Manager - ICS Governance-Exam & Audit Management

American Express; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company in the UK seeks a Manager of Governance-Exam & Audit Management. This critical role involves overseeing regulatory exams, leading analytical trend analysis, and delivering governance reporting for senior leadership. Candidates should possess experience in operational risk management and excellent project management skills. This position offers competitive compensation, hybrid work options, and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive base salaries

Bonus incentives

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

Flexible working model

Career development and training opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in operational risk management through Risk/Internal Audit functions.
• Skilled in governance reporting tailored for senior leadership.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead trend analysis of regulatory exams and internal audits.
• Deliver governance reporting for senior leadership.
• Design effective oversight mechanisms for ERAs.

Skills

Operational risk management

Governance reporting

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Financial services experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Business, Risk Mgmt.

Tools

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

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 Express. ICS Governance & Control sits within International Card Services (ICS), which comprises 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.

ICS Governance & Control Operations is looking for a Manager of Governance-Exam & Audit Management focused on providing effective governance, oversight and reporting of Regulatory Exams, Second-Line Reviews, and Internal Audits (ERAs) impacting ICS. This role requires strong governance, risk management expertise, and collaboration across multiple functions to deliver seamless governance and reporting deliverables. The role will also provide structured advisory support to ensure operational stability and strategic alignment. This role is critical in formalizing processes, reducing reactive interventions, and enabling improvement initiatives across enterprise operations. It will involve extensive collaboration with multiple partners across numerous business units, functional areas, and geographies.

How will you make a difference in this role?

The Manager, ICS Governance-Exam & Audit Management will:

• Lead analytical trend analysis of regulatory exams, internal audits, and second-line review outcomes impacting ICS to identify systemic issues and inform strategic risk mitigation.
• Deliver timely, clear, and insightful governance reporting for senior leadership, including the BU President.
• Design and implement robust oversight and escalation mechanisms to ensure effective governance of ERAs impacting the Business Unit.
• Manage the ICS Exams, Reviews & Audits calendar, proactively identifying scheduling conflicts and providing clear, strategic feedback to second- and third-line review partners to ensure alignment and smooth execution.
• Maintain governance frameworks, operating models, and Playbooks to clarify roles, responsibilities, and accountability across ICS ERAs.
• Support teams in preparing for ERAs by leading guidance-sharing sessions and delivering tailored pre-pack materials that clarify expectations and enhance readiness.
• Develop BU-specific procedures, training and additional standards related to the execution ERAs.
• Partner cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement in ERA management and embed strong risk culture across the organization.
• Where required, facilitate the day-to-day external exam management process, working with the Enterprise functions and other Exam & Audit Management colleagues (e.g., preparing stakeholders before and during on-site engagements, data request compilation, factual accuracy review of potential findings, quality control of regulator-bound documentation and action plans, rigor over action-plan implementation, and regulatory adherence).

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in operational risk management (e.g., within Risk and/or Internal Audit function/Regulatory body).
• Skilled in governance reporting and process oversight, with a proven ability to create compelling, audience-tailored reporting packs for senior leadership ensuring clarity, impact, and strategic alignment.
• Demonstrates excellent practical and technical program and project management skills, along with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to summarize and present concise, action-oriented escalations to senior management.
• Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to analyze data, identify trends, and evaluate risk scenarios effectively.
• High attention to detail and ability to clearly articulate complex information in written and visual formats, including PowerPoint.
• Broad and deep experience within the financial services industry. Must have strong relevant experience of operating across multiple geographies and multiple lines of business.
• Manage multiple competing priorities and coordinate stakeholders to deliver against critical deadlines.
• Builds strong relationships across the enterprise, resolving blockers and driving collaboration.
• Experience in building and embedding new teams and programs, fostering inclusive culture and high performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Business, Risk Mgmt., or related field; advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, MSc) or certifications are advantageous.
• Experience in at least one of the following:
  • Prior experience as an auditor/examiner.
  • Facilitating the operational risk exam management processes.
  • Translating operational risk strategy and appetite into execution guidelines.
  • Oversee the implementation of operational risk governance frameworks.
  • Communicating and ensuring understanding and adherence to operational risk procedures and standards.
• Experience in the financial services industry.

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

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.