Director, Operational Risk Management - Independent Monitoring and Testing

at  American Express

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least Six years of experience in operational risk management (e.g., within Risk and/or Internal Audit function) with solid understanding of critical operational risk management lifecycle activities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to analyze data, identify trends, and evaluate risk scenarios effectively
• Proven and demonstrated history and ability to manage large teams spread over geographies and with varying backgrounds
• Excellent qualitative analytical skills and project management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to interact and obtain buy-in from senior BU (Business Unit) / Tech counterparts
• Proven expertise in process governance, with a track record of establishing and overseeing robust decision-making processes that align with policies, regulatory frameworks, and/or operational standards

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Risk Management, or related field / Advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, MSc) or certificationsOr Experience in at least one of the following:
• 
  
  
  
• Defining and enhancing processes for identifying and assessing operational risks

• Managing independent testing of operational risks
• Coordinating an independent risk assessment process that looks holistically across business units
• Overseeing the production and aggregation of operational risk reports, performing quality control on reporting and ensuring quality reporting tools are utilized
• Overseeing testing processes including process risk self assessments
• Providing independent monitoring of operational risk trends and activities

HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT IN THIS ROLE?

The objective of the Operational Risk Management (ORM) Testing, Monitoring, Aggregation and Reporting team is to support organizational resilience through performance of independent testing and monitoring; and establish clear guidelines through standards for reporting and risk assessments; and provide a holistic view of Operational Risk Management (ORM) through aggregated reporting.
Operational Risk Management is looking for a Director of Reporting to lead a diverse team of high-performing professionals focused on ensuring effective operational risk management is embedded in the day-to-day operations of our organization. It will involve extensive collaboration with multiple partners across numerous business units, functional areas, and geographies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead an independent testing and monitoring program based on an annual risk assessed plan and testing methodology
• Develop a comprehensive universe of targeted coverage for operational risk that supports a risk-based annual plan
• Independently monitor operational risk trends and activities
• Lead and perform an effective challenge process based on a defined criteria and build in to annual plan
• Manage independent 2LoD testing of ORs, incl. integration of methodologies and test plans to address interconnected risks
• Coordinate a holistic, de-duplicated independent risk assessment process
• Proactively identify areas for high risk for intervention
• Lead cross-functional Communities of Practice (CoPs) to share best practice techniques and pioneer new methodologies
• Drive reporting to the Enterprise Risk Management Committee, Board of Directors, and Senior Management on OR topics, and provide support and oversight with associated Communities of Practice
• Be a key leader for sharing insights, better practices, themes, etc. across the enterprise