Legal Manager & Counsel – EMEA Commercial Services

About the role

The Manager & Counsel will join American Express’s General Counsel Organisation to provide legal support for the Global Commercial Services (GCS) business, focusing on Bank Partnerships and Joint Ventures across the EMEA region. You will work closely with business partners to manage risk, seize opportunities, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Provide pragmatic legal advice on commercial and regulatory matters for EMEA‑based business clients.
• Draft, review and negotiate international commercial agreements using approved templates.
• Support customer incentive contracts, amendments, renewals and advise on contract structure.
• Assist with strategic marketing initiatives and related agreements.
• Advise on new product and service development from legal and regulatory perspectives, escalating material risks.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments across EMEA markets and assess business impact.
• Instruct and manage external counsel, ensuring quality and cost‑effective advice.
• Collaborate with GCO, Compliance, Risk, Pricing and other stakeholders to support business objectives.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer in England and Wales or a common‑law/EU jurisdiction.
• Relevant professional experience at a reputable law firm or international company, with post‑qualification experience.
• Fluent English; additional European language is a plus.
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Required skills

• Strong drafting, research and negotiation skills.
• Solid analytical abilities.
• Understanding of commercial law principles and payments‑industry regulations.