VP, Credit Merchant Risk

Role Summary/Purpose:

VP, Credit Merchant Risk is a multi-functional role within credit fraud acquisitions strategy team. The primary responsibilities includes leading and providing strategic oversight to merchant underwriting (credit and fraud strategy), merchant monitoring, and merchant risk operation teams. The role will support and interact with Credit & Fraud teams, merchant teams, and key stakeholders of Synchrony.

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 may be required to commute or travel for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of 7 merchant risk professionals to mitigate merchant credit and fraud risk through our underwriting and monitoring programs
• Participate in Portfolio Credit Manager (PCM) responsibilities including industry reviews, portfolio monitoring, drive strategy improvements, provide effective challenge, etc.
• Possess in-depth understanding of merchant underwriting process and related fraud control processes including an understanding of identity theft, first party fraud, synthetic identity fraud, and bust out fraud
• Drive cross-client loss-avoidance initiatives, partnering with stakeholders to reduce losses and strengthen controls.
• Partner with Credit, Senior PCMs, and client teams to support portfolio growth while maintaining disciplined risk appetite and performance.
• Design and implement enhanced surveillance and early-warning monitoring to detect emerging risk and manage credit exposure
• Enforce bank credit policy and underwriting standards; ensure consistent, compliant decisioning and governance
• Develop and deliver client-facing and internal executive presentations on portfolio performance, risk themes, and recommended actions.
• Monitor and escalate operational risks across the portfolio; recommend process improvements and control enhancements.
• Support driving enhanced strategies, using champion/challenger learnings to manage credit and fraud risk
• Participate in planning cycle with Finance, Client Development, Marketing, and other functions to ensure consistency in business plans
• Investigate and resolve customer/client issues, coordinating root-cause analysis and remediation to improve experience and reduce repeat events.
• Provide ad hoc analytics and reporting to support leadership decisions, client needs, and special projects.
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of experience in a commercial Credit/Risk role; or in lieu of a Bachelor's degree, 10+ years of experience in a commercial Credit/Risk role
• 5+ years’ experience in a credit risk/fraud strategy development role
• 5+ years SAS/SQL/Python programming experience (proficient level)
• Excellent temperament and ability to work through uncertainty, collaborate respectfully across functions & teams, and find solutions to issues 
• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required

Desired Characteristics:

• Leadership experience operating at a strategic level as part of a cross functional team
• Use of advanced technical & analytical competencies in driving effective strategic goals within a significant functional area; advanced experience with SAS/SQL or other related analytic tools
• Strong understanding of the consumer credit lending lifecycle and card programs
• Strong understanding of credit and fraud models, and fraud risk solutions
• Understanding of the Lines of Defense (2nd Line Strategy Validation and 3rd Line Internal Audit)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with impact and influence
• Ability to multi-task and perform in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working alongside and in unison with off-shore teams
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, organize work flow and timelines
• Master’s Degree or MBA with advanced analytic focus, or equivalent advanced degree

Grade/Level: 13

The salary range for this position is 155,000.00 - 260,000.00 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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