VP, Solution Architecture Manager - APIs

Job ID: 2504053 Job Description: Position Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Vice President, Solution Architecture Manager - APIs to lead as the Train Architect for the API Shared Services Agile Release Train (ART). In this critical leadership role, you will be responsible for delivering scalable, secure, and reusable API architectures for critical partner and internal API implementations. You will own Synchrony's API Gateway (Apigee) and Developer Portal as the app owner, shaping and advancing our developer experience by driving API tooling strategies including Postman Enterprise and SmartBear's API Hub, among others. As a visionary leader, you will evolve and champion Synchrony's API Center of Excellence (CoE) to engage and empower API teams across the enterprise. You will manage a team of API Engagement Engineers and consultants to deliver high-quality, standards-based APIs that accelerate Synchrony's enterprise transformation and partner integration 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. Core Responsibilities Train Architect Leadership Lead the API Shared Services Agile Release Train (ART) as the Train Architect, ensuring architectural integrity, alignment, and delivery of API solutions that meet business and technical goals. Collaborate closely with dependent teams and other ARTs to ensure API strategies and architectures support timely, predictable program deliveries. API Architecture and Strategy Define and deliver scalable, secure, and high-performing API architectures for critical internal and external partner integrations. Develop reusable API design patterns and best practices to standardize API development across the enterprise. Oversee API lifecycle management, including design, development, deployment, versioning, monitoring, and retirement. API Gateway & Developer Portal Ownership Serve as the application owner for Synchrony's API Gateway platform (Apigee) and the Developer Portal. Drive platform enhancements, governance policies, access controls, and performance optimizations. Continuously improve the developer experience through platform capabilities and innovation. API Tooling and Developer Enablement Lead the strategic adoption and integration of API tooling such as Postman Enterprise, SmartBear's API Hub, and other API design/testing/monitoring platforms. Collaborate with developer advocacy and engineering teams to ensure streamlined workflows and effective usage of API tools enterprise-wide. API Center of Excellence (CoE) Evolution Build and grow a centralized API Center of Excellence that provides governance, standards, training, and advisory services to API teams. Foster a community of practice to drive API maturity, innovation, and collaboration across Synchrony. Team Management and Leadership Manage and mentor a team of API Engagement Engineers and consultants, setting clear objectives, providing development opportunities, and ensuring high-quality delivery. Promote a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and cross-team collaboration under Agile/SAFe methodologies. Stakeholder Engagement Partner closely with business leaders, product managers, partner integration teams, security, compliance, and infrastructure teams to ensure APIs meet organizational standards and requirements. Communicate architecture concepts and decisions clearly to technical and business audiences. Governance and Security Define and enforce API governance, security policies, and compliance standards aligned with enterprise risk frameworks. Collaborate with security and risk teams to proactively address potential vulnerabilities and ensure secure API ecosystems. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related engineering field. Master's degree in Business Administration/Management or similar advanced degree is highly preferred. 8+ years of experience in API/middleware architecture, design, and implementation. Proven leadership experience managing technical teams, designing solutions and architecting as part of an Agile Release Train. Hands-on experience with and operational ownership of the Apigee API Gateway platform. Deep expertise with API design standards (REST, OpenAPI/Swagger, GraphQL), API security (OAuth, JWT), and integration patterns. Strong knowledge of API developer tools including Postman Enterprise, SmartBear API Hub, or similar. Experience in building and scaling an API Center of Excellence or similar enablement organizations. Strong understanding of Agile methodologies & the SAFe framework. Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to balance strategic vision with tactical execution in a fast-paced environment. Experience in financial services or regulated industries is a must. Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required Grade/Level: 13 The salary range for this position is 155,000.00 - 260,000.00 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-. Representatives are available from 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time Job Family Group: Information Technology