AVP, Operational Risk – Information Technology Oversight

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.

Essential Responsibilities

• Engage the Information Technology organization in reviewing and assessing operational risks in the selection, deployment and use of new technologies being introduced into the Synchrony Technology Stack.  This includes the re-use of existing technology being leveraged in new ways to solve business problems

• 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

• Monitor Cloud Computing and Public Cloud Service activities related to AWS, Azure to develop control objectives based on regulatory guidance and assess the risks in Synchrony’s deployment of these technologies

• 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. 

• Attend and represent 2LOD at various forums, including but not limited to: Cloud Design Authority (CDA), Architecture Review Board (ARB), Enterprise Architecture Forum, and Program Increments (PI) sessions for various sprint teams (Cloud, Security, etc.),

• 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.)

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

• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned

• Support 2nd Line of Defense processes such as the Enterprise Risk Assessment (ERA) and Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) processes

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+  years of information technology and/or data analytics experience in financial services or a banking institution .

• Strong understanding of operational risks in Technology including software obsolescence, application design to meet resiliency (performance and availability) requirements achieving business demands

Desired Characteristics

• Familiarity with information security and risk management concepts 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

• Experience with Internal Audits and/or Regulatory Exams and preparing materials to respond to external inquiries providing evidence and rationales and reasoning for provided materials

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

• Strong presentation and communication skills (written and oral) with proven experience interacting with all levels of the organization

• Experience writing formal findings to Senior levels of Management

• 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.

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. You will be required to commute to your nearest Hub (either virtual or physical) for in-person engagement activities such as regular 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.

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

Job Family Group: