational Risk – Information Technology Oversight

Job Description:

Role Summary/Purpose:

The Operational Risk Management team is part of the 2nd Line of Defense (2LOD) within Synchrony.   This role is responsible for performing independent operational risk oversight of information technology within Synchrony.  This includes assessing and monitoring risks related to IT programs, adoption of emerging technologies and 3rd party risks specific to the IT function.  The position reports to the VP, Information Technology Oversight.

Our Way of Working

We’re proud to offer you choice and 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 may be required to commute to our nearest office for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.

Essential Responsibilities

• Engage the Information Technology organization in reviewing and assessing operational risks in the deployment and use of technologies

• Monitor risks being accepted by the business and provide an independent assessment of the risk-taking activities

• Perform formal assessments of technology risks using common processes within Risk Management, including Targeted Reviews, Concurrent Reviews and Continuous Monitoring

• Independently investigate potential risks being taken by Information Technology teams and escalate through ORM processes

• Understand risks of usage of public Cloud Service Providers (CSP’s) and monitor required and recommended risk mitigation strategies for Synchrony Application migrations to public Cloud

• Understand risks of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and monitor required and recommended risk mitigation strategies for use of GenAI in Synchrony.  Escalate GenAI as needed for Model Governance review

• Develop and implement new Risk Frameworks for Cloud, GenAI, and other emerging technologies leveraging available public best-in-class Frameworks to enable a consistent methodology for independent oversight and assessments of potential acquisitions and integrations made by Synchrony

• Monitor new technology introduction processes for consistent risk-based execution

• Contribute to and validate delivery on Alpha, Beta and General Availability requirements for Cloud and new technology certifications across IT teams (Applications and Infrastructure).  Confirm evidence provided for each certification and ongoing sustainability of requirements for each phase.  Escalate as needed where certification requirements are de-scoped or not maintained by 1LOD teams.

• Attend and represent 2LOD at multiple Technology Strategic planning sessions including but not limited to: Architecture Review Board (ARB), Artificial Intelligence Forum, and Program Increments (PI) sessions for various sprint teams (Cloud, Security, etc.),

• Perform concurrent reviews of IT programs related to the conversion or deconversion of partner/client portfolios

• Review risks within IT third-party supplier base with consideration for unique risks based on the vendor relationship and services (e.g., purchased software, software as a service, service providers, staff augmentation, etc.)

• Design and implement new key risk indicators (KRI’s) and related thresholds to enhance the 2nd Line of Defense monitoring and business engagement

• Manage risks and issues within the Synchrony’s enterprise governance application (eGRC)

• Manage risks and issues within the eGRC application

• Support annual SOX risk testing activities

• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 5  years of information technology or data analytics experience

• Familiarity with information security and risk management concepts

• Experience with Generative Artificial Intelligence and or end-usage

• Experience with public Cloud technologies and use of Cloud Service Providers such as AWS

Desired Characteristics

• Proven analytical skills with strong attention to detail and quality control of work product

• Experience in financial services or banking industry with understanding of financial services regulatory environment

• Experience in IT operations and/or application support

• Experience with data sourcing and reporting processes with ability to design and implement new analytical capabilities

• IT Project management experience

• Proven experience working in an ambiguous environment with proven ability to explain complex concepts and support points of view

• Strong presentation and communication skills with proven experience interacting with all levels of the organization

• Proficiency in PC tools (Microsoft Suite, including: Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

• Excellent interpersonal skills - ability to foster relationships and create informal networks, both internal and external

• Curiosity with the ability to learn new concepts

Grade/Level: 11

The salary range for this position is 90,000.00 - 155,000.00 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 a diverse, inclusive culture where your skills, experience, and voice are not only heard—but valued. We celebrate the differences in all of us and believe that our individual, unique perspectives is what makes Synchrony truly a great place to work. Together, we’re building a future where we can all belong, connect and turn ideals into action. Through the power of our 8 Diversity Networks , with more than 60% of our workforce engaged, you’ll find community to connect with an opportunity to go beyond your passions.

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.

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

Job Family Group: