VP & Senior Counsel - Procurement

American Express•New York, NY

48d•$220,000 - $320,000•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. How will you make an impact in this role? American Express is seeking a strategic, businessâminded attorney to serve as Vice President & Senior Counsel and primary legal partner to our company's procurement function, Strategic Sourcing & Business Enablement (SS&BE). In this highâimpact leadership role, you will shape and execute the legal strategy that supports the company's multiâbillionâdollar global sourcing portfolio. As a member of the company's legal department-the General Counsel's Organization (GCO)-you will lead a team of attorneys and legal professionals, modernize how we deliver legal support, and partner with senior leaders across the company to drive resilient, compliant and efficient supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience leading complex procurement transactions-including outsourcing and technology deals-along with a passion for innovation, legal technology, and the application of AI in legal operations. You will need to be a forward-thinking, relationship-driven leader who can drive change, influence senior stakeholders, and build scalable legal support models for a global enterprise.

Requirements

J.D. with admission to practice law in the United States
8+ years of relevant work experience in a law firm and/or in-house corporate legal environment, ideally in an "outsourcing" "technology transactions," "IP transactions" or equivalent practice group.
Experience structuring, drafting, leading and negotiating complex procurement transactions.
Demonstrated success managing legal teams and supporting high-value, high-risk commercial engagements.
Deep understanding of procurement operations, legal risk frameworks, and process optimization.
Strategic thinker with a passion for innovation, legal technology, and the application of AI in legal service delivery.
Proven ability to influence and collaborate with senior executives and cross-functional stakeholders.
Executive presence, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative leadership style.
Familiarity with global regulatory environments and third-party governance.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary legal advisor to SS&BE leadership, aligning legal strategy with enterprise sourcing, operational and transformation goals.
Lead and develop a team of attorneys supporting medium- to high-complexity procurement transactions across diverse categories and jurisdictions.
Act as an escalation point for complex negotiations and strategic vendor engagements.
Design and implement scalable legal support and engagement models, including workflows, playbooks, templates and training programs.
Champion innovation in legal service delivery, including the proactive use of automation and AI to streamline routine contracting and enhance productivity.
Provide strategic legal guidance on regulatory, compliance and commercial risk issues in vendor relationships and sourcing activities.
Coordinate closely with the GCO team responsible for supporting third-party risk management to ensure alignment across the sourcing lifecycle.
Collaborate with stakeholders, including various subject matter experts in GCO, as well as across lines of business, Technology, Global Risk & Compliance and Finance, to support enterprise initiatives and ensure legal alignment.
Establish engagement models with international GCO teams, alternative legal service providers (ASLPs), and the GCO's legal shared service center to ensure consistent and efficient global support.
Represent the GCO in enterprise-wide initiatives focused on procurement transformation.
Stay ahead of emerging trends in sourcing, contract law, third-party regulations and technology-and proactively apply insights to improve legal strategy and service delivery.

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