AVP, Model Validation

Role Summary / Purpose

The AVP, Model Validation is responsible for model validation and ensuring compliance with Model Risk Management policies, standards, procedures, and regulations such as OCC
2011-12/SR 11-7. The role requires a high level of expertise with minimal technical supervision, the ability to lead validation projects, accountability for validation results across various model categories, and the capacity to make meaningful contributions to projects.

• Serve as a key contributor and lead analyst performing model validation with minimal supervision for credit acquisition, account management, fraud, and marketing models built using machine learning algorithms and traditional logistic regression techniques.
• Perform the full scope end‑to‑end validation independently for assigned internally and vendor‑developed new models and existing models.
• Lead or perform the review and maintenance of relevant model and validation documentation, performing in‑depth analysis on large data sets and reports to support discussions on key analytics and model risks.
• Work closely within the Risk organization to validate accuracy and performance of all models, whether statistical/AI/ML or non‑statistical, to identify issues requiring further investigation and resolve problems independently.
• Collaborate with Synchrony Financial business teams to uncover and highlight risk associated with models.
• Keep pace with the latest model developments in academia, regulatory environment, risk technology, and financial services industries to provide expert guidance to the Synchrony Financial functions.
• Support regulatory examinations and internal audits of the modeling process and selected model samples.
• Provide technical consultation and process improvement to model risk management based on solid research in academic and industry practice.
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.

• Master's degree (or foreign equivalent) in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field and 4+ years of experience in model development or model validation in financial services, banking, or retail.
• 4+ years of hands‑on experience with data science and statistical tools including Python, R, SAS, SQL, Spark, Data Lake, H2O, Sage Maker, and AWS.
• 4+ years of statistical analysis experience handling large amounts of data and analyzing trends.
• 4+ years of experience applying U.S. regulatory requirements for Model Risk Management.
• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required.

• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements for Model Risk Management with a proven track record of delivering on regulatory mandates.
• 5+ years of experience in Model Risk Management, including analytic/modeling/quantitative work and governance in the financial services industry.
• Experience in people and project management, with demonstrated ability to develop actionable plans to meet high‑level objectives and deliver on time‑sensitive deliverables.
• Sharp focus on accuracy with extreme attention to detail.
• Knowledge of credit card/consumer finance products and business models.
• Experience with machine learning/AI methodologies, including generative AI model validation and validation framework development.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.

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The salary range for this position is  -  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 the market in CA, NY Metro, and Seattle.

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.

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.