Summary: The Manager, Contract and Exceptions Management defines, governs, and monitors adherence to American Express Merchant and Network policies globally, ensuring consistent and compliant experiences across the payments ecosystem. Highlights: 1. Execute global strategy for Merchant and Network Policy Compliance 2. Govern compliance frameworks and lead enterprise governance forums 3. Oversee compliance risk management and network participant monitoring At American Express, our culture is built on a 175\-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world\-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service. As part of Team Amex, you'll experience this powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well\-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express. The **Contract and Exceptions Management** team is part of the **Global Merchant \& Network Services (GMNS)** organization within **G** **lobal Strategy, Operations, \& Performance (GSOP)** and is responsible for defining, governing, and monitoring adherence to American Express Merchant and Network policies globally through the administration of contract and exception management governance forums and processes. The team plays a critical role in enabling consistent, compliant experiences across the payments ecosystem. Through strong governance, risk management, and data\-driven insights, the team partners closely with GMNS leadership, Compliance, Risk, Legal, and Operations to embed policy compliance into business decisions and operating models worldwide. **Role Overview** The Manager – Contract and Exceptions Management is responsible for **Merchant and Network Policy Compliance** across GMNS as documented in the American Express Business \& Operational Policies (BOP), Global Merchant Services (GMS) Merchant Policies and other related policies. This role delivers the **strategic direction, governance model, and risk posture** for the contract and exceptions processes that protect the brand, enable partner confidence, and support sustainable business growth. **Key Responsibilities** * **Execute the global strategy** for Merchant and Network Policy Compliance aligned to enterprise risk appetite and regulatory expectations. * **Govern compliance frameworks** covering policy interpretation, enforcement, escalation, remediation, and exception management. * **Support and lead enterprise governance forums and councils** , driving executive alignment, accountability, and decision\-making. * **Provide oversight of compliance risk management** , including risk assessments, mitigation plans, and control effectiveness to support contract and exception management. * **Oversee Network Participant performance monitoring** and non\-compliance actions to ensure consistent policy adherence. * **Create executive\-level reporting and insights** , leveraging data and analytics to identify trends, systemic risks, and improvement opportunities. * **Partner with senior stakeholders** across GMNS, Partner Management, Risk, Technology, and Operations to balance growth, customer experience, and compliance. * **Anticipate emerging risks** in network payments and partner operating models and proactively embed controls into policies and processes. **Qualifications** * Strong background in **Business, Operations, Risk Management, Information Systems, or related fields** preferred, either gained through graduate education or experience. * **5\+ years of experience** with senior leadership accountability in **policy compliance, risk management, governance, or audit** , preferably within financial services or payments. * Proven experience in operating or supporting **enterprise\-wide programs** , governance councils, and senior leadership engagements in a global environment. **Core Competencies** * Risk Management Excellence * Governance and Program Delivery Excellence * Executive Communication \& Influencing * Data\-Driven Decision Making * Customer \& Brand Protection Mindset * Curiosity and Learning agility to rapidly understand new topics and risks We back you with benefits that support your holistic well\-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally: * 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 Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.