VP, IAM Strategic Planning and Automation Leader

Job Description:

Role Summary/Purpose: 

Synchrony Identity and Access Management (IAM) team is seeking an experienced and visionary IAM leader to head the Identity and Access Management Strategic Planning and Automation team. This individual will be responsible for guiding a team of IAM Solution Architects and automation engineers in designing, developing, and implementing scalable, secure, and seamless identity and access solutions across the enterprise. The role requires a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership, and strategic vision to ensure our IAM ecosystem supports business needs, security requirements, and digital transformation initiatives.

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

The ideal candidate for this role will embrace the exciting blend of technical expertise, program management, engagement ability and leadership that is required to be successful.

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of IAM Solution Architects and automation engineers responsible for enterprise IAM services including authentication, authorization, privileged access, and identity lifecycle management.

• Define and drive the overall IAM architectural strategy and roadmap aligned with business objectives and security best practices.

• Oversee the design and implementation of IAM solutions incorporating industry standards and protocols such as SAML, OAuth2, OIDC, SCIM, PAM, RBAC/ABAC.

• Ensure seamless integration of IAM platforms with cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP), on-premises systems, and SaaS applications.

• Provide thought leadership during vendor evaluations, product selections, and oversee the delivery of IAM projects and initiatives.

• Foster collaboration across security, IT, and business teams to translate complex requirements into robust IAM architectures.

• Champion automation and DevSecOps practices within the IAM environment, leveraging tools such as Terraform, Ansible, and CI/CD pipelines.

• Ensure regulatory compliance related to IAM including SOX, GDPR, PCI, and financial institution standards.

• Conduct regular risk assessments, threat modeling, and security reviews related to identity and access solutions.

• Stay abreast of emerging IAM technologies, industry trends, and evolving threat landscapes to proactively evolve the IAM strategy.

• Manage budgeting, resource planning, and performance management for the IAM strategic planning and architecture team.

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and high-quality customer experience within the team.

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

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of IT/IS experience with at least 7+ years focused on Identity and Access Management; or in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree, a High School Diploma / GED and 13+ years of IT/IS experience with at least 7+ years focused on Identity and Access Management

• Proven experience managing teams of IAM architects, engineers, or developers.

• Deep expertise in IAM tools and platforms such as SailPoint, Okta, CyberArk, Delinea, Microsoft Entra ID, and directory services including Active Directory.

• Strong knowledge of identity protocols (SAML, OAuth 2.0, OIDC, LDAP, SCIM) and cloud IAM models.

• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide IAM architecture, governance, and operations in hybrid and cloud environments.

• Industry-recognized certifications preferred (CISSP, CISM, CCSP, Okta Certified Architect, SailPoint Architect, Microsoft IAM certifications).

• Experience with Zero Trust Architecture, PAM, and modern IAM best practices.

• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks applicable to IAM within financial services or similar sectors.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments with a focus on delivering business value.

• Demonstrated experience with automation and DevSecOps integration into IAM processes.

Desired Characteristics:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field

• Master's degree preferred

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

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