VP, Technology and Operations Risk and Control Management

Synchrony•Lyons, IL

74d•Hybrid

About The Position

Role Summary/Purpose: This position is a leadership role responsible for leading first line of defense risk management for Tech & Ops teams, in adherence with Company’s Risk Management Framework and Corporate Strategy. The role has responsibility over a wide range of Tech&Ops activities that enables Synchrony business platforms and functional areas, and requires significant interaction with employees across various Synchrony functions and different levels of the organization. The individual will work closely with multiple teams within Tech&Ops function, various business functions, Independent Risk Management (2LOD), Audit (3LOD), and executive management. The role requires a strong leader who can raise 1LOD risk management core capabilities and champions proactive risk management. Our Way of Working We’re proud to offer you choice and 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 to our nearest office for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and minimum 10 years of either IT, IT Risk, Operational Risk, Audit or Compliance experience OR in lieu of a degree, High School Diploma/G.E.D. and minimum 15 years of either IT, IT Risk, Operational Risk, Audit or Compliance experience
Demonstrated experience working with regulatory compliance such as FFIEC, SOX
Demonstrated experience working with industry risk management frameworks such as CobIT, ITIL, NIST, ISACA
Experience and demonstrated track record for providing consultancy and assurance services for Operational Risk strategy, policies and governance
Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and/or work experience in AI/Gen AI risk management is a plus
Strong Regulated Banking Industry experience
Relevant certification such as CISA, CISSP, CRISC, CISM, are highly desirable
Technical and operational experience with Agile Software Development, IT risk management, and standard industry practices with demonstrated experience assisting the business with the identification, governance and management of IT/operational risk
Demonstrated experience driving improvements across complex organizations and processes of varying levels of maturity
Advanced problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively within and across functional teams to resolve complex problems with innovative solutions
Proven experience executing with accuracy, on time and while dealing with ambiguity
Experience working with industry standard maturity models
Strong presentation and communication skills with a demonstrated business presence while interacting with senior business executives
Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate risk/reward tradeoffs appropriate to maintaining risk appetite
Action and detail oriented, excellent organization and prioritization skills
Proven experience developing and influencing a balanced perspective resulting from the consolidation and analysis of information from multiple perspectives, in a balanced and timely manner
Independent worker with awareness of when to escalate and engage others
Demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement
Proven experience with partnering, collaborating and influencing across a large multilayered organization at all levels
Proven experience handling multiple, and competing priorities across all stakeholder groups and effectively resolving competing priorities and interests with minimal disruptions
Influence and role model behaviors that will lead to a “STRONG” risk environment

Responsibilities

Lead efforts on maturing Tech&Ops 1LOD Risk Assessment approach
Lead and execute risk assessment to identify, evaluate and prioritize risk treatment
Monitor business strategy and industry trends to proactively identify and address emerging risks (e.g. risks from business growth and integration, risks from usage of GenerativeAI, etc.)
Work with management to establish risk mitigation strategies and provide guidance on control enhancement to ensure key risks are appropriately managed
Identify critical areas to monitor and escalate issues and findings to appropriate stakeholders
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g. Tech&Ops leaders, product owners, Independent Operational Risk Management, etc.) to integrate risk management considerations into the design, development, and deployment of new or change in technology, products, services, and processes
Serve as subject matter expert in operational risk management matters to 1LOD teams
Identify themes, trends, and enhancement opportunities to strengthen processes and controls and regularly review incident/problem resolution to ensure change/improvement to controls are executed
Collaborates with process owners to assess controls as part of RCSA process and identify any gaps in process, risk, and control documentation
Prepare and present updates to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders on the status of risk management activities
Provides feedback and collaborates with Tech&Ops teams on relevant governance documents to support first line activities and manage risk
Ensure that teams adhere to relevant enterprise standards for risk management & governance requirements, including Synchrony’s enhanced business change governance process
Lead ad hoc team projects/initiatives focusing on proactive risk management and to ensure risk management standards are met
Partners with Tech&Ops executives to prepare for Regulatory exams and MRA closures
Promotes risk-awareness and overall effectiveness of risk management programs
Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned