Job Description:

Role Summary/Purpose:

The SVP, Model Operations & Analytics Leader leads a multidisciplinary team supporting the full model development lifecycle, from data readiness to post-implementation monitoring. This role drives the creation of standardized frameworks, tools, and automation — including developing data pipelines, managing enterprise end-to-end data warehouse, performing preventative and detective data analysis and monitoring of systems — to ensure model quality, consistency, and regulatory compliance. Partnering closely with model developers, risk management, and audit functions, the leader ensures operational alignment with governance standards and regulatory expectations.

They oversee strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and performance monitoring, while also managing business risk. As a key thought partner to senior stakeholders, the role delivers insights into model portfolio health and resource needs. Additionally, this leader drives a talent strategy to foster technical expertise and a high-performance within the function.

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:

Provide strategic leadership for the Model Operations & Analytics function, ensuring seamless operational support across the entire model development lifecycle.
Build and lead a multidisciplinary team—including data product owners, data & performance analysts, program managers, and documentation reviewers—responsible for pre- and post-modeling activities.
Oversee development and implementation of standardized operational frameworks, tools, and documentation practices to improve model quality, consistency, and compliance.
Oversees the development of internal tools and acquisition of software for model development and model operations.
Oversees the development of business requirements for enterprise evergreen data store and tool to enable effective model development and operations.
Drive coordination between model developers and strategy development teams to ensure readiness of model inputs and downstream integration of model outputs.
Establish and maintain a robust model monitoring infrastructure, including design of key performance indicators (KPIs), perform root cause diagnostics, and performance reporting.
Partner with Model Development CoE and model owners to ensure timely and compliant support for model build, refresh, implementation, and ongoing performance evaluation, including data testing, evaluation.
Collaborate closely with Model Risk Management and Internal Audit to ensure all model operations align with regulatory and governance expectations.
Define and lead execution of strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce model development cycle time, and improve scalability of model development and monitoring.
Represent Model Operations & Analytics leadership in cross-functional forums to provide visibility into performance, resource needs, and strategic priorities.
Develop and lead talent strategy for the function, cultivating technical and operational expertise, enhancing capability maturity, and fostering a high-performance culture.
Act as a thought partner to executive stakeholders by delivering actionable insights and recommendations on model portfolio performance and operational health.
Participate in forums related to strategy monitoring, providing input and visibility into model operations implications and dependencies.
Partners with strategy owners to lead and represent MO&A in regulatory discussions and examinations.
Own and manage governance processes and procedures for strategy monitoring and model monitoring, and related operational controls to ensure compliance and consistency across the model lifecycle.
Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative or technical discipline (e.g., Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Operations Research); or in lieu of degree, high school diploma/GED and 14+ years of data analytics leadership experience in financial services, banking, technology, and/or retail industries.
10+ years of relevant experience in model operations, data engineering, analytics, or model risk governance.
5 years in a senior leadership role managing multidisciplinary teams.
Proven track record in building and leading teams in a high compliance, regulated environments.
Deep understanding of the full model development lifecycle, from data readiness and integration to post-implementation monitoring and performance analytics.
Strong experience designing, implementing, and scaling operational frameworks, monitoring systems, and automation tools to enhance model quality and efficiency.
Proficiency in developing business requirements for enterprise data warehouses and model enablement tools; experience with model documentation standards and governance protocols.
Technical expertise in data pipeline development, data testing, and statistical performance monitoring using tools such as Python, SQL, R, and/or commercial analytics platforms.
Demonstrated ability to lead root cause diagnostics and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce model development cycle time and improve scalability.

Desired Characteristics:

Advanced degree (MS, MBA, PhD) is strongly preferred.
Financial Services / Banking experience is strongly preferred.
Proven track record in building and leading teams of data engineers, analysts, and process experts in high compliance, regulated environments.
Strong business acumen and familiarity with model governance frameworks, regulatory expectations, and internal audit processes (e.g., SR 11-7 compliance, MRM policies).
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills demonstrated through executive and cross-functional stakeholder engagement, detailed-oriented documentation, and visual storytelling.
Advanced critical thinking skills in analytical problem-solving and the ability to use data to break down complex models.
Strong project management and leadership skills to achieve specific goals within a defined timeline and budget.
Ability to effectively share knowledge by translating complex, technical subject matter and providing actionable coaching and feedback across all levels.
Technical experience with exploratory data analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, and generative AI.

Grade/Level: 15

The salary range for this position is 200,000.00 - 330,000.00 USD Annual. This position is also eligible for an Annual Incentive Plan target of 25% of salary and an Annual Equity target of 25% of salary.

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.

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:

Data Analytics