VP Cloud Data Solution Architect

Role Summary/Purpose:

We are looking for a VP, Cloud Data Solution Architect to lead the strategic design of Synchrony’s enterprise data ecosystem in the cloud that supports both operational and analytic objectives.  This individual will drive the strategy and architecture for data modernization initiatives, enabling high-performing, secure, scalable and resilient data platforms that create superior user experiences.  The role consists of defining target-state cloud data architecture, consumption patterns, controls, design standards, and implementation approaches that improve data accessibility, performance, and business usability. Ideal candidate will effectively partner with senior business, technology, security, risk, data, analytics, and product stakeholders to modernize legacy data ecosystems, establish reusable migration frameworks, and drive adoption of cloud-native data capabilities, to support high-availability operational activities, AI / Advanced analytics, and architecture best practices that enhance enterprise data consumption and user experience.  Ideally, candidate will leverage AI & other automation tools to deliver on priorities efficiently and creatively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide architecture thought leadership across cloud data platforms, data lakehouse and data mesh patterns, event-driven architecture, API-enabled data sharing, semantic layers, and modern AI / analytics ecosystems.

• Shape and maintain target-state architecture and modernization roadmaps that align cloud migration initiatives with business priorities, enterprise data strategy, operational resilience, consumption performance, superior user experience, and long-term scalability.

• Support architectural evaluations and trade-off decisions across cloud-native services, integration patterns, data storage models, query performance, data access patterns, security controls, resiliency needs, and cost optimization considerations.

• Partner with senior technology, business, security, risk, data, analytics, and product stakeholders to assess current-state environments, identify modernization opportunities, and improve the usability, discoverability, and performance of enterprise data products.

• Establish and promote architecture principles, design patterns, reference architectures, standards, and reusable migration frameworks for secure, governed, scalable, and high-performing cloud data solutions.

• Influence and align cross-functional teams across enterprise architecture, engineering, product, analytics, and platform organizations by translating architecture decisions into clear business value, user impact, implementation options, risks, dependencies, and strategic recommendations.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to architects and engineering teams on cloud-native data design, migration patterns, consumption optimization, operational readiness, emerging cloud practices, and modern data architecture trends.

• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Data Management, or related field with 8+ years of experience in information technology, data architecture, enterprise architecture, cloud architecture, or related technology roles OR in lieu of the bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in one of these roles.

• 5+ years of applied experience designing, modernizing, or migrating data platforms in cloud environments.

• Demonstrated experience with cloud-native data platforms, data lakes, lakehouse architectures, data warehousing, identity & access management (IAM), security, data protection, data integration, and analytics ecosystems.

• Experience defining target-state architecture, modernization roadmaps, reference architectures, design patterns, and implementation standards.

• Agile experience using JIRA or similar Agile tools.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with globally located Agile teams working in different shifts.

• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required

Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• Prior work experience in a credit card / banking / fintech company

• Well versed in cloud platforms (AWS, GCP or similar) and familiarity of software solutions for containerized and micro services based eco-systems.

• Proficiency in cloud automation and orchestration tools and techniques.

• Experience building environments for or working with data-driven models

• Experience dealing with sensitive data in a highly regulated environment.

• Demonstrated implementation of complex and innovative solutions.

• Deep knowledge of SAFe and experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives at enterprise scale.  

• Demonstrated track record of leading and delivering high-impact business and technology transformation programs.  

• Results-oriented, with high ownership, strong bias for action, and a continuous improvement mindset.  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence, align stakeholders, and manage expectations at multiple levels.  

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.

Our Way of Working:

We’re proud to offer you 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. You will be required to commute to your nearest Hub (either virtual or physical) for in-person engagement activities such as regular business or team meetings, training and culture events. 

*Field Sales and some Commercial team roles may have varied location requirements based upon partner obligations or preferences.

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:

Information Technology