Director-Risk Management

The Global Risk & Compliance (GRC) organization serves as American Express’ independent risk management function. GRC maintains the enterprise risk framework, provides oversight and challenge, and monitors key risks. By embedding risk discipline into strategy and operations, GRC enables responsible growth, innovation, and long-term value creation while protecting customers and shareholders.

The Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) organization within Global Risk and Compliance (GRC) is responsible for identifying and managing risk across all processes and geographies at American Express. 

The Director, AEPSL (American Express Payment Services Ltd), UK Chief Risk Officer team, within the GRC organization, is responsible for establishing the second line of defense framework for the AEPSL Legal Entity.  We are seeking an experienced risk leader to be a part of this exciting journey.  The incumbent will lead a risk professional to identify, assess, measure, manage and report risk and strengthen the governance structure for the UK Entity AEPSL issuing and acquiring businesses.

• Develop risk tolerance limits, and establish risk appetite metrics and escalation thresholds for all major risk stripes in accordance with regulatory requirements, and risk appetite.

• Identify emerging risks in accordance with the risk appetite program

• Ensure successful execution against relevant policies and frameworks for the ILE, including establish policies, practices, and other control mechanisms to manage key enterprise risks

• Monitor and report on aggregate risk profile, initiating appropriate actions to ensure adherence to risk appetite and support successful escalation of risks to the Governance Committees

• Participate actively in governance committees, ensuring risk governance

• Provide oversight of internal control framework and management of risks, including Third party & outsourcing

• Provide effective challenge through reviews of critical processes and projects and governance structures of AEPSL, 

• Maintain and continuously enhance Legal Entity Risk Management Framework

• Collaborate effectively with GM & CEO, Credit and Fraud Risk, Compliance, GCO, Operations Excellence / Control Management, Treasury, Controllership and other stakeholders in the first line teams to ensure regulatory compliance and manage regulatory relationship and exams for safety & soundness related regulations

• Lead the functional oversight of risk management activities including the oversight of key risk-taking activities and core risk controls across AEPSL.

• Provide oversight of AEPSL. operations through the establishment and ongoing maintenance of an effective enterprise risk management program

• 8+ years of leadership experience in risk management, compliance, treasury, controllership, or a similar role; 

• Strong analytical skills and business acumen with a risk-reward control perspective; and the ability to balance commercial objectives with sound risk management.

• Strong understanding of local market regulatory requirements and payment institution industry.

• Experience in interacting with regulators and familiarity with Europe regulatory landscape and requirements;

• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple priorities under pressure;

• Fluency in English (verbal and written);

• Advanced degree in business, economics, engineering, or a related field or a related quantitative field is preferred; professional certifications such as FRM, CFA, are valued.

• Familiarity with analytical methods and tools would be preferred. 

 Leadership Skills:

• Proven leader who can build, inspire, and coach a team with a passion for the business;

• Excellent relationship and influence management skills with the ability to build productive relationships across teams and levels of seniority; including senior leaders, board of directors, regulators, and stakeholders.

• Self-confident with a strong sense of integrity and the ability and willingness to challenge and be challenged;

• Proactive in identifying issues, delivering and escalating key findings, and advising on recommended solutions to correct issues or mitigate risks;

• Ability to communicate oversight findings to colleagues, business partners, and senior leaders;

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the UK is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.  

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.

As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.

We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
• Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
• Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
• Career development and training opportunities