SVP, Customer Facing Model Development

Chicago, Illinois
Synchrony Financial
Role Summary/Purpose:

The SVP, Customer Facing Model Development , will lead the development , deployment, and governance of credit and fraud scoring /decisioning models and managing strategic frameworks across customer – facing model types . Th is leader will own the end-to-end i nte gration of cr edi t and fraud customer – facing models with operational strategies, business expansion and product generation . The le ader will also ensure compliance with model risk governance , model performance monitoring and monitoring against financial and risk objec tives .

The role will bring expertise in mapping business requirements to model design, application of regre ssion, ar ti ficial intelligence and machine learning methodologies (broadly, AI/ML) , utilization of Monte Carl o, bootstrapping, Bayesian techniques, strategic decision making , and regulatory engagement to influence enterprise practices, lead cross-functional initiatives, and drive data-driven outcomes. Additionally this r ole will req uire someone who can drive innovation in cloud -based modeling infrastructure s , model lifecycle automation , and the application of AI and technology to enhance and accelerate model development.

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 to come into one of our offices. Occasionally you may be required to commute to a hub or an office for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead dev elopment of credit and fraud decisioning models for acquisition, account management, and adoption in partner strategie s, leveraging deep knowledge of credit use cases to prior itize modeling efforts and manage the model inventory in alignment with business objectives .
• Understand and map credit journeys for a variety of retail credit products , understand model approaches to adapt to each journey , and apply creative solutions to challeng es.
• Oversee all phases of model development, from business requirements, data evaluation, model design, meth odology selection to model development, model documentation, model validation, implementation and monitoring .
• Guide teams in exploring and deploying innovative AI/ML modeling techniques, while ensuring transparency and explainability .
• Identify and help design opportunities for optimizing the model lifecycle, including the use of AI/ GenAI solutions, code standardization, CI/CD frameworks, cloud-based automation, automation of governance controls, etc.
• Oversee the quality of comprehensive model documentation and ensure adherence to model governance standards .
• Establish standard guidelines for model development documentation analysis and narratives .
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with credit, gr owth , market ing, fraud , risk and technology teams .
• Support the SVP of Model Development COE in regulatory, audit, and senior management interactions , representing customer-facing model development activities as needed.
• Manage model inventory and change processes; identify opportunities for simplification and reuse .
• Oversee responses to validation, audit, and regulatory inquiries and drive timely issue resolution .
• Manage and mentor a high-performing team, including direct oversight of VPs across key functional areas such as Acquisition, Account Management, TNF ( True-Name Fraud), and TF ( Transaction Fra ud ) .
• Develop and engage with regulators for periodic exams .
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned .

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative or technical discipline (e.g., Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering); advanced degree (MS, MBA, or PhD) strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in credit risk modeling, machine learning, or related analytics roles within the financial services industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in developing, implementing, and overseeing customer-fa cing c redit models across the customer lifecycle-including acquisition, account management, credit line changes, fraud detection, and collections.
• Experie nce in ident ify opportunities for improvement and innovation across the model lifecycle , including leveraging new technologies, AI, and techniques .
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale model development initiatives across multiple portfolios, business lines, or partner segments.
• Experience in building and managing model inventories, standardizing documentation practices, and driving simplification or model reuse efforts.
• Proficiency in programming and data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, SAS, SQL) and experience working with large structured and unstructured datasets.
• Proven abil ity to influence enterprise-wide modeling practices and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders in credit, marketing, fraud, finance, risk and technology.

Desired Characteristics:

• 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 .
• Strong business acumen and familiarity with model governance frameworks, regulatory expectations, and internal audit processes (e.g., SR 11-7 compliance, MRM policies) .

Grade/Level: 16

The salary range for this position is 235 000.00 USD Annual. This position is also eligible for an Annual Incentive Plan target of 30% of salary and an Annual Equity target of 30% 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-. Representatives are available from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time

Job Family Group:

Credit