Job Description

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.


Where great legal minds influence global business strategy.


Our mission is to protect and strengthen American Express through legal expertise and strategic advice that helps our business partners manage risk, identify opportunities, and deliver on the company's promise of exceptional products and services. Given the dynamic nature of the global payments industry and the valued partnership between our team and the business, we see it as imperative to attract and develop talented people by:


Providing rich work experiences and opportunities for professional development Recognizing and rewarding those who drive and deliver results Respecting and valuing diversity, integrity, and personal accountability

Role & Responsibilities

This Director & Counsel position will provide legal support to American Express's Global Commercial Services (GCS), the Bank Partnerships and Joint Ventures business in the EMEA region.


The successful candidate will report to the Senior Counsel who leads the legal support to GCS, Bank Partnerships and Joint Ventures in EMEA and will have responsibility for leading a team of five direct reports.

Here's just some of what you'll do in this role:

Provide legal support and strategic advice to business clients covering different areas of laws in a wide range of EMEA jurisdictions. Common subject areas include payment services regulation, anti-money laundering, commercial agreements, company law, M&A, and data protection Support the evolution of American Express joint venture card businesses located in multiple EMEA jurisdictions Support the Amex Bank Partnerships business as it negotiates with licensee card issuers and merchant acquirers across the Balkans, Middle East and Africa Support the GCS large market and global business as it negotiates incentive contracts with its customers Manage and develop a diverse team of lawyers and legal professionals to ensure their professional development and contribution to the GCO team Advise on changes to GCS products, services and business models in the EMEA region Independently draft and negotiate a wide range of international commercial agreements and communications Provide legal support on various strategic marketing initiatives and agreements Provide legal support on acquisitions, strategic alliances and other transactions, including legal due diligence and contract drafting and negotiating Help to ensure management and the organization understands and complies with legal and regulatory requirements Lead and project manage GCO initiatives and tasks Independently represent GCO at important meetings or committees Identify and effectively manage legal risks Partner with GCO colleagues and Government Affairs to monitor relevant legislative developments across EMEA markets; partner with Compliance on questions of legal interpretation Support governance and risk management practices across the GCS, Bank Partnerships and Joint Venture entities in EMEA Manage external counsel budget, with the aim to ensure that the company receives cost effective legal advice

Minimum Qualifications:

A lawyer qualified in England and Wales, or in a common law or EU jurisdiction, ideally with relevant professional experience at a reputable law firm or international company Fluent in English. Additional European language a plus

Required skills:

Solid drafting, research and negotiation/influencing skills Solid analytical skills Solid understanding of general principles of law applicable to commercial practice Understanding of regulatory matters generally and especially in areas applicable to the payments industry Ability to work under time pressure to meet tight deadlines and clients' expectations

Required Attributes

Strategic thinker with good business understanding, analytical skills and a strong ability to spot legal issues across a wide range of subject areas Skilled at effective multi-tasking - able to manage and prioritize a wide variety of matters and clients to high levels of client satisfaction Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing - able to communicate clearly, concisely, effectively and persuasively with internal and external clients and senior management Adaptability - strong team player who thrives on collaboration and understands the individual part they play in the success of a cross-functional team Self-sufficiency - inquisitive, takes initiative and owns their learning and development, comfortable working with minimal direct supervision Prepared to take the lead and make appropriate recommendations to middle and - if required - senior management. This role requires someone with credibility and presence Excellent relationship management and people skills - ability to adapt communication style to a broad mix of people and personalities including senior leaders. Ability to form and maintain strong working relationships Willingness to learn and grow and to leverage experience gained in this position to expand skill set for future career growth at American Express Ability to respond under time pressure to business issues with executable solutions clearly linked to business objectives Process-management skills - ability to help identify and implement improvements in work process to enhance efficiency and productivity Strong interest in providing legal support across multiple geographies Ability to lead and motivate other members of the team Commitment to integrity
Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the UK is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.



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.