Senior Manager - Early Careers Programs Strategy and Innovation, Workforce Strategy, Technology Business Enablement

American Express•Phoenix, AZ

20h•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. 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 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 Workforce Strategy (WFS) team within the Technology Business Enablement (TBE) organization helps American Express align its technology workforce with enterprise needs. The team serves as a strategic advisory partner to senior technology leadership providing Enterprise Technology Services (ETS), ensuring the right talent is available at the right place, time and within optimized global cost structure to support technology portfolio demand. WFS collaborates with ETS Portfolio, ETS Finance, Talent Acquisition, Global Real Estate, Technology Vendor Management and other enterprise partners to deliver forward-looking, data-driven insights on workforce planning, organizational design, and location strategy - enabling coordinated decisions that support scalable growth and long-term business outcomes. The Senior Manager, Early Careers Programs Strategy & Innovation will play a key role in shaping the future of early talent by embedding AI-driven innovation, enhancing program strategy, and modernizing recruiting and training experiences to align with the rapidly evolving technology landscape. This role will work closely with internal stakeholders across Talent Acquisition, Developer Experience, and Technology leadership to drive transformation across the end-to-end early careers lifecycle. How will you make an impact in this role? The Senior Manager, Early Careers Programs Strategy & Innovation will be responsible for advancing the strategy and execution of Early Careers Programs through AI innovation, operational excellence, and forward-looking program design. This includes driving AI-enabled solutions, enhancing recruiting and assessment practices for an AI-first workforce, evolving technical training in partnership with key stakeholders, and more.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Technology, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred
Experience in program strategy, workforce strategy, technology transformation, or management consulting
Experience designing or improving programs, processes, or learning and development initiatives
Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts, including generative AI, and practical experience applying AI tools (e.g., custom GPTs) to solve business problems
Demonstrated ability to translate emerging technology trends into actionable strategies and program enhancements
Experience working cross-functionally with teams
Strong program management skills with the ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives end-to-end
Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with experience creating executive-level presentations
Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment and drive innovation with a continuous improvement mindset

Responsibilities

Drive forward the ETS Early Careers Programs (ECP) strategy with a focus on integrating AI and emerging technologies into program design, delivery, and operations
Lead AI innovation across ECP, including the development and deployment of custom GPTs, automation solutions, and process improvements to enhance scalability, efficiency, and participant experience
Identify and prioritize high-impact AI use cases across recruiting, program management, and learning experiences; translate ideas into actionable roadmaps and measurable outcomes
Evolve ECP recruiting operations to align with an AI-enabled workforce, including redesigning recruiting materials, interview frameworks, and technical assessments to reflect modern engineering and AI skillsets
Partner with Talent Acquisition and technology stakeholders to modernize hiring practices, ensuring alignment with enterprise technology priorities and future skill demands
Work with internal stakeholders to co-create and continuously enhance technical bootcamp and technical curriculum across all early career role types, incorporating AI, automation, and emerging technology trends
Lead and support onsite program execution in Phoenix, and strategize virtual site support, ensuring a high-quality participant experience and seamless operational delivery
Deliver executive-level insights, presentations, and recommendations to senior leaders, using data and storytelling to influence strategy and decision-making
Drive cross-functional alignment and change management to ensure successful adoption of new tools, processes, and program enhancements

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