Director - Operational Risk Management

Director - Operational Risk Management

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.

The Operational Risk Management (ORM) team facilitates and monitors the implementation of effective operational risk management programs throughout the organization, and oversees risk ownership throughout business units, products, and processes.

The objective of the Operational Risk Management (ORM) Testing, Monitoring, Aggregation and Reporting team is to support organizational resilience through performance of independent testing and monitoring; and establish clear guidelines through standards for reporting and risk assessments; and provide a holistic view of Operational Risk Management (ORM) through aggregated reporting.

Operational Risk Management is looking for a Director of Testing, Monitoring, Aggregation and Reporting to lead a diverse team of high-performing professionals focused on ensuring effective operational risk management is embedded in the day-to-day operations of our organization.

The Director, Operational Risk Management (ORM), Independent Monitoring and Testing:

• Lead an independent testing and monitoring program based on an annual risk assessed plan and testing methodology
• Oversee end to end review cycle including scoping, fieldwork, control testing, issue identification, reporting and effective stakeholder communication.
• Provide effective challenge to business processes, risks, and controls, ensuring objectivity and independence in assessments.
• Drive continuous improvement in testing methodologies, tools, and documentation standards to increase efficiency and consistency
• Provide leadership, coaching and development to team members, fostering a culture of accountability, critical thinking and professional growth.
• Develop a comprehensive universe of targeted coverage for operational risk that supports a risk-based annual plan
• Manage independent 2LoD testing of operational risks, including integration of methodologies and test plans to address interconnected risks
• Proactively identify areas for high risk for intervention
• Drive reporting to the Enterprise Risk Management Committee, Board of Directors and Senior Management on OR topics, and provide support and oversight with associated Communities of Practice

Minimum Qualifications:

• 6+ Years experience in operational risk management (e.g., within Risk and/or Internal Audit function) and understands critical operational risk management lifecycle activities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to analyze data, identify trends, and evaluate risk scenarios effectively
• Demonstrated history and ability to manage large teams, spread over geographies and with varying backgrounds
• Excellent qualitative analytical skills
• Project management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to interact and obtain buy-in from senior business unit counterparts
• Proven expertise in process governance, with a track record of establishing and overseeing robust decision-making processes that align with policies, regulatory frameworks, and/or operational standards

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Business, Risk Mgmt., or related field; advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, MSc) or certifications are advantageous
• Experience in at least one of the following: defining and enhancing processes for identifying and assessing operational risks, managing independent testing of operational risks, coordinating an independent risk assessment process that looks holistically across business units, overseeing the production and aggregation of operational risk reports, performing quality control on reporting and ensuring quality reporting tools are utilized, providing independent monitoring of operational risk trends and activities

We offer a fantastic and diverse working environment. High performance is rewarded with target driven incentives. We back our colleagues and their loved ones with benefits and programs that support their holistic well-being, including competitive base salaries, bonus incentives, support for financial-well-being and retirement, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits, flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need, generous paid parental leave policies, free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors, free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program, and career development and training opportunities.

American Express is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates.