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.
Reporting to the Director, Compensation & Benefits EMEA, this role will lead the delivery and governance of compensation and benefits programs across EMEA and the UK. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring programs remain competitive, equitable, compliant, and aligned to business priorities, while strengthening the Colleague Value Proposition.
This role is ideal for a strong Total Rewards professional who combines technical expertise with operational excellence, stakeholder management, and a collaborative approach.
ResponsibilitiesDeliver EMEA and UK compensation programs, including market benchmarking, pay structures and annual review cycles.
Manage the implementation and ongoing compliance with regulatory reporting requirements related to pay transparency and pay equity requirements across the UK and EMEA, including UK Gender Pay Gap reporting and the EU Pay Transparency Directive.
Partner with HR stakeholders and business leaders to provide consultative support on reward-related decisions, ensuring alignment with enterprise compensation philosophy and market competitiveness.
Support the colleague value proposition through the design, implementation, and ongoing governance of healthcare, retirement, insurance, and wellbeing offerings.
Coordinate with external vendors and consultants to support effective delivery of compensation and benefits programs, managing service standards and adherence to company policies.
Maintain strong governance, controls, and risk management practices across compensation and benefits programs, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
Contribute to regional and global Total Rewards projects, process improvements, and transformation initiatives.
Experienced in Total Rewards, Compensation, Benefits, or Pensions.
Strong working knowledge of compensation and benefits practices across the UK and broader EMEA region with experience supporting annual compensation cycles, market benchmarking, and reward program administration.
Good understanding of regulatory requirements related to compensation, pay transparency, pensions, tax, and employment practices across relevant markets, with experience working with European works councils.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, including the ability to use AI solutions to interpret data and translate insights into practical recommendations.
Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across HR, Finance, Legal, and business teams.
Experience managing external vendors and consulting partners is preferred.
Highly organized with strong project management skills and the capacity to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly when explaining complex reward concepts to diverse audiences.
Collaborative and team-oriented approach with strong attention to detail and governance mindset.
Motivated to grow and develop within a broader Total Rewards leadership pathway.
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 TeamWe 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.
Skills Required
- Experience in Total Rewards, Compensation, Benefits, or Pensions
- Strong working knowledge of compensation and benefits practices across the UK and broader EMEA
- Experience supporting annual compensation cycles, market benchmarking, and reward program administration
- Good understanding of regulatory requirements related to compensation, pay transparency, pensions, tax, and employment practices across relevant markets
- Experience working with European works councils
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, including ability to use AI solutions to interpret data and translate insights
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across HR, Finance, Legal, and business teams
- Experience managing external vendors and consulting partners
- Highly organized with strong project management skills and ability to balance multiple priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to explain complex reward concepts to diverse audiences
- Collaborative, team-oriented approach with strong attention to detail and governance mindset
- Motivated to grow within a broader Total Rewards leadership pathway
- Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the UK (no visa sponsorship provided)
American Express Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about American Express and has not been reviewed or approved by American Express.
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Healthcare Strength — Pay is often viewed as attractive when combined with comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage that supports day-to-day needs. The benefits package is also framed as especially helpful for those supporting dependents.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are positioned as a meaningful part of total rewards through a 401(k) plan with company matching. Financial wellness services and coaching are also highlighted as strengthening longer-term financial security.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is repeatedly characterized as generous and a valued component of the overall package. Time off and flexibility are presented as helping the total rewards feel more complete beyond base salary.
American Express Insights
What We Do
At American Express, we know that with the right backing, people and businesses have the power to progress in incredible ways. Whether we’re supporting our customers’ financial confidence to move ahead, taking commerce to new heights, or encouraging people to explore the world, our colleagues are constantly striving to uphold our powerful backing promise to our customers and each other every day. These beliefs have been our North Star for 170 years as our business transformed – from helping evacuate travelers during World Wars, to ensuring the safety of our customers’ funds during the Great Depression in the U.S., to creating the Shop Small® movement to help small businesses recover from the Financial Crisis, to providing aid to communities impacted by many natural disasters and so much more. For generations, the key to our success has been the determination and resilience of our American Express colleagues. Now, as a globally integrated payments company, we work together to provide customers with access to products, insights and world-class experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Join us and let’s lead the way together.
