Risk & Control Manager – Process Risk Reduction

American Express•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

You lead the way. We have your back. 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. The newly formed Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) Control & Compliance, Process Risk Reduction & Enterprise Platforms (EP) Risk Advisory team, are dedicated to driving effective Operational Risk strategies as the Enterprise undergoes the transformation to strengthen our Risk Management programs, pillars and enablement functions. This role will strengthen the ETS control environment through targeted, strategic risk initiatives that aim to proactively drive improved ways of working and reduce risk. How will you make an impact in this role? The ETS Process Risk Reduction & Enterprise Platforms (EP) Risk Advisory team is looking for a Risk and Control Manager who will focus on solving some of our most complex problems. Areas for potential intervention will be identified through process evaluation, data analysis, monitoring, etc. In partnership with key stakeholders, the Risk Reduction Manager will develop strategic solutions for enhancement/remediation and take lead on managing risk reduction projects to completion. Extensive collaboration with partners across numerous business units, functional areas, and geographies is required. Additionally, Process Risk Reduction serves as an operational risk subject matter expert for the ETS organization.

Requirements

5+Years experience in operational risk management (e.g., within Risk and/or Internal Audit function) Understanding of critical operational risk management lifecycle activities
Strong project management, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience in process governance, with an understanding of processes that align with policies, regulatory frameworks, and/or operational standards
Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to analyze data, identify trends, and evaluate risk scenarios effectively

Nice To Haves

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
Deep knowledge of process excellence, risk/control assessment, data analysis, compliance, and internal IT control frameworks
Strong problem solver with the ability to use analytical methods to affect change
Reviewing independent control monitoring, including identification of control improvements
Identifying areas of risk for intervention, including conducting independent quality assurance and process testing
Reviewing thematic risk reporting to provide actionable insights on risk levels, emerging trends and root causes
Experience in financial services industry

Responsibilities

Provide additional identification of risks throughout business processes and systems (along with business process owners)
Facilitate BUs in their risk assessments performance (e.g., Risk and Control Self Assessment (RCSA)) in addition to further assessments and testing / QA programs to ensure regulatory and internal standards are met (e.g., periodic RCSA reviews and update assessment criteria to align with regulatory updates)
Provide recommendations and to elevate controls where there is failure and identify themes across the controls where repeat Issues arise to work on the root cause vs individual minor controls that may not be solving the main, systemic problem.
Conduct control monitoring (supplemental to BU process owners testing) and compile key operational risk trends, activities, and events
Proactively help 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
Review categorization of controls and map against risks and processes (e.g., cross-BU process-control mapping)
Proactively help identify certain 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
Advise BU with identification of risks and spotting areas where product changes or improved controls may be required within New Product Governance (NPG)
Support risk management practices within the business
Review risk dashboards and key risk indicators (KRIs) for ongoing monitoring
Review risk profiles and an updated risk register(s)
Support sharing insights, better practices, themes, etc. across the enterprise

Benefits

Competitive base salaries
Bonus incentives
6%25 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