Director & Counsel – Legal Risk, Central Support & Service Delivery

Director & Counsel – Legal Risk, Central Support & Service Delivery

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.

The General Counsel's Organization (GCO) of American Express is where great legal minds influence global business strategy. The GCO mission is to protect and strengthen American Express through legal expertise and strategic advice that helps business partners manage risk, identify opportunities, and deliver on the company's promise of exceptional products and services.

About the Role

The legal landscape is transforming — and so is American Express. Within the General Counsel's Organization (GCO), we are redefining how legal teams deliver value by embedding innovation, operational excellence, and strategic foresight into everything we do. As Director & Counsel – Legal Risk, Central Support & Service Delivery, you will combine legal expertise with a business partner's mindset. Drawing on your experience inside a corporate legal department, you will help shape frameworks, partnerships, and innovations that strengthen governance, enhance efficiency, and elevate legal service delivery globally. This role offers the opportunity to drive transformation and influence how American Express identifies, manages, and mitigates legal risk, while advancing innovation and consistency in legal service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Risk Management & Governance:

• Support the development and evolution of GCO's approach to legal risk management, governance, and operational excellence.
• Contribute to shaping the operating model for the legal function, supporting the 3 Lines of Defense model, robust controls, and strong engagement across teams.
• Assist in defining the future ambition of the legal department and help drive progress toward those goals.

Program Oversight & Execution:

• Manage cross-functional initiatives that strengthen legal governance, internal controls, and compliance frameworks.
• Help develop and embed standards for legal risk and operational accountability.
• Partner with Business, Compliance, Technology, and Risk colleagues to support consistent and effective implementation of frameworks.

Innovation & Transformation:

• Contribute to modernizing legal services using technology, data, and process improvements.
• Promote adoption of generative AI, automation, and analytics to enhance decisions and service delivery.
• Serve as a bridge between legal teams and business partners, translating legal frameworks into practical, client-centered solutions.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by supporting scalable, data-driven delivery models that promote transparency, simplicity, and measurable value.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:

• Build trusted relationships across Legal Operations, Control Management, and Business Units to align on priorities and drive outcomes.
• Develop and present materials and dashboards for governance forums and executive briefings.
• Collaborate with Audit, Compliance, and Risk teams to proactively identify, manage, and report on legal risks.

Why You'll Love This Role

Help shape the future of legal risk management and service delivery at a global financial leader. Influence how the GCO delivers value, combining your experience as a lawyer and business advisor to impact legal risk and business outcomes. Thrive in a culture that values integrity, agility, and continuous learning — where your expertise has global impact.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to practice law in the United States, or equivalent international qualification. At least 6 years of relevant legal experience, including work as in-house counsel and/or in private practice. Familiarity with compliance, risk management, or operations will be helpful. Strong appreciation for both the in-house legal perspective and the client experience, with the ability to deliver practical, business-oriented legal solutions. Experience working with legal technology platforms is a plus.

Key Competencies

Strategic and forward-thinking, with a passion for innovation and transformation. Collaborative and skilled at building strong relationships across teams and locations. Curious about how business teams operate and motivated by helping them achieve goals responsibly and efficiently. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into actionable insights.

Salary Range: $144,250.00 to $256,250.00 annually bonus equity (if applicable) benefits

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.