Director-Operations Risk Management

American Express; London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in London is seeking a Director for Operational Risk Management. This role involves overseeing risk identification, assessment, and compliance across business units. Candidates should possess strong experience in risk management within financial services and exceptional analytical skills. The position offers competitive compensation and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Bonus incentives

Comprehensive medical and dental benefits

Flexible working model

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in risk management within financial services.
• Knowledge of risk management frameworks and regulatory environments.
• Proven ability to challenge first-line risk practices.

Responsibilities

• Assess and challenge first-line risk management practices.
• Analyze business processes to identify risks.
• Support the development of risk policies and standards.
• Track key risk indicators and provide insights.
• Conduct risk assessments and scenario analyses.

Skills

Risk management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Relationship building

Regulatory knowledge

Tools

Risk management tools

Data analysis systems

Job description

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. As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience this 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

The Global Risk & Compliance Organization is an independent risk management function, led by the Chief Risk Officer, with the objective of ensuring that American Express operates in a safe, sound, and fully compliant manner with all applicable regulatory expectations. Global Risk & Compliance creates and maintains the overall risk management framework, performs independent risk management assessments, and monitors applicable risks. Colleagues at Global Risk & Compliance are passionate about our commitment to drive the Company’s goals of growth and progress by creating a culture of risk awareness and proactivity around regulatory matters.

How will you make an impact in this role?

The Operational Risk Management (ORM) team facilitates and monitors the implementation of effective operational risk management programs throughout the company, and oversees risk ownership throughout business units, products, and processes. The objective of the ORM Governance team is to develop, oversee and strengthen the organization’s ORM framework to ensure that governance structures, policies, and procedures are robust, effective, and align with regulatory requirements and best practices.

American Express International Card Services is a leading issuer and provider of Consumer and Commercial products and services across many countries around the world. The International Card Services team vision is to ensure each customer has access to flexible payment options, relevant rewards, and the powerful backing of American Express.

The ORM Governance Organization is looking for a Director, International Card Services Operational Risk to join a diverse team of high-performing individuals focused on the effective oversight of risk identification, assessment, and mitigation across the Business Unit, while maintaining alignment with the organization’s enterprise risk management framework.

Reporting directly to the VP, Operational Risk Officer, this role plays a critical part in assessing, monitoring, and challenging the first line’s risk management practices. The ideal candidate will work closely with first-line stakeholders and enterprise risk functions to provide independent oversight and challenge, ensuring that risks are managed effectively and in compliance with regulatory expectations.

The Director, International Card Services Operational Risk will:

• Assess and challenge first-line risk identification, assessment, and mitigation efforts (i.e., Risk & Control Self-Assessment) within International Card Services to ensure alignment with enterprise risk standards
• Analyze business processes and activities to identify potential risks, control gaps, and emerging risks
• Support the development and refinement of risk policies, standards, and procedures
• Assist in applying the enterprise risk management framework across International Card Services
• Support International Card Services in embedding risk management practices into daily operations and decision-making
• Track and analyze key risk indicators (KRIs), providing insights into risk trends and areas requiring attention
• Contribute to risk reporting efforts, preparing materials for senior management, risk committees, and regulatory engagements
• Maintain an understanding of relevant regulations and industry expectations to help the business navigate compliance requirements
• Participate in risk governance forums, working groups, and committee meetings, providing input on risk topics
• Conduct risk assessments, scenario analyses, and deep dives to evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls
• Act as a key risk oversight to the first line, providing guidance on risk identification, control enhancements, and remediation efforts
• Support risk awareness initiatives by contributing to training sessions and risk culture programs
• Monitor risk-related issues, ensuring they are appropriately addressed

• Escalate significant risk concerns and control deficiencies to senior risk colleagues and relevant stakeholders

Qualifications:

• Experience in risk management, preferably within a second-line function in financial services, and understands critical risk management lifecycle activities
• Knowledge of risk management frameworks, regulatory environments, and industry best practices
• Proven ability to assess and challenge first-line risk practices independently
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to translate complex risk concepts into actionable insights
• Demonstrated history and 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, with a focus 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

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

ORMCM

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

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