Job Description

Procurement Manager Japan Market Lead

Within American Express, Global Supply Management (GSM) is responsible for helping Amex maximize the purchasing power of third party spend. We provide strategic consultation to the business and provide end-to-end procurement services. We maximize the purchasing power of the Company to drive the best value from our supplier base which then frees up investment capacity. GSM together with our business partners manages the supplier strategy for the Company, identifying and on-boarding new suppliers, realizing significant cost saves and revenue generation relating to working with Global Commercial Services and Global Merchant Services Teams to increase billings and merchant coverage and ensuring an optimal user experience for Amex employees and suppliers.

Role Purpose

The Procurement Manager (Japan Market Lead) is accountable and responsible for the end to end procurement process, including category management, sourcing, and contract delivery as required for the Japan Market This role will develop and grow relationships with business partners to understand objectives, key priorities, and opportunities through analytical support, sourcing execution, and stakeholder coordination, contributing to category strategies, sourcing events, and contract delivery. The colleague will deliver measurable commercial value, help manage supplier risk, and ensure consistent, compliant execution across the end-to-end procurement lifecycle.

Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Stakeholder Management

• Develop, own, and execute category strategies aligned to business objectives, regional priorities, and global GSM strategies
• Serve as the primary procurement partner for assigned Business Units, building strong stakeholder relationships and influencing outcomes without direct authority.
• Identify and drive cost optimization, demand management, and value creation opportunities across categories.
• Conduct spend analysis, market research, benchmarking, and competitive intelligence to inform category and sourcing decisions.

Sourcing and Contracting Execution

• Lead the end-to-end Source to Contract process, from opportunity identification through sourcing, negotiation, contracting, and implementation.
• Plan and execute sourcing activities including RFI/RFP/RFQ preparation, supplier analysis, evaluation, and documentation.
• Lead commercial negotiations for contracts and partner with Legal, Risk, and other teams critical to final contract execution.
• Ensure contracts comply with Amex policies, regulatory requirements, and Third-Party Management standards.
• Assist with supplier onboarding, due diligence, and Third-Party Risk Management activities.
• Maintain accurate sourcing and contract documentation in procurement systems.

Value Delivery & Performance Management

• Build and deliver savings and value realization plans, tracking benefits to closure.
• Track and report sourcing activity, savings, and project status to stakeholders and GSM leadership.
• Lead and participate in regional or cross-market GSM initiatives.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Leads a team of 3 colleagues
• Lead cross-functional and cross-market initiatives.
• Coach and develop procurement professionals, supporting capability building and consistent ways of working.
• Promote American Express Blue Box Values and ensure the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and compliance.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

• Professional procurement qualification (e.g., ISM, CIPS or similar).
• 5-10+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, supply chain, category management, contracts or related fields.
• Proven experience delivering end-to-end procurement activities
• Strong knowledge of contracts, negotiation strategies, supplier management, and procurement risk.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and deliver measurable commercial value.
• Strong project management, financial, and analytical skills, including development of CBAs and financial models.
• Experience working in a matrixed, global organization.
• Experience with eProcurement tools (e.g., Ariba, Oracle, Conga, Bridger) preferred.
• Japanese and English Communication Skills - both languages mandatory

About Us

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.

About the Team

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.