VP – Data Architecture Governance

Not Disclosed•Full-TimeHybrid

location_onCircle K, 207, West 4th Street, Covington, Kenton County, Kentucky, 41011, United States

About the Role

The VP – Data Architecture Governance is a strategic leadership position within Synchrony's Data & Analytics Engineering organization. This role serves as the guardian of the enterprise data landscape, responsible for overseeing architecture governance, risk, and controls. The primary mission is to ensure enterprise-wide alignment of data architecture standards and reference patterns, enabling informed decision-making and sustainable business growth.

In this capacity, you will partner with senior architects, engineering teams, Internal Audit, and risk functions to design and implement "controls-by-design" architecture guardrails. You will ensure these controls are embedded directly into engineering workflows across Synchrony's diverse technology stack, including AWS cloud services, Ab Initio, Kafka, Hadoop, Oracle, Snowflake, and SAS. Beyond technical oversight, the role involves leading governance activities such as issue management, risk assessments, and audit coordination, while mentoring teams to promote a culture of architectural excellence.

Our Way of Working

At Synchrony, we are proud to offer choice and flexibility. Our work model allows you 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 the nearest office for in-person engagement activities, such as business or team meetings, training, and culture events.

Joining Synchrony

When you join us, you become part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard but valued. Together, we are building a future where everyone can belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), providing a safe space to learn and grow.

We ensure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We are proud to maintain an award-winning culture for all.

Application & Accommodation

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required for this position; we will not sponsor individuals for employment visas. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job, please contact our Career Support Line at 1-866-301-5627 (8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time). Representatives are available to discuss your specific situation regarding the application process or work procedures.

Work location

Work model: Hybrid

Circle K, 207, West 4th Street, Covington, Kenton County, Kentucky, 41011, United States

Covington, Kentucky

Key Responsibilities

check_circleOwn the L3 data architecture governance process and maintain standards aligned with strategic objectives
check_circleLead issue and risk management activities including root-cause analysis and sustainable remediation of control gaps
check_circleDrive coordination of audits, regulatory requests, and certifications such as SOX to ensure timely responses
check_circleChair architecture design reviews for critical data engineering initiatives and approve reference patterns
check_circleDefine technical guardrails and ensure adherence to approved reference architectures for data domains
check_circlePartner with compliance and risk teams to embed controls into data platform processes for operational resilience
check_circleAuthor and curate executive and regulator-ready architecture governance content including policies and evidence packs
check_circleDrive automation of architecture compliance by embedding controls into engineering workflows and CI/CD pipelines

Requirements

verifiedBachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field and 10+ years IT experience OR High School/GED and 15+ years IT experience
verifiedMinimum 8 years progressive experience in governance or senior data architecture roles within regulated environments
verifiedAbility and flexibility to travel for business
verifiedMust be 18 years or older
verifiedMust have a high school diploma or equivalent
verifiedMust be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints
verifiedMust be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act
verifiedLegal authorization to work in the U.S. is required

Nice to Have

Familiarity with risk management and issue tracking tools and processes. Experience in financial services.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleFlexible work options with the ability to work from home near a Hub or come into an office

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Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Aws, Redshift, Emr, Sagemaker, Ab Initio, Kafka, Hadoop, Oracle, Snowflake, Sas.

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field (or High School/GED with 15+ years experience); High School Diploma or GED (acceptable alternative with 15+ years experience).

Frequently asked questions about VP – Data Architecture Governance at Synchrony

What does a VP – Data Architecture Governance at Synchrony do?expand_more

Day-to-day, the VP – Data Architecture Governance at Synchrony will own the l3 data architecture governance process and maintain standards aligned with strategic objectives; lead issue and risk management activities including root-cause analysis and sustainable remediation of control gaps; drive coordination of audits, regulatory requests, and certifications such as sox to ensure timely responses; and chair architecture design reviews for critical data engineering initiatives and approve reference patterns.

What are the requirements for this VP – Data Architecture Governance role?expand_more

To qualify for the VP – Data Architecture Governance at Synchrony position, applicants should have: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field and 10+ years IT experience OR High School/GED and 15+ years IT experience; Minimum 8 years progressive experience in governance or senior data architecture roles within regulated environments; Ability and flexibility to travel for business; Must be 18 years or older; Must have a high school diploma or equivalent; and Must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints.

Where is the VP – Data Architecture Governance role at Synchrony located?expand_more

VP – Data Architecture Governance at Synchrony is based in Circle K, 207, West 4th Street, Covington, Kenton County, Kentucky, 41011, United States. This is a hybrid role.

Is this VP – Data Architecture Governance job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

Synchrony has listed this VP – Data Architecture Governance role as hybrid.

How much experience is required for this VP – Data Architecture Governance role?expand_more

VP – Data Architecture Governance at Synchrony typically requires 10+ years of relevant experience at the executive level.

What skills do you need for the VP – Data Architecture Governance role at Synchrony?expand_more

Key skills for VP – Data Architecture Governance at Synchrony include Aws; Redshift; Emr; Sagemaker; Ab Initio; Kafka; Hadoop; and Oracle.

What education is required for VP – Data Architecture Governance at Synchrony?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field (or High School/GED with 15+ years experience); and High School Diploma or GED (acceptable alternative with 15+ years experience).