AVP, Model Operations

Job Description:

Job # 2000001536 AVP, Model Operations (Open)

Role Summary/Purpose:

This role resides in Loss Forecasting, Reserving & Stress Testing Model Operations sub-function within Credit & Capital Management team.  The AVP, Credit Operations - Modeling has a combination of model execution, data analysis and process management expertise. The role will be tasked with managing model execution for nuanced credit and finance models, with a strong focus in process controls and monitoring. A successful candidate will have a deep understanding of relevant model methodology and business use cases / scenarios.  The role requires demonstrated expertise with operating skills in, Python and Spark applied to Credit and Portfolio Analysis, experienced with Time Series. The ideal candidate will be intellectually curious, be a self-starter, a tactical problem solver, have an ability to influence across teams, and be an effective communicator.  In addition, a familiarity with contemporary Model Standards to effectively lead model testing, validation and implementation is preferred. 

This is a great opportunity for someone who is a business / data analyst / scientist (or a combination) with experience in consumer credit analysis. We offer a dynamic, collaborative team environment with a strong credit risk management culture and opportunities to train in new technologies and complex applications.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Operate credit and financial models in balance, loss forecasting (credit / fraud), reserves and stress testing processes for Synchrony’s loan portfolio, accountable for the accuracy and completeness of the periodic / planning estimates in an independent manner
• Perform model input monitoring, ensuring data completeness and input quality is acceptable for model execution, along with insightful documentation and analysis of variances
• Write Python and Spark code to support ad-hoc analysis with large datasets and automate processing.
• Review of model production process and controls ensuring the models are executed appropriately and controls are performed with relevant evidence to enable a robust and seamless model/process audit
• Become a subject matter expert around the models and be able to assist Model Owner / Developer with changes in portfolio/product/process/technology.  Ability to understand the root cause or requirement and propose solutions.
• Provide insight into key metrics movements, building understanding around underlying drivers and ability to articulate outcomes to senior leaders
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional team during different phases of modeling including Model Owner, Model Development, Model Risk Oversight and other functions such as Capital, Credit Strategy, Collections, Finance etc.
• Support reviewing process with regulators, auditors, and internal risk oversight teams
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with quantitative underpinning (i.e., Risk, Accounting, Business, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering) and minimum 5 years of experience in Risk, Credit, Finance, Accounting, Consumer Lending, and/or other relevant professional experience; or in lieu of a degree 9+ years’ experience in Risk, Credit, Finance, Accounting, Consumer Lending, and/or other relevant professional experience.
• Proven hands-on experience utilizing Python (particularly Pandas), PySpark as well as tools such asShell / Command Line in HDFS and Linux environments,
• Familiarity with credit risk estimation techniques / models
• 2+ years of process management with strong understanding of process governance and controls with third party reviews
• 2+ years of experience in operating quantitative models / tools in areas such as Loss Forecasting, Reserves, Stress Testing, or other areas within consumer credit impairment estimation
• 2+ years of experience managing high-impact projects with multiple stakeholders within a matrix environment

Desired Characteristics:

• Familiarity with credit modeling, and Model Governance trends/developments across the banking sector, especially as related to credit card or consumer lending (SR11-7, e.g.)
• Excellent time management skills with ability to independently manage multiple competing initiatives and deliver results within deadlines along with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail
• Cross-functional management and teamwork skills able to manage relationships across multiple teams of people
• Communication and influencing skills, and ability to coordinate with multiple functional areas
• Process documentation skills, including crafting process maps identifying risks and controls
• Advanced EXCEL skills with demonstrable familiarity with pivot-tables, worksheet formulas, macros, array formulas, and other techniques
• Graduate degree with quantitative underpinning, MBA, CFA, CAS or SOA exams, or other relevant certifications or designations

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 24 months’ time in position before they can post.  All internal employees must have at least a “consistently meets expectations” performance rating 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 requirement).

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. 

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.

The salary range for this position is 60,000.00 - 130,000.00 USD Annual

Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA and Metro NY and some positions are bonus eligible.

Grade/Level: 10

Job Family Group:

Salary : $0