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- Tasks: Lead a team to identify and manage operational risks across diverse business units.
- Company: Join American Express, a leader in innovation and inclusivity with a rich 175-year history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible work options, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in operational risk management; strong analytical and project management skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and access to wellness resources.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
This job is with American Express, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and leadership behaviours, 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.
International Risk and Controls sits within International Card Services (ICS) which comprises all the issuing functions across all 28 international markets excluding the US - colleagues operate across a variety of geographies and disciplines. ICS issues products to our Consumer and Commercial customers – the organization is an integral part of the global growth strategy for American Express; offering differentiated products and services is critical to our success and promises to drive significant growth and value through the delivery of innovative products, tailored to the needs of our customers.
The objective of the ICS Control Management Risk ID, Assessment, Testing and Reporting team is to identify, assess, mitigate, and report on Operational Risk within BU processes for ICS to ensure adherence to regulatory standards, Amex policy and enhance the BU's resilience through managing a clear methodology of inherent and residual risk.
How will you make an impact in this role? ICS Control Management is looking for a Director of Risk ID, Assessment, Testing & Reporting to lead a diverse team of high-performing professionals focused on ensuring control management is embedded in the day-to-day operations of our organization. It will involve extensive collaboration with multiple partners across numerous business units, functional areas, and geographies.
The Director, ICS Control Management Risk ID, Assessment, Testing & Reporting will:
- Provide additional identification of risks throughout business processes and systems (along with business process owners)
- Facilitate BUs in their risk assessments performance (e.g., Process Self Risk Assessments (PRSAs)) in addition to further assessments and testing / QA programs to ensure regulatory and internal standards are met (e.g., periodic PRSA reviews and update assessment criteria to align with regulatory updates)
- Lead control monitoring (supplemental to BU process owners testing) and proactively communicate key OR trends, activities, and events to senior management, to facilitate informed decision-making
- Proactively identify areas of high-risk for intervention (e.g., automated alerts generated for high-risk areas signal need for intervention and focus), including conducting independent quality assurance and vertical process testing
- Compile thematic risk reporting (levels, trends, causes) to provide actionable insights to BU on current risk levels, emerging trends and root causes
- Categorize controls and map against risks and processes (e.g., cross-BU process-control mapping)
- Support BU with identification of risks and spotting areas where product changes or improved controls may be required within New Product Governance (NPG)
- Champion risk management practices within the business
- Develop risk dashboards and key risk indicators (KRIs) for ongoing monitoring
- Develop risk profiles and maintain an updated risk register(s)
- Be a key leader for sharing insights, better practices, themes, etc. across the enterprise
Minimum Qualifications:
- 6+ Years experience in operational risk management (e.g., within Risk and/or Internal Audit function)
- Understanding of critical operational risk management lifecycle activities
- Have proven experience leading Risk & Control Self-Assessments (RCSA), including designing and supporting control testing frameworks, identifying control gaps, assessing residual risk, and implementing remediation plans across complex business environments.
- Excellent project management, communication, and interpersonal skills, with an ability to interact and obtain buy-in from senior BU/tech counterparts
- 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
- Experience within financial services industry
- 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
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:
- Providing identification of operational risks throughout business processes and systems
- Facilitating risk assessment performance in addition to further assessments and testing programs to ensure regulatory and internal standards are met
- Enhancing risk assessments and associated methodologies
- Leading independent control monitoring, including identification of control improvements
- Identifying areas of risk for intervention, including conducting independent quality assurance and process testing
- Compiling thematic risk reporting to provide actionable insights on risk levels, emerging trends and root causes
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
- Support for financial-well-being and retirement
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
- Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
- Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
- 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
Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Director-Control Management Risk ID, Assessment, Testing & Reporting employer: American Express
Contact Detail:
American Express Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director-Control Management Risk ID, Assessment, Testing & Reporting
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with American Express's core values and culture. Understanding their commitment to innovation and customer service will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your experience and values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of American Express, especially those in risk management roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company’s expectations and the nuances of the role, which can give you an edge in discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in operational risk management. Highlight instances where you've successfully led risk assessments or implemented control frameworks, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in operational risk management, particularly within the financial services industry. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and solutions will show your proactive approach and commitment to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Director-Control Management Risk ID, Assessment, Testing & Reporting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operational risk management, particularly in leading Risk & Control Self-Assessments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to identify risks and implement remediation plans.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for risk management and how your background aligns with the role at American Express. Mention your experience in collaborating with diverse teams and your understanding of regulatory standards.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a diverse team, emphasise your leadership experience. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments and facilitated effective decision-making processes.
Showcase Analytical Abilities: Demonstrate your strong analytical and problem-solving skills by including instances where you've analysed data to identify trends or evaluate risk scenarios. This will show your capability to provide actionable insights.
How to prepare for a job interview at American Express
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Director-Control Management Risk ID, Assessment, Testing & Reporting role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with American Express's objectives. This will help you articulate how your experience fits into their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this position involves leading a diverse team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams, facilitated collaboration, and driven results in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to operational risk management, control assessments, and regulatory compliance. Brush up on relevant frameworks and methodologies, and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past roles to identify and mitigate risks.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Given the analytical nature of the role, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to identify trends and inform decision-making. Bring examples of reports or dashboards you've created that provided actionable insights into risk levels and emerging trends.
