Strategic Sales & Business Development Manager in England

International Card Services (ICS) brings together our International Consumer and Small & Medium Size Enterprises (SME) issuing activities, as well as our Commercial Large Market sales and account development teams. ICS issues Cards in 27 countries and is responsible for two Joint Ventures covering around a dozen countries. The leaders in these countries are empowered to make decisions at a local level, in partnership with other local business leaders. Local teams are supported by two cross-market teams – the Centre of Excellence and Risk & Control Management.

The Strategic Sales Team is a high performing, customer facing, field based sales team prospecting to companies with turnovers between £30M and upwards. Our mission is to deliver sustainable profitable growth for the Corporate UK Card Services organization. This exciting role provides a great opportunity for an experienced Strategic Sales & Business Development Manager to thrive and shine through overperformance in an inclusive, supportive and collaborative team (all with a dash of healthy competition)! The primary focus is to sell both Travel and Entertainment and Business to Business payment solutions leveraging American Express’ core products such as Business Travel Account, Corporate Card, and Corporate Purchasing Cards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic plan to identify, engage, and acquire new corporate customers with annual turnovers of £30M and above.
• Drive sustainable profitable growth through the sale of American Express Travel & Entertainment (T&E) and Business-to-Business (B2B) payment solutions, including Corporate Card, Business Travel Account, and Corporate Purchasing Card products.
• Build and manage a robust sales pipeline through proactive prospecting, networking, referrals, market intelligence, and data-led self-generation strategies.
• Lead complex sales cycles from initial engagement through to contract negotiation, implementation, and successful handover.
• Engage and influence senior decision-makers, including CFOs, Finance Directors, Procurement Leaders, and other C-suite stakeholders, by delivering compelling value-based propositions.
• Conduct in-depth discovery to understand client objectives, payment processes, working capital requirements, and business challenges, translating these into tailored solutions.
• Navigate complex matrix organisations and build relationships with multiple stakeholders to drive consensus and accelerate decision-making.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing structures, and financial incentives while balancing customer needs with profitability and risk considerations.
• Collaborate closely with internal partners across Marketing, Product, Implementation, Risk, Credit, and Account Development teams to deliver an exceptional customer experience.
• Maintain accurate pipeline management, forecasting, and activity reporting through CRM systems and sales tools.
• Consistently achieve and exceed individual sales targets, key performance indicators, and revenue objectives.
• Act as a brand ambassador for American Express, building strong relationships within the business community and representing the organisation at customer meetings, industry events, and networking opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of over performance in a corporate sales environment.
• Experience in selling both T&E and B2B payment solutions.
• Face to face commercial sales experience preferable.
• Ability to navigate matrix organizations and to influence multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in data insight led self-generation strategies.
• Proven experience in selling to C suite in corporate companies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of P&L construct.
• Contract negotiation including financial incentives.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Strong rapport building and networking capabilities.
• Understanding of risk factors affecting commercial deal negotiation.

Work Arrangement: This role may be filled as either virtual or hybrid, depending on the selected candidate’s location and business needs. Candidates who live within commuting distance of a company office may be designated as hybrid and generally will be expected to work from the office three days per week. Candidates who do not live within commuting distance of a company office may be eligible for a virtual work arrangement, subject to company policy, business needs, and applicable law. Final work arrangement will be confirmed during the hiring process.

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

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.