Director of Risk ID, Assessment & OR Advisory

Director of Risk ID, Assessment & OR Advisory

Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
American Express

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to identify and mitigate operational risks across global business processes.
  • Company: Join American Express, a leader in financial services with a rich history of innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career growth and professional development in a supportive culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing risk management practices in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operational risk management and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

Job Description

Global Merchant & Network Services brings together American Express' merchant and network-related businesses.

This includes the management of our relationships across the globe with both the millions of merchants who accept American Express, as well as our partners in countries and territories that deliver card acceptance, issuance and innovation.

The objective of the GMNS Control Management Risk ID, Assessment & Operational Risk (OR) Advisory team is to identify, assess, mitigate, and report on Operational Risk within business unit (BU) processes for GMNS to ensure adherence to regulatory standards, Amex policy and enhance the BU's resilience through managing a clear methodology of inherent and residual risk.

GMNS is looking for a Director of Risk ID, Assessment & OR Advisory 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.

Responsibilities

  • Provide additional identification of risks throughout business processes and systems (along with business process owners)
  • Facilitate business unit risk assessment activities, including Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) and other operational risk assessments, to evaluate risk exposure, control effectiveness, and adherence to regulatory and internal standards.

Enhance risk assessment methodologies and periodically review assessment criteria to align with evolving regulatory and enterprise requirements.

  • Evaluate control environment performance through risk assessments, monitoring activities, testing results, issues, and other risk intelligence, and proactively communicate key operational risk trends and emerging risks to senior management to facilitate informed decision-making.
  • Proactively identify areas of elevated risk requiring management attention and recommend targeted risk mitigation strategies based on assessment outcomes, testing insights, issue trends, and other risk indicators.
  • 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)
  • Champion risk management practices within the business
  • 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
  • Significant experience in operational risk management (e. g., within Risk and/or Internal Audit function) Understanding of critical operational risk management lifecycle activities
  • Excellent project management, communication, and interpersonal skills, with an ability to interact and obtain buy-in from senior BU 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 hist ory 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 and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) and other operational risk assessment programs to evaluate and manage business risks.
  • Enhancing risk assessments and associated methodologies
  • Analyzing control environment effectiveness and identifying opportunities to strengthen controls and reduce risk exposure.
  • Identifying areas of elevated risk and advising on appropriate mitigation strategies using assessment results, testing insights, and risk trends.
  • Compiling thematic risk reporting to provide actionable insights on risk levels, emerging trends and root causes

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

About Us

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.

  • About The Team
  • 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.

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Director of Risk ID, Assessment & OR Advisory employer: American Express

American Express is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering employees to thrive in their careers. With a strong commitment to holistic well-being, the company offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and flexible working arrangements, ensuring that team members can balance their personal and professional lives effectively. The opportunity for career development and mentorship within a globally recognised financial services leader makes American Express an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the heart of the UK.

American Express

Contact Details:

American Express Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Risk ID, Assessment & OR Advisory

Join Compliance Communities

Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.

Leverage Your University Career Services

If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.

Showcase Your Knowledge Online

Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like American Express looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Risk ID, Assessment & OR Advisory

Operational Risk Management
Risk Assessment
Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs)
Project Management
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Process Governance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!

Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at American Express. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!

How to prepare for a job interview at American Express

Master the Regulations

Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!

Show Your Analytical Skills

Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!

Know Your Tools

Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!

Align with Company Culture

Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with American Express’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!