VP, AI Strategy & Innovation

Synchrony•Cincinnati, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Role Summary/Purpose: At Synchrony, we enable commerce by delivering the leading financial ecosystem that connects our partners and our customers through world-class technology, products, and capabilities. Our partners and customers are at the forefront of everything that we do. Our AI organization is dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence solutions that put people at the center, ensuring technology serves human needs with empathy and respect. Guided by the core values of human-centric design, trust and understanding, and responsible AI governance, we strive to build AI systems that are transparent, fair, and reliable. We commit to fostering confidence among our customers, employees, and stakeholders by upholding the highest ethical standards, promoting accountability, and continuously enhancing AI safety and inclusiveness. Through collaboration, innovation, and stewardship, our AI organization empowers the institution to harness the transformative potential of AI while safeguarding the interests and well-being of all those we serve. The Vice President, AI Strategy & Innovation plays a critical leadership role in defining and driving the institution’s multi-year AI vision and roadmap across payments, commerce, and financial services. This role is responsible for leading the end-to-end execution of AI initiatives by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including technology, product, risk, compliance, and business units, to ensure timely delivery and successful integration of AI solutions. As a primary AI evangelist, the incumbent will foster strategic client partnerships, identify emerging industry trends, and translate complex AI technologies into impactful business outcomes. Additionally, the role will champion change management to accelerate AI adoption internally and externally and cultivate a culture of innovation and continuous learning. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, or related field, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in Information Technology or, in lieu of the Bachelor's degree, a minimum of 7 years of experience in Information Technology
Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required
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.

Nice To Haves

Proven track record defining and executing technology or product strategies at scale.
Deep understanding of AI technologies, especially as applied to payments, commerce, and financial products.
Strong business acumen with the ability to translate complex AI concepts into clear business value propositions.
Experience in client engagement and partnership development.
Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams.
Familiarity with regulatory and compliance considerations in financial services AI applications.

Responsibilities

Build a multi-year AI roadmap encompassing strategic initiatives, resources, technology investments, and partnerships.
Lead the end-to-end implementation of the AI strategy, coordinating across technology, product, risk, compliance, and business teams to ensure timely delivery.
Develop detailed project plans, allocate resources, and manage budgets aligned with the AI roadmap.
Drive change management efforts to foster adoption of AI innovations across the organization and client platforms.
Collaborate with partners and internal stakeholders to integrate AI technologies into existing systems and processes effectively.
Develop and articulate a compelling AI vision aligned with the institution’s broader business objectives and innovation roadmap.
Serve as the primary AI evangelist, effectively communicating strategic priorities and progress to executives, stakeholders, employees, and clients.
Establish and nurture strategic relationships with existing and prospective clients to co-develop AI-driven solutions that address complex financial needs.
Collaborate with product, technology, and business teams to translate client insights into innovative AI applications and services.
Lead initiatives leveraging AI to transform payments, commerce, and related financial services, enhancing efficiency, security, and user experience.
Identify opportunities to implement AI for fraud detection, real-time payment analytics, personalized commerce experiences, and other relevant use cases.
Continuously scan the AI technology landscape for emerging trends, tools, and best practices relevant to financial services.
Evaluate potential impacts and opportunities for adoption, enabling proactive strategy adjustments.
Partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., technology, risk, compliance, marketing, product) to drive implementation, manage risks, and measure outcomes.
Lead and mentor a high-performing AI strategy and innovation team.
Foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and continuous learning within the team and broader organization.
Work with multiple co-located and distributed teams (off-shore and on-shore)
Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned