Job Details

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 Express.

About the Role

The legal industry is evolving — and so are we. The Global Counsel’s Organization (GCO) in American Express is transforming how legal teams deliver value through technology, innovation, and operational excellence.

As the Manager – Legal Program Team, you’ll play a pivotal role in strengthening our global legal governance and risk management frameworks. You’ll combine legal, compliance and operational expertise with program management and data-driven insights to drive compliance, efficiency, and innovation across key enterprise programs that shape the future of our business.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations and transformation for GCO in connection with core Enterprise frameworks, including Regulatory Change Management, Global Legal Inventory, Records Management, and New Product Governance.

• Oversee governance documentation, policy alignment, and ongoing program enhancements.

• Partner with Compliance, Technology, Control Management, and other functions to ensure consistent and compliant execution of enterprise frameworks.

Innovation & Process Optimization

• Identify and implement process improvements using technology, automation, and generative AI.

• Drive continuous improvement of legal service delivery models, including workflow optimization and knowledge management tools.

• Lead initiatives to simplify and modernize legal processes and platforms.

Stakeholder Engagement & Training

• Serve as a trusted partner to legal colleagues and business stakeholders, providing proactive, business-oriented solutions.

• Coordinate and deliver training, documentation, and communications to ensure awareness and adherence to key programs.

• Build strong partnerships across global teams to promote alignment, consistency, and knowledge sharing.

Data Analytics & Reporting

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure program effectiveness.

• Present insights to senior management and influence decisions.

• Partner with internal audit and risk functions to ensure controls and compliance are monitored effectively.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and coach a Legal Analyst and other team members, fostering professional growth and excellence.

• Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive team culture focused on accountability and innovation.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• JD and admission to practice law in the United States, or equivalent qualification in compliance, risk, or legal governance.

• 5 years of experience in legal, compliance, risk management, or program management roles within financial services or technology sectors.

• Proven ability to manage complex projects, build consensus, and deliver results in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.

• Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

• Experience using legal technology and AI tools to enhance service delivery.

• Strong executive presence, interpersonal skills, and ability to influence at all levels.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a focus on clarity and business impact.

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

Ideal Personal Attributes:

• Accountable and collaborative team player who builds positive relationships globally.

• Strategic thinker with a growth mindset and adaptability in a changing environment.

• Problem-solving abilities, with a resourceful, can-do attitude.

• Enthusiastic about technology, innovation, and process improvement.

• Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• Opportunity to shape the future of legal operations and governance at a global scale.

• Exposure to enterprise-level programs and senior leadership across multiple regions.

• A culture that embraces innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

• A global network of passionate legal professionals committed to excellence and integrity.

• This role offers significant opportunities for career growth, including potential pathways to leadership and other positions within the organization.

Qualifications

Salary Range: $123,000.00 to $215,250.00 annually bonus benefits

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we’ll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.

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

• 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan

• Free financial coaching and financial well-being support

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits

• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need

• 20 weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy

• 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

For a full list of Team Amex benefits, visit our Colleague Benefits Site .

American Express is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. American Express will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including, but not limited to, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. For positions covered by federal and/or state banking regulations, American Express will comply with such regulations as it relates to the consideration of applicants with criminal convictions.

We back our colleagues with the support they need to thrive, professionally and personally. That's why we have Amex Flex, our enterprise working model that provides greater flexibility to colleagues while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite, in a hybrid model (combination of in-office and virtual days) or fully virtually.

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

Job: Legal

Primary Location: US-New York-New York

Schedule Full-time

Req ID: 25020658