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

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.