American Express

Project Director, Digital & Smart Buildings

American Express$150K — $180K *
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years experience in smart buildings or digital infrastructure programs
  • Strong grasp of enterprise technology and product development
  • Expertise in integrating building systems and OT/IT convergence
  • Ability to translate business needs into technology solutions
  • Proven communication skills with a history of engaging diverse stakeholders
  • Experience in leading cross-functional programs and navigating ambiguity
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity practices in smart environments

Responsibilities

  • Lead the digital and smart building strategy from design to operations
  • Create an integrated digital ecosystem across all technology layers
  • Coordinate with various teams to align project goals with corporate strategies
  • Ensure the integration of building systems and operational technologies
  • Validate end-user technologies and ensure they are user-friendly
  • Oversee testing and commissioning of systems to ensure readiness
  • Implement continuous improvement strategies post-occupancy

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage
  • Retirement savings plan with company match
  • Flexible working options and work-life balance initiatives
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Access to advanced technology and workplace tools
  • Collaborative and innovative work environment
Full Job Description
Job Description

The GREWE Property Development team is responsible for delivering a new global headquarters from concept to completion. They lead the full lifecycle of the project-overseeing design, coordinating construction, managing stakeholders, and ensuring the building is fully prepared for operations. This team is responsible for ensuring the headquarters is delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with organizational goals and future workplace needs.

How will you make an impact in this role?

You will lead the end-to-end digital, technology, and smart building enablement strategy and roadmap for our next-generation American Express headquarters. Acting as the central integrator across design, procurement, construction, and operational readiness, you will ensure all building systems, enterprise technologies, and workplace experience platforms are seamlessly connected, secure, scalable, and ready for deployment.

This role goes beyond infrastructure delivery-you will be accountable for ensuring that both:
  • Front-of-house/end-user experience (colleague, guest, UX/UI, and customer-facing digital interactions) are fully enabled, tested, and optimized prior to occupancy.
  • Back-of-house operations (building systems, infrastructure, security, data platforms and digital twin)


You will ensure that all end-user experience technologies-from workplace tools and collaboration systems to smart spaces, digital signage, access, and service platforms-are delivered, integrated, and operationally ready as part of the HQ program.

By enabling "Smarter Systems, Seamless Experiences," you will drive a unified digital ecosystem that enhances sustainability, operational efficiency, cybersecurity, and workplace experience-while unlocking the power of real-time data, automation, and AI to future-proof the building and enable a best-in-class digital experience for colleagues globally.

Responsibilities

Define the Strategy & Execution of the Digital and Smart Building Roadmap for HQ Technology, Infrastructure, and Experience

Digital & Smart Building HQ Strategy
  • Lead the holistic digital and smart building strategy for the new HQ across all phases (design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations).
  • Define and deliver a fully integrated digital ecosystem spanning building systems, enterprise IT, workplace technologies, and user-facing platforms.
  • Ensure alignment between GREWE, Digital Product, Engineering, Security, Workplace Experience, and Business stakeholders and AMEX global strategies.


Back-of-House Enablement (Operational Technology & Infrastructure)
  • Oversee integration of core building and operational systems, including:
    • BMS, HVAC, lighting, elevators, energy systems
    • Security, access control, and life safety systems
    • IoT platforms and sensor networks
  • Ensure OT/IT convergence, cybersecurity compliance, and resilience of all systems.
  • Embed data architecture, governance, and digital twin capabilities to enable predictive operations and performance optimization.


End-User Experience (UX & UI) Enablement

Ensure readiness and implementation of all end-user facing technologies:
  • Workplace experience platforms (room booking, desk booking, mobile apps)
    • Collaboration technologies (AV, conferencing, hybrid meeting solutions)
    • Smart spaces (sensor-driven environments, adaptive workspaces)
    • Digital signage, wayfinding, and guest experience systems
    • Security, access, identity, and seamless entry experiences
  • Partner with Workplace Experience, Digital Product & engineering teams to ensure:
    • Solutions are user-centric, intuitive, and frictionless
    • Technology is fully tested, deployed, and operationally ready at go-live
  • Define and execute end-user acceptance testing (UAT) and experience validation.


Digital Infrastructure, Integration & Development of an Interconnected Ecosystem toenable optimization of facilities management through technology system implementation, data governance, and AI enabled automation:
  • Establish interoperability standards and open frameworks across
    • Network, Wi-Fi, and connectivity infrastructure
    • Cloud and edge computing environments
    • APIs, middleware, and integration layers
    • Digital Twin
    • Data warehouse and governance
  • Ensure all systems integrate into a single, cohesive digital platform.


