Senior Manager, Corporate Functions Governance

Enterprise Shared Services (ESS) comprises key functions that are core to the company’s operations, including Global Real Estate & Workplace Experience, Global Supply Management, Business Resilience, Corporate Functions Governance & Control, Aviation, Internal Fraud Center of Excellence and Global Security. ESS helps keep American Express growing and puts our colleagues at the center of everything they do by delivering best-in-class services that power safe, resilient, and efficient operations around the world.

The Corporate Functions Governance & Control team within ESS serves as the business unit Governance & Control Management function for several corporate groups including ESS; Corporate Affairs & Communications (CA&C); Colleague Experience Group (CEG); General Counsel’s Organization (GCO); Enterprise Strategy (ES); and American Express National Bank Headquarters (AENB HQ). 

The objective of the Corporate Functions Governance & Control Governance team is to enable risk governance and control management for Corporate Functions, through a structure that governs, identifies, assesses, manages and reports on enterprise, operational and compliance risks.

The Corporate Functions Governance & Control(CFG&C) team is looking for a Senior Manager of Governance. The Senior Manager will lead cross-functional programs that advance the risk management and governance agenda across six Corporate Functions. Serving as a strategic partner to business and CFG&C leaders, this role drives execution of governance and risk initiatives, aligns stakeholders, manages dependencies, and delivers scalable solutions that strengthen risk management and organizational effectiveness. Success in this role requires strong program leadership, structured problem-solving, and the ability to influence outcomes across a highly matrixed environment.

In addition, the Senior Manager, Corporate Functions Governance will:

• Develop and manage project plans, milestones, dependencies, and stakeholder engagement to ensure successful delivery. 

• Advise business units on the execution of operational risk programs, governance requirements, and policy adherence. 

• Facilitate risk and control advisory councils, identifying key risks, decisions, dependencies, and execution challenges.

• Support the implementation of enterprise risk frameworks, governance processes, and program standards.

• Partner across Corporate Functions and CFG&C to drive alignment, remove barriers, and promote consistent, scalable ways of working. 

• Promote adoption of governance and risk management practices through effective communication, change management, and knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in program management, governance, operational risk, consulting, or a related field, with a proven track record of leading complex cross-functional initiatives in highly matrixed organizations.
• Strong program and project management capabilities, including planning, governance, change management, stakeholder management, execution tracking, and executive reporting
• Experience implementing governance processes and operating models, with an understanding of policy, regulatory, and operational risk management requirements.
• Exceptional analytical, structured problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, synthesize complex information, and influence decision-making at all levels.

• Highly collaborative, adaptable, and execution-oriented, with a demonstrated ability to drive results, manage competing priorities, and foster continuous improvement.

  Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, Legal Studies, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, JD) and/or relevant certifications preferred.
• Experience in at least one of the following:
• Supporting or leading governance, operational risk, regulatory, compliance, or enterprise program management initiatives within a complex, highly matrixed organization.
• Implementing governance frameworks, developing risk and control management practices, or driving process improvements that enhance risk management and operational effectiveness.
• Understanding of operational risk management concepts, including risk assessments, issues management, risk appetite, key risk indicators (KRIs), governance forums, and regulatory requirements.

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

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.