VP, Release Train Engineer

Job Description:

Role Summary/Purpose:

The VP, Release Train Engineer will be responsible for leading and coaching the API Shared Services Agile Release Train.  This ART unites the teams that develop Synchrony’s most highly-used APIs with the teams that facilitate API distribution and management to create and deliver a powerful suite of APIs and microservices, easily integrated into a wide array of products.

The RTE will coordinate Agile teams with the goal of leading innovative digital solutions to production. This role is responsible for collaborating with scrum masters, product owners, program manager and business leaders in setting the agile roadmap for this Value Stream, driving new innovations, and leading the Agile team to deliver technical capabilities in partnership with the Agile team and other teams within the company (Enterprise Customer Engagement, TechOps, Growth, Credit, etc).

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 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:

• Lead large/enterprise Agile initiative, utilizing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
• Facilitate and continuously align a large development program.
• Provide active, hands-on management of scrum masters and project coordinators
• Manage risk to ensure value delivery
• Facilitate PI planning events
• Track execution of features and capabilities
• Identify process gaps; plan, execute and drive process enhancements
• Coach leaders, teams and scrum masters in lean/Agile practices and mindset
• Plan and communicate with business, IT Leadership, and other key stakeholders regarding agile program status, milestones, issue resolution and escalation.
• Interact with business users to gather/validate requirements/epics and develop detailed roadmap that meets business objectives.
• Lead, manage and direct cross-functional resources (IT and Business) as required throughout agile lifecycle
• Responsible for tracking budget and issues for assigned agile teams.
• Create overall Agile program plan that tracks critical program milestones/releases.
• Oversee new dependencies, risks and priority changes that are introduced to the Agile program.
• Develop effective communication strategy across projects and constituencies.
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree and 7+ years of Technology experience or equivalent leadership program experience or in lieu of degree High School Diploma/GED and 10+ years of IT experience, experience in developing and implementing information systems and project management experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in developing and implementing information systems
• Minimum 5 years of experience in project management and/or scrum master with strong understanding of Agile

Desired Characteristics:

• Experience and knowledge working in SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)
• Proven track record of leading and executing on critical business initiatives on-time and within budget
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and work effectively across business boundaries
• Experience managing multiple scrum teams in parallel
• Experience managing projects in large banking and financial services companies
• Strong business acumen and superior decision-making skills
• Superior oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to manage expectations of the business, clients, team members, management and external groups
• Strong cross-functional team player with the ability to work seamlessly across a matrix organization
• Creativity, enthusiasm and energy with a strong customer "can do" attitude and result oriented.
• Hands on, self-motivated professional style with the ability to effectively prioritize multiple initiatives
• Ability to understand technical requirements of projects and effectively manage resources, vendors and test efforts
• Desire to work in an open, collaborative and fast-paced environment
• Grade/Level: 12

The salary range for this position is 110,000.00 - 185,000.00 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 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