VP, Model Validation and Validation COE

Company: Synchrony Financial
Location: Costa Mesa
Posted on: February 2, 2026

Job Description:

Job ID: 2503884Job Description:Role Summary/Purpose:The VP, Fraud/GEN AI Validation COE is responsible for performing model validation for all the fraud models, and ensure they are meeting the related MRM policies, standards, procedures as well as regulations (SR 11-7). In addition, this role will establish and maintain a validation center of excellence to support the model governance team in designing the quality assurance process and leading the execution across all validations, act as an incubation center to test and run innovation, provide standardized training and staff development, and support the improvement of the model risk professional practice to improve the model stakeholder experience. This role requires high level of expertise with minimal technical supervision to serve as project lead as well as being accountable for validation results. The COE will closely partner with the model governance lead as well as other validation leads to drive tangible improvements to the model risk practice. Our Way of WorkingWe’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:Candidate will be responsible for work related to model validation and validation COE, both of which are outlined below:Model Validation COE – The candidate is expected to draw experience from validation to establish a validation center of excellence and support the model governance lead to drive best practice, specifically the objectives of the COE are: GEN AI Model Risk Management: Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive, end-to-end governance framework for Generative AI models, establishing clear standards, procedures, documentation templates, and process to effectively manage model risks such as hallucination, accuracy, and bias. This framework will enable the organization to consistently monitor and control these critical aspects throughout the model lifecycle, ensuring reliable and trustworthy AI outputs with disciplined and transparent oversight.Quality assurance and Capacity Planning: Establish and maintain a quality assurance process to thoroughly review and assess validation practices. Proactively challenge the status quo to identify gaps or improvement opportunities in validation efforts. Provide guidance on best practices, support capacity planning, and collaborate with the Model Governance team to recommend and implement enhancements that strengthen the overall validation framework.Strategy & Innovation: Serve as an incubation center to explore, test, and implement innovative approaches—leveraging Generative AI capabilities—to accelerate and improve the speed, efficiency, and quality of model validation processes.Professional Practice: Support the Model Governance team to improve 1LOD model owner experience and bring value focused validation practice.Model Validation:Accountable for all fraud model risk management and drive the timeline and completion of the projects with minimal guidance.Supervisory role working with junior reviewers in validation projects.Handle escalation of issues and dispute with model owner level independently. See through the issues remediation, root cause analysis, and potential risk acceptance.Support regulatory examinations and internal audits of the modeling process and selected models samples.Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.Qualifications/Requirements:5 years of experience in acquisition/transaction fraud model development or model validation in financial services, with experience in CI/CD frameworks preferred.Experience in generative AI model validation, framework development, or complex use case development.Proven experience automating validation processes and reducing cycle times using AutoML, generative AI, and related tools, including the ability to design and build necessary supporting infrastructureMaster’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field; or 9 years of equivalent experience in model development/validation within financial services, banking, or retail.4 years hands-on experience with data science and statistical tools such as Python, SPARK, Data Lake, AWS SageMaker, H2O, and SAS.4 years of machine learning experience, including handling large datasets and trend analysis.4 years applying US regulatory requirements for Model Risk Management.Ability and flexibility to travel for business as requiredDesired Characteristics:Strong knowledge of Model Risk Management regulatory requirements with a proven track record of compliance delivery.Experience in people and project management, including developing actionable plans, executing effectively, and meeting deadline-driven objectives.Familiarity with credit card and consumer finance products and business models.Knowledge of Credit Card/Consumer Finance products and business model.Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.Grade/Level: 12The salary range for this position is 135,000.00 – 230,000.00 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.Eligibility Requirements:You must be 18 years or olderYou must have a high school diploma or equivalentYou must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding processYou 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 TimeJob Family Group:Credit By applying, you consent to your information being transmitted by Veritone to the Employer, as data controller, through the Employer’s data processor SonicJobs. See Synchrony Financial Terms & Conditions at https://www.synchrony.com/terms-of-use.html and Privacy Policy at https://www.synchrony.com/privacy-policy.html and SonicJobs Privacy Policy at https://www.sonicjobs.com/us/privacy-policy and Terms of Use at https://www.sonicjobs.com/us/terms-conditions PandoLogic. Category:Protective Service, Keywords:VP Fraud, Location:Costa Mesa, CA-92627

Keywords: Synchrony Financial, Monterey Park , VP, Model Validation and Validation COE, IT / Software / Systems , Costa Mesa, California