SVP, Chief Business Development and M&A Counsel

Job Description:

Role Summary/Purpose:

Responsible  for  delivery of broad scope legal counsel to business and functions,  both  directly  and  through  management  and  supervision  of  the  in-house  legal  resources  and  outside  counsel.   Main focus is to advise business, negotiate with counterparties, and draft agreements for commercial, M&A and venture investment transactions. Own the creation, implementation and maintenance of the legal strategy for M&A and new deals in all of Synchrony’s sales platforms and provide advice and counsel on deal and structuring to business teams.

Essential Responsibilities:

• The individual will be an integral part of the senior business leadership team and senior legal staff and will be responsible for delivering premier legal services to the business, both directly and through management and supervision of in-house legal resources and outside counsel.

• Role will report to Synchrony’s Deputy General Counsel but will serve as the primary lawyer supporting Synchrony’s EVP & Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer. 

• Proven ability to independently lead and execute all facets of challenging transactional engagements from preliminary/conceptual advice, through structuring, due diligence, negotiating, drafting, closing, integration and post-closing conflict resolution.

• Highly polished and effective negotiation, communication and drafting skills, including those suitable for interaction with very senior managers, executives and regulators.

• Counseling with respect to all credit card partnerships, commercial and M&A transactions, antitrust and corporate matters.

• Provide technical expertise / leadership to support the business growth targets with a good balance between legal and commercial mindset.

• Strong leadership capabilities with demonstrated success in growing, empowering and managing high performing legal talent.

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

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree and JD with 10+ years' experience in relevant commercial transactions/M&A areas, based on experience at a large law firm, financial firm, regulatory/governmental agency or corporate legal department.

• Deep understanding of financial services products, partnership-based credit card program agreements, marketplace, competitors and regulations.

• Experience setting and driving strategy for a defined business unit / product.

• Experience negotiating complex legal terms with internal and external clients and counterparties on fast-paced business-critical transactions.

• Bar admission. 

Desired Characteristics:

• Prior experience in an in-house legal department.

• Established ability to influence actions without direct leadership responsibility for teams or processes with a proven ability to build relationships within a matrixed environment (both cross-functionally and cross-business).

• Experience at a credit card issuer, including knowledge relating to operations, risk management, marketing and compliance.

• Excellent communication skills -- written and oral.

• Experience managing professional legal teams.

• Strong interpersonal skills -- able to effectively interact with senior management.

• Proven leadership and business partnering skills.

• Experience leading successful negotiations 

• Proven success and ability to set priorities and drive projects to conclusion. 

• Demonstrated ability to think and lead on a strategic level within an organization.

• Financial services industry experience.

Grade/Level: 16

The salary range for this position is 235,000.00 - 390,000.00 USD Annual.  This position is also eligible for an Annual Incentive Plan target of 30% of salary and an Annual Equity target of 30% of salary.

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<