Senior Manager – Global Acquiring Partnerships and Programs

The Global Acquiring Partnerships and Programs Team (GAPP) within Global Merchant and Network Services (GMNS) is tasked with making American Express “Welcomed Everywhere and Used Every Day” – an important strategic focus for the company. The GAPP team leads relationships across several partnership models with innovative FinTech companies, traditional Merchant Acquirers or Banks, and specialized Payment Aggregators to achieve this mission. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced, dynamic team managing relationships with Third-Party Partners such as PNC Bank, Electronic Payments, Windcave, Upserve, KeyBank, and Fortis which sit under the OptBlue program. 

These relationships are significant, complex, and critical to achieving American Express’s strategic objectives for merchant acceptance. The role is multifaceted and requires building relationships across external and internal stakeholders at various seniority levels. In this role, you will own the strategic development of your accounts and be responsible for driving profitable business initiatives. You will also lead the day-to-day relationships to implement tactical initiatives that will drive growth through our partnerships. 

• Key lead for business development discussions, contract negotiations and managing the overall partner relationships for an assigned portfolio of partners.
• Act as the internal point of contact and subject matter expert on your portfolio, formulating a perspective on the external landscape to bring into American Express. 
• Deepen senior level relationships with partners to help strategically position American Express.
• Partner with internal Marketing and Analytics teams to design and implement initiatives that increase merchant activation, drive Welcomed Acceptance and deliver incremental value to our partners.
• Project manage new partner and capability launches (e.g., network products/capabilities, AXP enterprise strategies) by working closely with internal stakeholders and partner leads to ensure successful and timely launches.

• Excellent partnership and/or client management skills (industry agnostic) with a demonstrated ability to influence C-level executives at business partners. 
• Self-starter with the ability to think creatively and strategically in a world of evolving payment trends and innovations. 
• Proven ability to work through complex business and operational opportunities to identify clear action plans, and drive resolution in a matrix organization with multiple stakeholders.
• Detail oriented project management skills and the ability to manage multiple accounts and initiatives in parallel. 
• Being comfortable with navigating white space to develop partner friendly solutions. 
• Proven influence and negotiation skills.
• An ability to present effectively to large audiences.
• Excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills with the ability to use Microsoft Office.
• An interest or background in Emerging Payments and/or Fintech is a plus.

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.