VP, Investigations Counsel & ICOE Leader

Job Description:

Role Summary/Purpose:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic attorney to lead Synchrony’s Investigations Center of Excellence (ICOE), which is within the Legal Department and reports to the SVP, Chief Litigation and Investigations Counsel. The primary responsibilities in this role are: 1) conducting internal investigations; and 2) leading and managing the team of internal investigators that form Synchrony’s ICOE. Investigations connected to this role primarily originate from Synchrony’s Ombuds program and focus on investigations relating to potential legal, regulatory, compliance, ethical, and reputational risks.  The investigations will also originate from Human Resources, and relate to other violations of Synchrony’s Code of Conduct, including those related to labor and employment (L&E) and general employee relations concerns. The attorney will also conduct internal investigations referred by management to determine leadership accountability. 

The position requires technical expertise in conducting and closing investigations on a timely basis, experience with investigating and/or managing employee relations issues within human resources or a compliance program,  and expertise in legal issues regarding investigations such as attorney-client privilege.  Managing, coaching, training and developing the investigators within the ICOE is also a critical component to the role.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Oversee and conduct internal investigations referred to the ICOE by the Ombuds Program, Human Resources, and Senior Leadership within the Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Audit functions.
• Assess risk, and provide both legal and non-legal advice and recommendations within the context of an investigation to the ICOE investigators, Human Resources, and the Ombuds Program.
• Demonstrate prior investigation experience and skills, including the ability to develop an investigation approach/strategy, effectively interview employees associated with an investigation, obtain and analyze evidence, draw relevant conclusions, and recommend remedial measures.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive and cohesive investigative reports and memorandum in a timely manner.
• Provide Legal, Compliance, Human Resources, and Business Leadership with oral updates and summaries of investigative findings.
• Identify, obtain, and analyze financial, operational and other data relevant to the investigation of allegations of misconduct and the assessment of enterprise risks.
• Interface with various levels of the organization, including senior management, as well as outside legal counsel and law enforcement, if necessary.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently and complete cases/projects in a timely manner in a fast-paced environment.
• Manage team of ICOE investigators, and provide coaching on investigative strategies, and all technical aspects of investigations, including interviews, report writing, findings presentations etc.
• Develop and implement strategy for the ICOE, and investigations policies and procedures for the Company broadly.
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

• JD from an accredited law school; active license to practice law.
• Minimum of 10 years legal experience, either at a law firm or corporation, and at least two years of experience conducting internal investigations, preferably in the financial services industry either in-house or at a government agency.
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to advise senior executives.
• High ethical standards and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Prior in-house experience conducting internal compliance and employee relations investigations.

Desired Characteristics:

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and the ability to quickly identify and prioritize issues and devise solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with credit card operations, including customer service and collections
• Ability to deal with potentially emotional issues
• Strong analysis skills and judgment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with credit card operations, including customer service and collections
• Ability to deal with potentially emotional issues
• Strong analysis skills and judgment
• Grade/Level: 14

Grade/Level: 14

The salary range for this position is 170,000.00 - 290,000.00 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:

Legal