VP, Cloud Solution Architect

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.

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