Manager - Risk Management

American Express; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salaries

Bonus incentives

Medical and dental benefits

Hybrid/onsite/virtual arrangements

Generous parental leave and wellness

Job summary

American Express is seeking an experienced governance professional to support AML/KYC framework within ICS in Canada. The role emphasizes collaboration with diverse partners to meet regulatory obligations.

The candidate should show a track record of managing high-pressure programs, delivering quality outcomes and maintaining strong control environments across multiple geographies.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large complex projects through to execution with regulatory control.
• Executive-level updates and cross-functional stakeholder communication.
• Strong risk-focused mindset and control-driven delivery.

Responsibilities

• Drive delivery of AML/KYC initiatives for the market in line with AML roadmap.
• Lead end-to-end execution of AML regulatory changes and KYC requirements with partners across teams.
• Support the business in applying Enterprise-wide Operational Risk policies and guidance.
• Assist internal/external audits related to AML/KYC functions and provide governance oversight.
• Act as trusted advisor on risk assessment and root-cause analysis for controls.

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Data analytics

MS Visio

PowerPoint

Excel

SQL

Education

Master's degree

Tools

SQL

Job description

Job Description

International Governance and Control does sit within International Card Services (ICS) which comprises of all the issuing functions across all 28 international markets excluding the US - colleagues operate across a variety of geographies and disciplines. ICS issues products to our Consumer and Commercial customers – the organization is an integral part of the global growth strategy for American Express; offering differentiated products and services is critical to our success and promises to drive significant growth and value through the delivery of innovative products, tailored to the needs of our customers. The objective of the Financial Crimes and ICS Data Office team is to establish a robust and sustainable framework for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) while simultaneously ensuring the effective implementation of KYC/AML regulatory obligations. This team provides support to business units in fulfilling all relevant operational risk, regulatory, and compliance requirements. The role will involve extensive collaboration with multiple partners across numerous business units, functional areas, and geographies.

Job Description

International Governance and Control does sit within International Card Services (ICS) which comprises of all the issuing functions across all 28 international markets excluding the US - colleagues operate across a variety of geographies and disciplines. ICS issues products to our Consumer and Commercial customers – the organization is an integral part of the global growth strategy for American Express; offering differentiated products and services is critical to our success and promises to drive significant growth and value through the delivery of innovative products, tailored to the needs of our customers. The objective of the Financial Crimes and ICS Data Office team is to establish a robust and sustainable framework for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) while simultaneously ensuring the effective implementation of KYC/AML regulatory obligations. This team provides support to business units in fulfilling all relevant operational risk, regulatory, and compliance requirements. The role will involve extensive collaboration with multiple partners across numerous business units, functional areas, and geographies.

Purpose Of The Role

The main area of responsibility for this position is to support the governance of Governance & Control framework within ICS, with a focus on ensuring compliance with regulatory landscape in Canada. This is a Band 35 role. We are looking for an experienced candidate who can demonstrate a truly collaborative approach to project delivery and management of our stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be able to show a track record of operating effectively in high pressure, rapidly changing circumstances without ever compromising quality of delivery.

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to the following list:

• Drive delivery of critical AML/KYC initiatives for the market in line with strategic priorities and AML roadmap.
• Will be responsible for the end-to-end execution of AML regulatory changes and KYC requirements in partnership with business & stakeholders across teams, managing program governance and ensuring effective implementation.
• Supporting the business in execution of the company’s operational risk framework, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Enterprise-wide Operational Risk Policy and related guidance.
• Supporting internal/external audits and reviews related to AML & KYC functions.
• Acting as a trusted advisor supporting the business on assessing, mitigating, and accepting risk; ensuring a strong control focus is integrated into day-to-day operations and risks are managed effectively with root causes identified and addressed.
• Prepare and collate status reports on the key initiatives to go into Senior Leadership Steering Committees.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proven experience leading large complex projects/programs of change through to execution, ensuring compliance with regulatory control management requirements.
• Exceptional and confident communication, and relationship management skills to lead, influence and work closely with a large audience of partners at various levels of seniority and cross-functional partners, with proven experience of producing executive-level updates.
• Project management, organizational and problem-solving skills with demonstrable experience in navigating changing circumstances/evolving landscape.
• Demonstrated ability in balancing multiple demands and expectations, managing conflicts while operating in a fast-paced, highly complex environment, ensuring quality and impact of program deliverables. Essential to be able to demonstrate strong resilience and calm approach under pressure.
• Ability to ask the “right” questions without having extensive knowledge in a particular business area.
• Strong analytics, tracking/reporting of metrics/data, and structured problem-solving skills.
• High levels of proficiency in MS Visio, PowerPoint, Excel with advanced excel being an advantage for success in this role.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years overall experience in related field including minimum 5 years people leadership experience.
• Master's degree.
• Experience in Operational Risk Management, Compliance, Internal Audit, AML/CFT or a related discipline.
• Knowledge and experience of the Canadian Regulatory environment will be a strong advantage.
• Previous experience leading and performing analysis using advanced Excel, SQL or similar.

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

The job posting is for an existing vacancy.

Benefits

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

American Express is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible work environment in which all people who apply for positions or who work for or on behalf of Amex are treated with dignity and respect and are provided with equal treatment with respect to employment, regardless of that person's age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, colour, ancestry, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, religion or creed, marital status, family status, pregnancy, disability, record of offences, social condition or origin, political beliefs, association or activity or other factors prohibited under applicable Human Rights legislation (the “Prohibited Grounds”). If you have a disability and need accommodation, please speak with the Recruiter for more information.

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

About Us

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.