VP, Cloud Solution Architect

Synchrony•Cincinnati, OH

1d•$155,000 - $260,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Synchrony is seeking a VP, Cloud Data Solution Architect to lead the strategic design of its enterprise cloud data ecosystem in support of operational and analytic objectives. The role defines target-state cloud data architecture, consumption patterns, controls, design standards, and implementation approaches to improve data accessibility, performance, and business usability. It partners with senior business, technology, security, risk, data, analytics, and product stakeholders to modernize legacy data environments, establish reusable migration frameworks, and promote adoption of cloud-native data capabilities for high-availability operations, AI and advanced analytics, and improved enterprise data consumption and user experience. The position may use AI and other automation tools to deliver priorities efficiently and creatively. The role provides architecture leadership across cloud data platforms, lakehouse and data mesh patterns, event-driven architecture, API-enabled data sharing, semantic layers, and AI and analytics ecosystems. It shapes modernization roadmaps and advises on cloud services, integration patterns, storage models, query performance, access patterns, security, resiliency, and cost optimization. It also establishes architecture principles, reference architectures, standards, and reusable migration approaches; aligns cross-functional teams around architecture decisions and their business impact; and mentors architects and engineering teams on cloud-native data design, migration, consumption optimization, and operational readiness. The position offers flexibility to work from home near a Synchrony Hub or from an office, with required commutes to the nearest Hub for in-person meetings, training, and culture events. Business travel may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Data Management, or a related field and 8 or more years of experience in information technology, data architecture, enterprise architecture, cloud architecture, or related technology roles; alternatively, at least 10 years of hands-on experience in one of these roles.
At least 5 years of applied experience designing, modernizing, or migrating data platforms in cloud environments.
Demonstrated experience with cloud-native data platforms, data lakes, lakehouse architectures, data warehousing, identity and access management (IAM), security, data protection, data integration, and analytics ecosystems.
Experience defining target-state architecture, modernization roadmaps, reference architectures, design patterns, and implementation standards.
Agile experience using JIRA or similar Agile tools.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with globally located Agile teams working different shifts.
Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required.
Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must be willing to take a drug test, undergo a background investigation, and submit fingerprints as part of onboarding.
Must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
Legal authorization to work in the United States is required; employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a credit card, banking, or fintech company.
Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS or GCP and familiarity with software solutions for containerized and microservices-based ecosystems.
Proficiency in cloud automation and orchestration tools and techniques.
Experience building environments for or working with data-driven models.
Experience handling sensitive data in a highly regulated environment.
Demonstrated implementation of complex and innovative solutions.
Deep knowledge of SAFe and experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives at enterprise scale.
A track record of leading and delivering high-impact business and technology transformation programs.
Results-oriented approach, strong ownership, bias for action, and continuous improvement mindset.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders, build alignment, and manage expectations at multiple levels.

Responsibilities

Provide architecture thought leadership across cloud data platforms, data lakehouse and data mesh patterns, event-driven architecture, API-enabled data sharing, semantic layers, and modern AI and analytics ecosystems.
Shape and maintain target-state architecture and modernization roadmaps aligned with business priorities, enterprise data strategy, operational resilience, consumption performance, user experience, and scalability.
Support architectural evaluations and trade-off decisions involving cloud-native services, integration patterns, data storage models, query performance, data access, security controls, resiliency, and cost optimization.
Partner with business, technology, security, risk, data, analytics, and product stakeholders to assess current environments and identify modernization opportunities that improve enterprise data products' usability, discoverability, and performance.
Establish and promote architecture principles, design patterns, reference architectures, standards, and reusable migration frameworks for secure, governed, scalable, high-performing cloud data solutions.
Align cross-functional enterprise architecture, engineering, product, analytics, and platform teams by communicating business value, user impact, implementation options, risks, dependencies, and recommendations.
Guide and mentor architects and engineering teams on cloud-native data design, migration patterns, consumption optimization, operational readiness, cloud practices, and modern data architecture trends.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.