VP, Ombuds and Ethics

$150,000 - $250,000/Yr

Synchrony - Charlotte, NC

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Charlotte, NC

1,001-5,000 employees

Credit Intermediation and Related Activities

About the position

The VP, Ombuds and Ethics will lead the development and management of the company's ethics and integrity programs, ensuring a culture of transparency and fairness. This role serves as a trusted advisor for employees and management, addressing ethical and compliance-related matters while overseeing conflict of interest and anti-bribery initiatives. The position emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct at all organizational levels and requires strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and continuously improve the company's ombuds (ethics/integrity) program.
• Act as a confidential and neutral resource for employees to discuss concerns, conflicts, or potential misconduct.
• Chair the Ombuds Subcommittee and provide data regarding trends and themes related to concern reporting.
• Identify and report on issues arising from investigations in conjunction with the Legal Department.
• Oversee the review and potential revisions of the Code of Conduct and associated training.
• Develop and deliver ethics and conduct training programs for employees.
• Perform supplier management duties related to the third-party vendor for the Ombuds Program.
• Prepare and present reports to executive leadership and the board on ethics, conduct, and concern trends.
• Enhance key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess program effectiveness and identify risks.
• Oversee the Conflict-of-Interest Program and ensure timely notifications to employees regarding surveys.
• Ensure periodic review of the Anti-bribery Policy and provide effective challenge regarding business processes.
• Participate in the annual Compliance Risk Assessment for anti-bribery risks.
• Monitor regulatory changes and update policies accordingly.
• Engage with external stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies, when necessary.
• Act as a liaison between employees, Human Resource, Risk Management, and Legal teams.

Requirements

• BA/BS in business, risk management or related field with 8+ years of experience in ethics, compliance, Human Resources, Risk Management or Legal.
• In lieu of a degree, 12+ years of experience in ethics, compliance, Human Resources, Risk Management or Legal roles.
• Strong knowledge of ethics frameworks, regulatory compliance, and employment law.
• Demonstrated experience in conflict resolution, mediation, or investigation.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, ethical, and transparent workplace culture.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to present clear information to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrates a high level of integrity and commitment to ethical standards.

Nice-to-haves

• Ombuds experience for a financial institution preferred.
• Active listener with balanced judgement.
• Ability to take a landscape view and understand macro-level risks.
• Excellent judgment in determining relative weight and importance of risks.
• Diplomatic challenge and relationship-building skills.

Benefits

• Annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• Flexible work options including remote work and office attendance.