Director - Global Program Management, Air & Transportation

TLS Global Strategic Partnerships & Marketing 

The Global Strategic Partnerships and Marketing (GPM) within TLS/American Express Travel brings together the best travel partners in the world to create unparalleled value and unforgettable experiences across the travel journey - and amplifies this to Card Members wherever they are. 

Job Description 

The Global Airline and Transportation team within Global Strategic Partnerships and Marketing is responsible for managing and growing American Express Travel’s relationships with airline and transportation suppliers globally. This team leads a portfolio of airline partners, negotiating commercial agreements that optimize supplier economics while delivering differentiated value to American Express Card Members. 

The Director, Global Program Management – Air & Car will lead a newly established function responsible for defining and scaling the global program strategy, standards, and governance framework across airline and car partnerships. This role will be critical in driving consistency, operational excellence, and long-term commercial value, while enabling Account Management teams to maximize revenue and partner performance.

We are seeking a strategic, execution-oriented leader who can build structure, drive alignment across a complex stakeholder landscape, and translate vision into scalable programs. This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping the future operating model for Air & Transportation partnerships and ensuring a differentiated, best-in-class experience for Card Members globally

• Define and lead the global portfolio strategy and prioritization for airline and transportation partners, ensuring focus on highest-value opportunities 
• Evolve and strengthen the Air & Transportation value proposition, program standards, and positioning to drive competitive differentiation 
• Establish and scale global governance frameworks, including contract standards, compliance (PRSA, RCSA), and risk management processes 
• Lead airline contract structure and negotiation frameworks in partnership with Account Management and RM to optimize commercial outcomes 
• Drive operational excellence across online and offline channels, ensuring consistent execution, presentation, and customer experience 
• Develop and implement standardized onboarding, documentation, and partner processes to enable scalability 
• Build and manage global performance tracking, including scorecards, KPIs, and accountability frameworks across partners 
• Translate audit insights and performance data into actionable strategies in partnership with Account Management teams 
• Serve as central liaison across TLS and Enterprise stakeholders to ensure alignment and resolve cross-functional issues 
• Identify and drive innovation opportunities through competitive insights, industry trends, and emerging capabilities 

• Strong strategic thinker with a growth mindset and ability to balance long-term vision with near-term execution 
• Proven ability to build and scale programs, frameworks, or operating models in complex, matrixed organizations 
• Exceptional problem solver with comfort navigating ambiguity and driving structured solutions 
• Demonstrated experience leading high-performing teams and developing talent 
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive alignment across functions 
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex topics into clear, actionable insights 
• Proven ability to collaborate across multiple teams including Partnerships, Product, Capabilities, Marketing, and Operations 
• Ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels, with strong attention to detail and execution rigor 
• Experience with governance, risk management, and operational processes is strongly preferred 

• Familiarity with travel, partnerships, or marketplace businesses is a plus

  
  
  
  

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

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.

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.