Manager Colleague & Labour Relations

The Colleague Experience Group (CEG)—Amex’s Human Resources function—is responsible for all colleague-related benefits and programs globally, including career growth and development, leadership and learning, total rewards and well-being, recruitment, labor relations, colleague servicing, and more. CEG’s vision is to provide the best colleague experience every day to fuel growth, and they are committed to ensuring all of Team Amex has the resources and support they need to be and deliver their best.

The Colleague & Labor Relations (CLR) Strategy, Governance & Insights (SGI) team is a centralized global Center of Excellence within CLR. SGI provides strategic thought leadership and oversight across CLR strategy, governance, capabilities, data and insights, operating model effectiveness, and process improvement. The team drives a consistent colleague and leader experience, enables informed decision making through data and insights, and supports effective risk mitigation across the CLR function. SGI operates in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with simultaneous, often time-sensitive priorities.

Within SGI, the Strategy & Enablement team leads initiatives that deliver against the CLR and broader CEG strategic agenda through operating model enhancements, business enablement, process improvement, capability development, change management, training, and product partnership. The Strategy & Enablement Manager will play a key role in leading strategic initiatives, enhancing CLR processes, developing colleague and leader training, supporting cross-market business and CEG initiatives, and defining CLR requirements for new capabilities and platforms.

Due to the global composition of the team, the nature of the work, key partnerships, and reporting relationship, this role will be expected to accommodate working across European and US time zones, with flexibility to work outside traditional working hours as needed.

• Depth of knowledge and experience across CEG processes and business stakeholder groups, with a solid understanding of employee and labor relations, organizational change, and the practical application of CEG policies and practices.
• Proven experience leading strategic initiatives, business transformation efforts, operating model enhancements, or process improvement projects.
• Excellent project and program management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and influence stakeholders across a complex, global matrix organization.
• Experience developing and delivering training, capability-building programmes, or enablement initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build partnerships across functions, geographies, and levels of leadership.
• Experience partnering with Product and Technology teams to define business capability requirements, support capability development, and deliver process or technology improvements.
• Proactive, action-oriented and solution-focused, with strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Demonstrated ability to think independently, anticipate challenges and opportunities, and develop practical, business-focused solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, compelling, and engaging communications across a range of audiences, including executive presentations, training delivery, and stakeholder communications.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to manage highly sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong business acumen, attention to detail, and ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
• Adaptable, resilient, and comfortable operating in a dynamic environment, with the ability to pivot quickly, flex solutions, and respond to changing priorities.
• Experience working across global markets and navigating local market considerations and stakeholder needs.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and functions to deliver results and drive organizational objectives.

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

• Lead strategic initiatives that support the CLR and broader CEG strategic agenda, including end-to-end project management and execution.
• Partner with global and regional stakeholders to design and enhance CLR processes, operating models, documentation, guidance, and playbooks.
• Drive change management activities associated with new processes, tools, policies, and organisational initiatives, including communications, stakeholder engagement, training, and implementation support.
• Design and deliver colleague and leader training and resources in partnership with regional CLR teams and key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain CLR knowledge resources, training materials, and documentation to support consistent practices globally.
• Act as a CLR subject matter expert on business, CEG, and enterprise initiatives requiring CLR expertise and input.
• Coordinate cross-market engagement and partner with stakeholders to develop globally aligned solutions while considering local market requirements and nuances.
• Represent CLR requirements in partnership with Product and Technology teams, helping define requirements for new capabilities, platform enhancements, automation opportunities, and technology solutions.
• Support the implementation of new capabilities, tools, and platforms by developing business requirements, providing CLR expertise, and ensuring solutions meet business needs.
• Build strong partnerships across CLR, CSP, ELG, Product, Technology, and business stakeholders to drive successful outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve operational effectiveness, and enhance the colleague and leader experience.
• Develop awareness and expertise of internal and external market drivers, employment laws and regulations, industry trends, and strategic priorities.
• Partner closely with SGI colleagues across Reporting & Insights and Governance & Standards to leverage data-driven insights, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, support capability and training initiatives, and reinforce effective governance, risk awareness, and compliance across the CLR function.
• Be part of a positive team environment and lead, support, and participate in ad hoc initiatives and other responsibilities as assigned.