Director-Data Science

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.

How will you make an impact in this role?

Model Risk Management Group (MRMG) within Global Risk Banking and Compliance Group, is responsible for the independent risk management of all American Express (AXP) models.

Purpose of the Role:

The successful candidate will be responsible to manage and controls model risk, specifically associated to the capital planning (CCAR), CECL and economic capital models and frameworks. This role will elevate model excellence, strengthen long term shareholder value, and adapt to the changing landscape of both model development innovation, external environment and heightened regulatory expectations.

The specific responsibilities include:  

• Conduct independent validation of models with a focus on capital planning (CCAR), CECL and economic capital.
• Conduct gap assessments and establish robust framework to strengthen model risk controls and meet heightened regulatory standards
• Conduct research to explore opportunities and set guidelines in order to address regulators, elevate model excellence and drive business impact
• Communicating results to counterparts and senior leadership 

Critical Factors to Success: 

1.   Business Outcomes:

• Drive more sound and robust modeling practices by thoughtful review and assessment with advanced analytical techniques
• Demonstrate quality of model risk management by effective challenge and thorough documentation
• Maximize business returns by institutionalizing efficient and accurate models.
• Innovate modeling techniques and variable creation
• Ensure modeling accuracy and enhance modeling efficiency in existing processes 

2.   Leadership Outcomes:

• Put enterprise thinking first, connect the role’s agenda to enterprise priorities and balance the needs of customers, partners, colleagues & shareholders.
• Lead with an external perspective, challenge status quo and bring continuous innovation to the existing models
• Demonstrate learning agility, make decisions quickly and with the highest level of integrity
• Lead with a digital mindset and deliver the world’s best customer experiences every day 

Past Experience:

• Preferred 5+ years’ experience in Capital planning (CCAR) modeling and/or model risk management, with a GSIB 

Academic Background:

• MBA, Master’s Degree in Engineering, Economics, Statistics or Related Fields from Top Tier Institute 

Functional Skills/Capabilities:

• Hands-on model development or validation experience.
• Strong Analytical and Relationship and project management skills for driving validation initiatives.
• Experience in applying advanced statistical and/or quantitative techniques to solve business problems is preferred.
• Good Verbal, Written, Interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Willingness to Collaborate with Cross-Functional teams to drive validation and Project Execution.
• Effectively communicating complex Analytical results to Business Partners and Senior Management.
• Flexibility and Adaptability to Work Within tight deadlines and changing priorities.

Technical Skills/Capabilities:

• Experience with at least one of the data manipulation tools such as Python, Py Spark etc. is a must have.
• Data Science/Traditional Modeling, Expertise in Coding, decision trees, Gaussian processes, Bayesian models, Gradient Boosting, Understanding of finance and valuation concepts.

Behavioral Skills/Capabilities:  

Enterprise Leadership Behaviors

• Set The Agenda: Define What Winning Looks Like, Put Enterprise Thinking First, Lead with an External Perspective
• Bring Others with You: Build the Best Team, Seek & Provide Coaching Feedback, Make Collaboration Essential
• Do It the Right Way: Communicate Frequently, Candidly & Clearly, Make Decisions Quickly & Effectively, Live the Blue Box Values, Great Leadership Demands Courage

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