Director & Counsel Global Merchant & Network Services, Global Strategy, Operations & Performance (Debit)

American Express•New York, NY

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Director & Counsel - Global Merchant & Network Services, Global Strategy, Operations & Performance The General Counsel's Organization (GCO) at American Express seeks a Director & Counsel to support the Global, Strategy, Operations & Performance (GSOP) team within Global Merchant & Network Services (GMNS). GSOP is a high-impact team focused on developing enterprise strategy, advancing network and merchant policies to align with the rapidly evolving payments industry, and enhancing operational excellence to deliver an optimal experience to various customers, including issuers, acquirers, acquiring partners, merchants, and other financial technology providers. Role & Responsibilities: This role will support the growth of American Express's U.S. debit capabilities. The candidate will offer legal guidance on Amex's U.S. debit strategy and product expansion and will work closely with the network acquiring solutions, payments consulting, issuer product, and merchant services teams, to address related legal, operational, and policy matters, including development of new contract templates and program policies. In addition, the successful candidate will also provide general legal support for the global GSOP business unit by: Collaborating with a team of highly skilled lawyers on diverse initiatives and complex matters, which impact network acquiring solutions, issuer products, merchant services and operations, data privacy, information security, antitrust, regulatory compliance, financial fraud, credit and merchant risk, litigation, and investigations within a rapidly evolving business and legal environment. Driving consistency and awareness across a range of network and merchant policies and programs from a legal, contractual, and operational standpoint, including serving as a central “center of excellence” for colleagues within GMNS GCO across the global organization on such matters. Supporting the identification and implementation of process improvement in legal and related business operations, including contract template enhancements. Participating in a small team of seasoned attorneys and legal managers, offering thought leadership for cross-cutting issues and strategic projects. Managing effective, cost-conscious targeted engagements of outside counsel where necessary, with a disciplined approach to budget management.

Requirements

J.D. with ability to practice law in New York.
6+ years of relevant work experience in a law firm and/or in-house corporate legal department focused on financial services, financial technology, merchant services, or payments.
Specific experience providing thoughtful and practical advice on complex business issues.
Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Experienced in identifying and managing legal, compliance, and business risks, and adept at creating innovative solutions.
Clear and persuasive communicator, both written and verbal, with exceptional interpersonal and teamwork abilities.
Proficient in drafting and negotiating standard agreements, providing practical guidance, building credibility with stakeholders, and organizing sensitive documentation.
Effective collaborator with cross-functional teams, consistently meeting deadlines while prioritizing multiple demands and maintaining attention to detail.
Willing to take on a variety of responsibilities and roles to support the team, department, and enterprise, as needed.
Demonstrates leadership, growth mindset, customer focus, and a high degree of self-motivation and initiative.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of the U.S. debit routing, processing, and acquiring infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Offer legal guidance on Amex's U.S. debit strategy and product expansion
Work closely with the network acquiring solutions, payments consulting, issuer product, and merchant services teams, to address related legal, operational, and policy matters, including development of new contract templates and program policies.
Collaborating with a team of highly skilled lawyers on diverse initiatives and complex matters, which impact network acquiring solutions, issuer products, merchant services and operations, data privacy, information security, antitrust, regulatory compliance, financial fraud, credit and merchant risk, litigation, and investigations within a rapidly evolving business and legal environment.
Driving consistency and awareness across a range of network and merchant policies and programs from a legal, contractual, and operational standpoint, including serving as a central “center of excellence” for colleagues within GMNS GCO across the global organization on such matters.
Supporting the identification and implementation of process improvement in legal and related business operations, including contract template enhancements.
Participating in a small team of seasoned attorneys and legal managers, offering thought leadership for cross-cutting issues and strategic projects.
Managing effective, cost-conscious targeted engagements of outside counsel where necessary, with a disciplined approach to budget management.

Benefits

Competitive base salaries
Bonus incentives
6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
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