Manager-Operations Risk Management at American Express

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175‑year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to backing our customers, communities, and colleagues. As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience this powerful support with comprehensive wellness programs, learning opportunities, and leadership growth in a global environment.

The Global Risk & Compliance Organization is an independent risk‑management function that ensures American Express operates in a safe, sound, and fully compliant manner with all applicable regulatory expectations. It creates, maintains, and assesses the overall risk‑management framework, monitors applicable risks, and drives a culture of risk awareness and regulatory proactivity across the company.

Role Overview

The Operational Risk Management (ORM) Governance team facilitates and monitors the implementation of effective operational risk programs throughout the company, overseeing risk ownership across product lines and processes. This role supports the International Card Services (ICS) unit, ensuring that first‑line risk identification, assessment, and mitigation align with enterprise risk‑management standards.

Responsibilities

• Support independent oversight of first‑line risk identification, assessment, and mitigation (e.g., Risk & Control Self‑Assessment) within International Card Services.
• Analyze business processes and activities to identify potential risks, control gaps, and emerging risks.
• Assist in developing and refining risk policies, standards, and procedures.
• Apply the enterprise risk framework across International Card Services.
• Embed risk‑management practices into daily operations and decision‑making.
• Track and analyze key risk indicators (KRIs), providing insights into risk trends and areas needing attention.
• Prepare risk‑reporting materials for senior management, risk committees, and regulatory engagements.
• Maintain awareness of relevant regulations and industry expectations to help the business navigate compliance requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments, scenario analyses, and deep dives to evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls.
• Act as a key risk partner to the first line, guiding risk identification, control enhancements, and remediation efforts.
• Monitor risk‑related issues, ensuring they are appropriately addressed and escalated when necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in risk management, preferably within a second‑line function in financial services, with a strong understanding of the risk management lifecycle.
• Knowledge of risk frameworks, regulatory environments, and industry best practices.
• Proven ability to assess and challenge first‑line risk practices independently.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, capable of translating complex risk concepts into actionable insights.
• Ability to build productive partnerships and influence stakeholders across the organization.
• Strong understanding of operational and regulatory risks.
• Proficiency in risk‑management tools, data analysis, and reporting systems.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving capabilities focused on actionable insights.
• Detail‑oriented and proactive, with strong prioritization skills in a dynamic environment.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to integrity and accountability.
• Knowledge of consumer and commercial bank/payment products.

Non‑considerations for sponsorship: Employment eligibility to work in the UK is required; visa sponsorship will not be pursued for this position.

Benefits

• Support for financial well‑being and retirement planning.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (vary by location).
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite, or virtual arrangements.
• Generous paid parental leave policies (vary by location).
• Free access to global on‑site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (vary by location).
• Confidential counseling support through the Healthy Minds program.
• Career development and training opportunities.

Employment Details

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Other

Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon a successful background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.