Program Management, Delivery & Governance
  • Act as the central integration lead across all digital and smart building domains.
  • Develop technical requirements, RFPs, and vendor strategies.
  • Manage cross-functional coordination and dependencies across:
    • Design teams, contractors, and system integrators
    • Enterprise Technology, Cybersecurity, and Data teams
    • Workplace Experience and Operations
  • Prioritize across the digital roadmap and ensure continuous, agile delivery
  • Remove roadblocks and risks to ensure portfolio maintains on schedule.
  • Establish governance, reporting, and executive communication cadence.


Testing, Commissioning & Readiness
  • Lead Integrated Systems Testing (IST) across all platforms.
    • Oversee commissioning to validate:
    • System performance
    • Interoperability
    • Cybersecurity compliance
  • Ensure end-to-end readiness for both operational teams and end users prior to occupancy.


Performance, Analytics & Continuous Optimization
  • Enable real-time monitoring and analytics for:
    • Energy efficiency and sustainability
    • Space utilization
    • System performance and uptime
    • User experience insights
  • Drive AI-enabled and data-driven optimization strategies.
  • Establish a roadmap for continuous improvement post-occupancy.


Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
  • Proven experience delivering smart buildings, digital infrastructure, or workplace technology programs at scale.
  • Expertise in enterprise technology new product development, digital portfolio management, network and infrastructure, delivery, testing and GTM
  • Strong knowledge of building systems integration and OT/IT convergence.
  • Experience defining and delivering an end-to-end technology roadmap and translating business requirements into technical solutions.
  • Highly effective executive communication and visual storytelling capability, with a track record of clearly conveying complex concepts through compelling presentations tailored to senior leaders and diverse stakeholder audiences.
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity and defining strategy from 'white space'
  • Proven ability to influence across a diverse set of stakeholders at all band levels, driving alignment, and delivering outcomes without direct authority.
  • Highly skilled in Agile product development methodologies, program and project management
  • Working knowledge of cybersecurity in OT and smart building environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional, multi-vendor programs.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with digital workplace platforms and end-user experience technologies.
  • Background in smart building platforms, digital twins, and advanced analytics.
  • Familiarity with open protocols and integration standards (BACnet, MQTT, APIs).
  • Knowledge of sustainability frameworks (LEED, WELL, ESG).
  • Strong understanding of user experience (UX) design in workplace environments.
  • Experience implementing data and analytics strategies in built environments.
  • Relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, CISSP, LEED AP).
  • Professional certifications in smart buildings, engineering, IT, or project management (e.g., PMP, CISSP, LEED AP).


Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.

The below 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.

About American Express

Amex provides industrial services to the coatings and linings sector, providing support for commercial, industrial, and maritime projects such as petrochemical, power, and water treatment industries. They offer painting services for steel structures, storage tank linings and coatings, pipelines, floors, and marine vessels such as ships, tugboats, and barges.

American Express Careers

Join the vibrant team at American Express, a global leader in financial services, and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity. At American Express, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for professional growth and a chance to be part of a culture that is committed to excellence and inclusive growth. Work You’ll Do At American Express, we are dedicated to helping our employees reach their full potential. With a variety of career paths available in areas such as technology, marketing, finance, and customer service, American Express is the perfect place to advance your career. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who thrive on innovation and collaboration. Join our team and contribute to a company known for its prestigious history of leadership in the credit card industry. Engage in meaningful work that makes a real impact on our global scale business operations. American Express Leadership and Development Programs We believe in nurturing the leadership skills of our employees with extensive training programs and leadership development opportunities. Our commitment to professional growth is evident in our comprehensive benefits package that supports both personal and professional development. Internship Opportunities Start your career with an internship at American Express and gain valuable industry experience. Our internships offer a chance to develop skills, work on challenging projects, and learn from leaders in the industry. Interns at American Express are considered integral members of the team and are given responsibilities that provide a real insight into their future career paths. Diversity and Inclusion At American Express, diversity and inclusion are at the core of our company culture. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and inclusive environment where every employee feels valued and inspired. We offer diversity training programs that empower our employees to thrive and lead in a global marketplace. Networking and Innovation Our employees enjoy unparalleled opportunities for networking and personal growth through our global connections and innovative projects. American Express encourages a culture of innovation that helps propel our company and your career forward. Career Benefits and Growth American Express is dedicated to the growth of its employees. We offer competitive benefits, including health, retirement plans, and family leave, ensuring that our team members have the support they need to succeed both at work and in their personal lives. Join Our Team Explore the job opportunities and open positions at American Express. We are continuously hiring talented individuals who are passionate about their careers and interested in working for a company that offers a dynamic and supportive environment. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest from American Express Careers by following our career blog and signing up for job alert emails. Tailor your subscription to receive updates that match your skills and interests. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at American Express. SEARCH AMERICAN EXPRESS JOBS Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership opportunity, American Express offers a path to a rewarding career. Join us and make a difference with your passion, creativity, and drive.
Learn more about American Express
Size
64,000 employees
Market Cap
$108.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1850
5 Year Trend
+3.5%
Revenue
$37 billion
NASDAQ

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