Manager & Counsel

The General Counsel’s Organization (GCO) is American Express’ legal and government affairs departments, along with the Corporate Secretary's Office (which is responsible for interactions with our Board of Directors). They are responsible for protecting and strengthening American Express through world-class expertise and strategic advice that helps our business partners manage risk, identify opportunities, and deliver on the Company's promise of exceptional products and services. 

This Manager & Counsel position will provide legal support across a range of B2B matters in the UK and EMEA region with a predominant focus to provide support to American Express’s Global Commercial Services (GCS) and Foreign Currency Solutions (FCS) businesses.

• Provide legal support and strategic advice to business clients across multiple business units
• Draft and negotiate a wide range of international commercial agreements and communication
• Provide legal support on various strategic marketing initiatives and agreements 
• Provide legal support on acquisitions, strategic alliances and other transactions, including legal due diligence and contract drafting and negotiating
• Provide legal support on new product and service development initiatives
• Help to ensure management and the organization understands and complies with legal and regulatory requirements
• Support the GCO team in identifying and effectively managing legal risks 
• Support monitoring relevant legislative developments across EMEA markets
• Manage external counsel budget, with the aim to ensure that the company receives cost effective legal advice

• A qualified lawyer, ideally with relevant professional experience at a reputable law firm or international company.
• Proven experience + PQE
• Fluent in English. 
• Solid drafting, research and negotiation/influencing skills
• Solid analytical skills
• Solid understanding of general principles of law applicable to commercial practice as well as experience in areas of law applicable to payments industry
• Understanding of regulatory matters generally and areas applicable to payments industry
• Ability to work under time pressure to meet tight deadlines and clients’ expectations
• Some international travel may be required

Required Attributes

• Strategic thinker with good business understanding and analytical skills
• Skilled at effective multi-tasking - able to manage and prioritize a wide variety of matters and clients to high levels of client satisfaction
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing - able to communicate clearly, concisely, effectively and persuasively with internal and external clients and senior management
• Adaptability - strong team player who thrives on collaboration and understands the individual part they play in the success of a cross- functional team
• Self-sufficiency – inquisitive, takes initiative and owns their learning and development, comfortable working with minimal direct supervision
• Prepared to take the lead and make appropriate recommendations to middle and – if required – senior management. This role requires someone with credibility and presence
• Excellent relationship management and people skills – ability to adapt communication style to a broad mix of people and personalities. Ability to form and maintain strong working relationships
• Willingness to learn and grow and to leverage experience gained in this position to expand skill set for future career growth at American Express 
• Ability to respond under time pressure to business issues with executable solutions clearly linked to business objectives
• Process-management skills - ability to help identify and implement improvements in work process to enhance efficiency and productivity
• Commitment to integrity

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the UK is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.