Manager, KYC Programs- Vendor Management

Job ID: 26013392Posted: 2026-09-14Location: New York, NY, United StatesSalary: $89250 - $150250 annually + bonus + benefitsJob Function: Risk ManagementSchedule: Full timeShift: DayWorkplace: HybridCareer Area: Analytics & Risk ManagementCompany: American ExpressDescriptionGlobal Merchant & Network Services (GMNS) powers the American Express global payments network, enabling more than $1.7 trillion in annual spend across 170+ markets. Within GMNS, the Global Governance, Risk, Remediation, & Operations (GRRO) team drives strategy, governance, and execution to enable a profitable, compliant, and vibrant network. Global Merchant Financial Crimes Delivery team is part of GRRO and the team is looking to hire a manager of vendor management, responsible for end-to-end ownership of third-party vendor relationships supporting onboarding and refresh capabilities across GMNS. This role drives strategic vendor engagement, ensures compliance with AEMP10 and related policies, and maximizes enterprise value through effective contract management, cost oversight, and cross-functional partnership.This position plays a critical role in consolidating vendor strategy across the business unit to reduce duplication, control costs, and leverage scale to negotiate stronger outcomes.ResponsibilitiesVendor Strategy & Governance: Develop and execute an overarching vendor management strategy for GMNSIdentify and rationalize enterprise and multi-market vendor relationships to drive consistency across the Blue BoxLead pre-contract activities including due diligence, data source evaluation, and internal approvalsIdentify opportunities to enhance vendor capabilities, including adoption of new technologies and automationThird-Party Relationship ManagementBuild and manage strategic vendor partnerships to drive long-term value and innovationLead and influence without direct authority across global, matrixed teamsCommunicate complex concepts clearly to key stakeholdersAct as the designated Third-Party Relationship Manager (TRM) with full accountability for vendor lifecycle management Own and manage all activities across the vendor lifecycle, including onboarding, ongoing oversight, and offboardingEnsure compliance with all applicable policiesFinancial Oversight & ReportingCollaborate with market contacts on vendor budgets, forecasts, and actuals, ensuring alignment with financial targetsIdentify and mitigate risks related to cost overruns and fragmented vendor engagementsDrive cost efficiencies by consolidating vendor usage across teams and business unitesVendor Performance & OversightConduct regular service reviews to assess vendor performance, SLAs, and cost efficiencyEnsure vendors deliver expected capabilities and adhere to contractual obligationsOversee ongoing due diligence, compliance monitoring, and issue remediationCross-Functional PartnershipPartner with Product and Technology teams to define and support technical requirementsAct as a central point of coordination for all vendor-related engagements within scopeQualifications4+ years of relevant experience with a strong understanding of vendor management, third-party risk management, procurement, and sourcing High attention to detail, proven problem-solving, analytical, communication skills, and proficiency with Excel or reporting tools, and PowerPoint.Strong understanding of contract negotiation and lifecycle management.Strong familiarity with regulatory and policy frameworks.Experience working cross-functionally with global teams to drive process improvements, streamline workflows, and implement operational best practices.Proven ability to manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting. Strong stakeholder management skills across product, technology, and business teams.Analytical mindset with ability to develop frameworks, make strategic decisions, and drive efficiency and scale.Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and balance execution with strategy.Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.