VP, Platform Risk Leader

Role Summary/Purpose:

The VP, Platform Risk Leader will be a compliance expert supporting cross-functional initiatives with an expertise in point of sale processes and regulatory requirements for revolving credit products and installment lending products. This role will be the key primary second line of defense point of contact for, and provide compliance oversight of Home & Auto and Health & Wellness client development and sales platforms (collectively, the “Platform”), with the supervision of the SVP, Growth & Platform Risk.

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:

• Serve as the primary “go-to” compliance expert and resource for various business teams responsible for supporting Platform client and partner programs.  Develop strong relationships with senior and executive members of the Platform and act independently and with limited supervision to help Platform teams resolve unique and complex compliance problems.
• Establish effective relationships and collaborate with individuals across the second line of defense Risk organization that have oversight responsibility to facilitate a consolidated view of risk across all applicable risk pillars (e.g., compliance risk, operational risk, strategic risk, financial risk, credit risk, etc.).  Facilitate escalation of key issues and risks for further discussion and action, as appropriate, to Compliance leaders, other second-line of defense Risk teams and relevant committees.
• Assess Platform activities and initiatives, including client and partner driven initiatives (new products, features, strategies etc.), and spot and perform preliminary analysis of complex compliance and consumer-facing operational risks.  Facilitate collaboration between Platform teams and enterprise operational risk and/or compliance subject matter experts (SMEs) or centers of excellence (COEs) and ensure those SMEs and COEs have sufficient information to understand the initiative and address the potential risks. 
• Conduct independent due diligence and provide second-line of defense compliance and consumer-facing operational risk oversight and credible challenge of new client and partner deals, renewals, and extensions.  Draft reports and/or concurrent assessments identifying material risks and deal caveats as applicable.
• Provide second-line of defense oversight of business and governance processes related to new partner deals, renewals, and extensions to ensure adequacy of governance and controls.  This includes review and credible challenge of first line risk control self assessments (RCSA), performing second-line of defense reviews, performing continuous monitoring, and completing second-line of defense risk assessments (e.g., Compliance Risk Assessment, Enterprise Risk Assessment) of those business processes as applicable.
• Maintain and continuously improve second line of defense Compliance processes, controls and supporting documentation (e.g., job aids) related to Compliance oversight of new client and partner deals, renewals, and extensions.
• Provide second-line of defense oversight of enterprise Client Oversight Program and related processes, including Merchant Provider Performance Management.  This includes review and credible challenge of first line risk control self assessments (RCSA), performing second-line of defense reviews, performing continuous monitoring, and completing second-line of defense risk assessments (e.g., Compliance Risk Assessment, Enterprise Risk Assessment) of those business processes as applicable.
• Develop a thorough understanding of SYF’s risk governance (e.g., tollgates, committees, Legal copy review, etc.) and functional business processes and work to ensure the platform and client teams are integrated into and/or following those processes.
• In support of the Compliance Risk Assessment, Enterprise Risk Assessment, and RCSA credible challenge processes, provide information and input to Compliance and Risk teams’ independent view of Platform risks and the adequacy of controls to mitigate such risks.
• In collaboration with the Legal Department, inform Platform teams of new legal and regulatory developments, solve unique problems regarding the operationalization of those requirements, and provide advice and support with respect to the implementation of new controls to comply with those requirements.
• Play a key role in exam management and audit activities relating to the Platform.
• Lead projects to develop innovative processes to continually improve Synchrony’s compliance management system and facilitate identifying, tracking, and reporting of compliance risks and issues.
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned, including leading and/or participating in Compliance due diligence activities related to mergers and acquisitions.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years Compliance or Risk experience in the lending industry. In lieu of a degree, 12+ years Compliance or Risk experience in the lending industry
• In lieu of Compliance or Risk experience, 12+ years of sales, operations or internal controls experience in the lending industry with an appreciation for controls.
• Experience in communicating with all levels across the organization, including senior leadership.
• Travel may be required up to 25%
• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required

Desired Characteristics:

• Ability to influence and credibility to achieve organizational results by collaborating with cross-functional/cross-platform teams.
• Ability to identify, challenge and communicate risks objectively and effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with business partners and to be top of mind when questions arise with business partners.
• Proven ability to influence management and initiate change.
• Ability to be forward-thinking in the identification of future risks and work cross-functionally to mitigate identified risks.
• Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM)

Grade/Level: 14

The salary range for this position is 150,000.00 - 250,000.00 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. 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. 

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: