Director - Data Governance and Risk Management
American Express
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At American Express, you’ll be recognized for your contributions, leadership, and impact—every colleague has the opportunity to share in the company’s success. Together, we’ll win as a team, striving to uphold our company values and powerful backing promise to provide the world’s best customer experience every day. And we’ll do it with the utmost integrity, and in an environment where everyone is seen, heard and feels like they belong.
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Team Description
The Commercial Data Office (CoDO) team, within Global Commercial Services (GCS), is focused on powering the best customer experience and driving value through data. With continuous changes in the regulatory environment and data innovation, CoDO plays a key role in supporting GCS’ sustainable growth balanced with controls and risk management. In partnership with the Enterprise Data Office and across GCS, CoDO is tasked with building new, innovative data solutions for our customers and leading the program for adherence to data regulations and data management best practices.
How will you make an impact in this role?
The Director of Data Risk Management will report directly to the VP, Commercial Data Office. This role has responsibility for liaising with the American Express Chief Data Office and GCS Control Management to execute the Enterprise Data Risk Management policies and standards for the GCS business, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of our data assets. In this highly visible role, you will collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to implement robust data management frameworks, managed and monitor data-related risks, and comply with regulatory requirements on behalf of GCS.
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Data Risk Management to join our team. With a dedicated and talented team behind you, the Director will act as one of the primary leaders in developing, communicating and delivering Commercial Data Office roadmaps, programs and progress. Expert communication, indirect influencing and the ability to understand business priorities and adjust strategies accordingly are key skills needed for this role. We’re looking for someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment, operates cross-functionally (both with business and technology stakeholders), and maintains a positive attitude and sense of humor in the face of challenges.
- Develop and implement comprehensive data risk management frameworks aligned with Enterprise policies and standards, as well as industry best practices
- Identify, assess, and prioritize data risks and vulnerabilities, design and deploy risk mitigation practices
- Collaborate with data owners and users to modify or implement new repeatable and reliable businesses processes to implement truly effective data management
- Harmonize key policies and guidelines with the processes necessary to carry out those policies, in collaboration with cross functional partners
- Monitor and analyze data risk measures for GCS, providing insights and recommendation to senior management
- Develop and conduct regular training and awareness programs for GCS colleagues on data risk management practices and capabilities
- Collaborate across other CoDO Data Governance and Quality teams to ensure cohesive programs and scalable solutions for the business
Minimum Qualifications
- 5+ years of direct work experience in risk management, data governance or a similar role within financial services or banking industry
- Proven track record of understanding business challenges and strategies and connecting those to data risk
- Demonstrated experience in developing data risk management programs and defining data risk assessments and measures
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Ability to work with white space to design and execute solutions to solve complex challenges
- High-caliber communication skills, both in terms of preparing and delivering a strategic vision and updates to large groups and senior leaders
- Experience leading cross functional, global teams
- Ability to put enterprise thinking first, connect the role’s agenda to enterprise priorities and balance the needs of customers, partners, colleagues & shareholders.
- Demonstrated learning agility, ability to make decisions quickly and with the highest level of integrity
- Must have a positive, collaborative leadership style with colleague and customer first mindset
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong working knowledge of current and upcoming data governance, data risk and data product techniques and trends, with a point of view on the evolving concepts and best practices
- Understanding of regulatory requirements related to data privacy and protection are helpful (e.g. GDPR, CCPA, GLBA)
- Knowledge and experience with MDM and DG tools suites and application is a plus
We back our colleagues and their loved ones with benefits and programs that support their holistic well-being. That means we prioritize their physical, financial, and mental health through each stage of life. Benefits include:
- 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
American Express is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law.
Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.