Manager & Counsel (Payments Aggregators)

American Express' General Counsel Organization (GCO) in Mexico, is seeking a Manager and Counsel to serve primarily (but not limited to) as legal counsel for the Global Commercial Services (GMS) business line within the company in Mexico, an expanding and evolving area.  The successful candidate will be responsible for negotiating complex business agreements and providing strategic legal support and advice to the different teams within GMS, as well as other cross-functional teams within American Express. This position will report to the Director & Counsel based in Mexico who supports GMS business.

This position requires regularly navigating new business and legal issues on a wide range of payment-related issues and working seamlessly with colleagues around the world.  It also provides the opportunity to lead and contribute to a host of strategic projects at GMNS and to collaborate with colleagues across business units and the GCO on meaningful business initiatives.

The GMS business, is a core business of American Express. It builds and maintains relationships with merchants who choose to accept the American Express Card and financial services companies that enable merchants to accept the Card, simultaneously offering differentiated products and services and driving revenue growth for both merchants and American Express.  The GMS business is responsible for signing merchants to accept the Card, processing Card transactions, and providing marketing and other innovative programs and services to grow our merchant-to-merchant relationships and Card acceptance.

Role & Responsibilities:
Provide legal and strategic advice on a broad range of matters impacting all different GMS relationships, within a dynamic business and regulatory environment. This role will also provide partial support to the GNS business in matters related to the network, including engagement with licensed issuers, acquirers, and payment ecosystem participants such as clearing houses, fintechs, and card networks.

• Draft and negotiate complex global and local commercial contracts with leading fintechs, payment aggregators, merchant-acquiring partners, and other third parties, including vendor agreements, license agreements, and commercial alliances (in English and Spanish).
• Support the business in managing relationships with payment aggregators and e-commerce partners, including legal advisory on payment flows, merchant onboarding structures, and brand-related contractual arrangements.
• Offer thought leadership, collaboration, and legal advice on cross-functional issues and strategic initiatives.
• Provide legal advice and coordinate with outside counsel on commercial litigation and related matters.
• Create or support the implementation of legal strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct legal analysis of new regulations or amendments applicable to American Express, identifying key impacts and ensuring timely implementation.
• Guide management on regulatory and compliance matters, coordinating efforts to comply with local legislation and internal policies.
• Provide legal advice on advertising matters, participating in the committee responsible for approving marketing materials across all business lines.

Minimum Qualifications:
Strong experience in the payments industry, including exposure to payment aggregators, fintechs, e-commerce, and merchant acquiring environments.

• Solid understanding of payment ecosystems, including clearing/settlement processes, card networks, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Experience supporting or advising on relationships with fintechs, payment networks, and commercial partners within the digital payments space.

·       Bachelor’s degree in Law (specialization or master degree’s desirable)

·       5+ years of relevant work experience in a law firm and/or in-house corporate legal environment (desirable financial institutions, Fintechs, and/or any other relevant participant within the payments network system in Mexico)

·       Direct experience and knowledge in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex, commercial agreements and all other type of agreements

·       Strong ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively, in both written and oral format, and to synthesize complex issues for senior business leaders

·       Provide thoughtful and practice advice to the business and other cross functional teams in different legal matters related to its functions

·       Proven ability to act as a trusted advisor

·       Ability to effectively interact at all levels within the organization and with external counterparties

·       Expertise in the regulatory framework applicable to the payments ecosystem in Mexico.

·     Experience advising on topics related to Consumer Protection Law/Marketing material review, Data Protection Law as well as Intellectual Property Law.

·         Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with passion for generating creative and innovative solutions

·       Ability to understand and integrate details of business operational/systemic environment in applying legal and policy requirements

·       Efficient and agile regulatory analysis and implementation

·       Strong interpersonal and leadership skills / communication, decision making, goals orientation & problem solving

·       Proactive, less supervision required, business-oriented

·       Excellent communication skills, both verbal and writing

·       Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills and ability to work well in cross-functional team settings

·       Used to work in very demanding environments

·       Adaptability to change

·       Advanced Business/Legal english verbal and writing

·       Self-motivated, high level of personal energy and commitment
 

Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

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.