Director – Data Governance & Management; Data Controls Design and Enablement

Location: Phoenix
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

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. 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. Joining Amex Tech means discovering and shaping your contribution to something big. Here, you can work alongside talented tech teams and build a unique career with the Powerful Backing of American Express. With a range of opportunities to work with the latest technologies, and a commitment to back the broader engineering community through open source, our mission is to power your success. Because Amex Tech is powered by our technology, our culture, and our colleagues. Enterprise Data Management & Products (EDMP), a key part of our Technology organization, focuses on delivering data products that fuel business growth and unlock value, while also shaping robust data management strategies and governance solutions. Our aim is to propel growth, unlock potential, enhance efficiency, manage risk, and foster talent. By prioritizing enterprise growth across all sectors, we create solutions that enhance satisfaction and value, streamline operations for scalability, and maintain trust and security. The Enterprise Data Office (EDO) is part of EDMP organization and sets the enterprise strategy for and delivery of critical data-related initiatives required to accelerate the ongoing digital transformation of American Express products and services, enhance the overall customer experience, strengthen our data strategy and practices, and drive our continued growth. American Express continues to invest in enterprise data management, and as part of the journey, we are seeking a Director of Data Controls Design and Enablement. This role will lead the identification, design, development, implementation and management of robust data controls across the enterprise. Reporting to the VP, Data Controls Implementation, this critical role will be instrumental in strengthening our data governance framework and mitigating key data risks within a complex and highly regulated financial services environment. This Director will collaborate closely with business units, technology teams, and risk management functions to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and security of our valuable data assets. Primary Responsibilities: • Lead and develop a team of data control managers and analysts to identify and document control gaps mitigating data risk • Design, develop, implement and manage effective and efficient data controls (both preventative and detective) to address identified gaps and mitigate enterprise data risks while leveraging the enterprise Risk Controls Self-Assessment framework • Partner with business stakeholders, federated data offices, technology teams, data stewards, and risk and compliance functions to understand data processes, identify control requirements, communicate data requirements and control implementation processes. • Contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of the enterprise data control inventory to align with industry best practices, regulatory requirements and the company’s risk appetite. • Define and deliver key performance indicator (KPI) and Key Risk Indicator (KRI) requirements to product team to create automated reporting to monitor the effectiveness of implemented data controls. • Present KPI and KRI reporting results to relevant stakeholders to drive risk reduction • Collaborate with product and tech teams to identify and implement solutions to automate data controls driving efficiency and effectiveness • Develop training and awareness content to educate colleagues on data control requirements and best practices • Support internal and external audits as well as second-line reviews by providing artifacts and insights into the data control environment. Qualification Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Information Technology, Data Science, Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management or a related discipline • 8 years of experience in data management, data governance, risk management, internal controls or audit within the financial services industry • Experience as a people leader • 6 years’ experience with data risks and data control frameworks, with proven experience in identifying, designing and implementing data controls Preferred Qualifications: • Strong knowledge of financial services regulations and compliance requirements • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to assess complex data environments and identify control weaknesses. • Exceptional communication, presentation and interpersonal skills with proven experience in stakeholder management • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across business and technology teams • Experience with data governance tools and technologies • Relevant certifications such as CISA, CISM, CDMP, or CRISC are highly desirable • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines • Experience in data analysis and reporting tools Salary Range: $150,000.00 to $225,000.00 annually bonus equity (if applicable) benefits The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we’ll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors. 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 • 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan • Free financial coaching and financial well-being support • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits • Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need • 20 weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy • 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

Keywords: , Scottsdale , Director – Data Governance & Management; Data Controls Design and Enablement, IT / Software / Systems , Phoenix, Arizona