VP, Model Development - New York - Synchrony Financial

Description

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Job Description:
Role Summary/Purpose

The VP, Model Development and Model Supplier Manager will serve as the business and technical owner of Synchrony's BSA/AML transaction monitoring and watchlist screening models, critical for combating financial crime and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing key aspects of the model governance process, including development, vendor management, monitoring, validation, implementation and regulatory responses.

You will lead strategic initiatives to enhance the robustness, effectiveness, and accuracy of these models through rigorous oversight, collaboration with Model Risk Management (MRM), Compliance, Data Management, and external third-party vendors.

This position is accountable for maintaining the highest standards in model performance, regulatory adherence, and supplier management, and will play a pivotal role influencing senior leadership decisions and regulatory examinations.

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.

Essential Responsibilities

Governance & Strategic Model Ownership Lead the full lifecycle governance of AML transaction monitoring and watchlist screening models, including model selection, development, validation, implementation, ongoing monitoring, tuning, and retirement.

Lead model projects working closely with vendors and/or cross-functionally Work on data collection, data cleansing, methodology evaluation, model assessment, model development, testing and validation.

Maintain comprehensive model documentation needed to meet regulatory requirements.

Lead the model monitoring process, including root cause drivers of any material shifts in model performance and maintain model change logs Manage audit and validation requests, and develop remediation plan for timely resolution on any issues uncovered through those requests Act as the senior escalation point for model-related risks, regulatory inquiries, and audit findings.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement Direct and mentor AML model analysts, fostering cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing. Build trusted advisor relationships with Legal, Data Management, Operations, Technology and third-party vendors to drive continuous improvement. Present regular model performance and risk reports to senior leadership, regulatory bodies, and risk committees.

Model Performance & Continuous Improvement Champion ongoing model performance monitoring and tuning initiatives to proactively identify model degradation, false positives/negatives, and emerging risks.

Lead efforts to innovate and enhance existing models leveraging advanced analytics, AI/ML techniques, and new data sources.

Third-Party & Vendor Management Own the end-to-end management of third-party model providers, including rigorous onboarding, due diligence, performance monitoring, and contract compliance.

Lead vendor risk assessments, audits, and remediation activities to safeguard the integrity and reliability of outsourced models. In collaboration with Sourcing and Legal, negotiate service level agreements and model performance expectations with external partners. Regulatory & Audit Readiness Maintain comprehensive, audit-ready documentation of model governance activities, validations, tuning, and issue remediation. Proactively engage with examiners and internal auditors, ensuring Synchrony's AML models meet or exceed regulatory expectations. Lead response efforts to regulatory inquiries, internal findings, and industry developments related to AML/OFAC compliance modeling.

Qualifications/Requirements
5+ years hands-on Model Development experience.

5+ years hands-on programing skills utilizing Python, SAS/ SQL, AWS, and Data Lake, to perform statistical analysis and manage complex or large amounts of data.

8+ years of experience in AML/BSA compliance, model risk management, financial crime, or related regulatory roles within financial services. 2+ years management experience.

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MS in Data Science, Finance, or related field) strongly preferred; in lieu of a degree 11+ years of experience in AML/BSA compliance, model risk management, financial crime, or related regulatory roles within financial services.

Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required Desired Characteristics:
Deep expertise in transaction monitoring and watchlist screening models, including practical knowledge of model development, validation, and tuning. Proven leadership capabilities managing teams and cross-departmental initiatives in a fast-paced environment. Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks (BSA, AML, OFAC, FinCEN) and experience interfacing with regulators and auditors. Excellent analytical skills and ability to translate complex model risks to senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders clearly. Experience managing third-party vendors in a regulated environment, including contract negotiation and vendor risk management. Proficiency with GRC platforms, data analytics tools, and model risk management software preferred.

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.

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.

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 Representatives are available from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time Job Family Group:
Risk Management