
Manager, Payment Product Partnerships
American Express · Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
- On site
- Full-time
- $120,000 / year
- Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Job highlights
- Define and execute regional third-party strategy.
- Manage third-party relationships and commercial negotiations.
- Enforce governance, risk, and controls.
- Identify new business development and market expansion opportunities.
- Lead cross-functional teams for project delivery.
About the role
Manager, Payment Product Partnerships
As Payment Product Partnerships Manager, you are responsible for defining and executing the regional third-party strategy, including partner segmentation and governance frameworks, to accelerate American Express (AXP) product and capability adoption across all markets in the region and with specialized global providers.
This role partners closely with cross-functional teams, including local PCG, Product, and Merchant Services, to ensure timely and effective product deployment, strong third-party relationships, and full adherence to enterprise Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) policies and standards.
Responsibilities
- Regional Third-Party Strategy & Execution: Define, execute, and maintain the regional third-party strategy and rollout plans across all markets and specialized global providers. Guide local teams and partners through product implementations, upgrades, and prioritization decisions.
- Third Party Relationship & Commercial Management: Lead the regional third-party portfolio at an executive level, managing commercial negotiations, service-level agreements, and product support arrangements to ensure AXP product readiness, availability, and quality at the point of sale (POS).
- Governance, Risk & Controls: Design and enforce regional third-party governance frameworks, including controls, documentation standards, and automation, in alignment with enterprise TPRM requirements. Oversee consistent execution across local markets and drive continuous improvement.
- Business Development & Market Expansion: Identify new third-party opportunities, emerging payment trends, and capability expansion areas. Maintain a strong regional pipeline and represent American Express at relevant industry events and forums.
- Consultative Delivery & Cross Functional Leadership: Provide thought leadership and guidance to regional team members. Coordinate with NAS, PCG, GMNS, Product, Risk, GCO, and Technology teams to deliver third-party initiatives on time and within scope, while providing high-quality product and process consulting.
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of the payments ecosystem, including payment processing, products, and third-party risk management (TPRM), governance, and compliance frameworks.
- Proven experience managing complex regional or multi-market third-party partnerships, including contract negotiation and commercial discussions.
- Demonstrated ability to drive business development and identify growth opportunities through external partnerships.
- Ability to translate strategic objectives into structured execution plans and deliver results in ambiguous, fast-changing environments.
- Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to build, influence, and maintain partnerships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.
- Experience representing an organization at industry events or partner forums, with the ability to synthesize market insights into actionable opportunities.
- Self-driven, with the ability to lead through ambiguity, manage change effectively, and operate with a high degree of ownership.
Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the UK is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.
About Us
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 our 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.
About The Team
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.
Key skills/competency
- Payment Ecosystem Knowledge
- Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM)
- Partnership Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Commercial Management
- Business Development
- Market Expansion
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Product Strategy
- Risk Management
Skills & topics
- Payment Partnerships
- Product Strategy
- Third-Party Risk Management
- Commercial Negotiation
- Business Development
- Market Expansion
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Payments Ecosystem
- Governance
- American Express
- Manager
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in payment ecosystems, TPRM, and partnership management. Quantify achievements in contract negotiation and business development.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Express your understanding of American Express's culture and how your skills align with the Manager, Payment Product Partnerships role.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss complex regional partnerships, strategic execution in ambiguous environments, and stakeholder influence.
- Showcase leadership: Emphasize your ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage change, and drive results in a consultative manner.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary focus of the Manager, Payment Product Partnerships role at American Express?
- The primary focus of the Manager, Payment Product Partnerships role at American Express is to define and execute the regional third-party strategy, accelerating AXP product adoption through effective management of third-party relationships and adherence to risk management policies.
- What kind of experience is essential for the Manager, Payment Product Partnerships position?
- Essential experience includes a strong understanding of the payments ecosystem, proven success in managing complex regional third-party partnerships, contract negotiation, commercial discussions, and demonstrated business development capabilities.
- Does American Express offer visa sponsorship for this Manager, Payment Product Partnerships role in the UK?
- No, American Express will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position. Employment eligibility to work in the UK is required.
- How does American Express support employee well-being for roles like Manager, Payment Product Partnerships?
- American Express supports holistic well-being through competitive salaries, bonuses, financial support, comprehensive health benefits, and resources like confidential counseling and wellness centers, depending on location.
- What are the key responsibilities of a Manager, Payment Product Partnerships at American Express?
- Key responsibilities include defining and executing third-party strategy, managing commercial negotiations and SLAs, enforcing governance and controls, identifying new business opportunities, and leading cross-functional teams for project delivery.
- How important is knowledge of the payments ecosystem for this role?
- Strong knowledge of the payments ecosystem, including payment processing, products, and third-party risk management (TPRM), governance, and compliance frameworks, is essential for success in this role.
- What kind of environment can I expect as a Manager, Payment Product Partnerships at American Express?
- You can expect an environment that values innovation, strong risk management, and a commitment to backing colleagues. The role requires the ability to deliver results in ambiguous, fast-changing environments.