Director-Design Operations

** 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.

** About the Team*
* The Enterprise Design & Research team is a global team of highly talented multi-disciplinary designers and researchers. We are highly embedded within the digital product management organization and lead design efforts from concept through to production for the largest servicing channels for American Express, across web, mobile and push.

** About the Role*
* We're looking for a strategic, systems-minded Director of Design Operations to join our Enterprise Membership Design team. This role is pivotal in scaling our design practice and enabling our designers to do their best work across a complex, fast-moving portfolio that supports the customer digital experience across web and app for both U.S. and international markets.

As the operational backbone of the Membership Design org, you'll partner closely with design, product, engineering, research, and business leaders to drive clarity, efficiency, and alignment across initiatives that shape the future of enterprise acquisitions and membership experiences globally.

You will also own and evolve the Enterprise Design & Research Scorecard-a performance framework that tracks team health, delivery velocity, and measurable impact across the portfolio. This includes defining success metrics, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring the scorecard translates into actionable insights and continuous improvement.

** What You'll Do*
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** Operational Strategy & Execution:
** Architect and implement scalable systems, processes, and tools that support design planning, prioritization, and delivery across multiple work streams, lines of business, and markets.

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** Global Delivery Enablement:
** Establish operating rhythms that support cross-platform (web   app) and cross-market (U.S.
international) execution-balancing global consistency with local nuance.

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** Cross-Functional Partnership:
** Act as a strategic partner to design leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to align on goals, timelines, dependencies, and resource allocation.

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** Team Leadership:
** Build and lead a high-performing Design Ops team. Mentor program managers and operations specialists to drive excellence in execution and stakeholder management.

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** Design Systems & Tooling:
** Oversee the evolution and adoption of internal platforms (e.g., design systems, intake/triage portals, design production tracking) to support consistency, quality, and speed.

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** Scorecard Ownership:
** Lead the development and ongoing refinement of the Enterprise Design & Research Scorecard. Ensure it reflects team priorities, drives accountability, and supports strategic planning.

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** Data-Driven Insights:
** Establish and track KPIs to measure design impact, team health, and operational effectiveness. Use insights to inform planning, identify risks early, and improve ways of working.

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** Culture & Communication:
** Foster a culture of transparency, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Champion rituals that support team cohesion, global collaboration, and creative momentum.

** What You'll Bring*
* + 7  years of experience in design operations, program management, or related roles-preferably in enterprise or agency environments.

+ Proven success in scaling design teams and operational frameworks in complex, matrixed organizations.

+ Deep understanding of design and research practices, including UX, content design, user research and accessibility.

+ Exceptional communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.

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Experience with tools like Figma, Jira, Airtable, Mural, and design system platforms.

+ A strategic mindset with a bias for action and a passion for enabling creative teams to thrive.

** Why Join Us*
* You'll be joining a mission-driven team that's shaping the future of enterprise experiences. We value curiosity, collaboration, and craft-and we're building a culture where design is a strategic advantage.

** Qualifications*
* Salary Range: $ to $ 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…