Manager Compensations & Benefits

American Express
American Express

Accounting & Finance

London, UK · East Sussex, UK · Brighton, UK · Burgess Hill, UK

Posted on Jul 14, 2026

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.


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.


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
  • 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.


  • 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.


  • Deliver 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.