American Express

Senior Manager, Visual Identity Design Strategy

American Express$120K — $150K *
Media
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years in branding, graphic design, or design strategy, preferably with agency and corporate experience.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing design leadership in complex brand identity systems.
  • Deep understanding of brand architecture balancing enterprise consistency with sub-brand differentiation.
  • Knowledge of brand systems implementation across various touchpoints (digital, print, environmental).
  • Exceptional communication skills for articulating design rationale to senior stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage multiple, complex design initiatives across global teams.
  • Proficiency in writing creative briefs and managing project resources.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the evolution of visual identity for American Express sub-brands while ensuring alignment with the broader brand ecosystem.
  • Develop scalable frameworks for applying the Amex visual identity across customer experiences and mediums.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to turn business goals into audience-relevant visual identities.
  • Manage strategic design initiatives from concept to execution, coordinating with internal and external partners.
  • Shape creative briefs that define brand opportunities and guide visual identity expression.
  • Define guidance models and best practices for consistent visual systems across teams.
  • Ensure visual identity guidelines are upheld in partnership with the Brand Management team.
  • Advocate for design thinking as a driver of brand strategy and business impact.

Benefits

  • Competitive base salaries and bonus incentives.
  • 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan.
  • Free financial coaching and support for financial well-being.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits.
  • Flexible working model options based on role and business needs.
  • 20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender.
  • Access to global on-site wellness centers (depending on location).
  • Free, confidential counseling support through the Healthy Minds program.
  • Opportunities for career development and training.
Full Job Description
Job Description

As Senior Manager, Visual Identity Design Strategy, this person will lead the strategic development and oversight of visual identity interpretation across American Express sub-brands, including products, benefits, services, and business units. This role is responsible for developing systems that ensure each brand expression authentically reflects the unique needs of its specific audience and business goals while remaining connected to and consistent with the broader American Express brand system and its heritage. These initiatives will shape how the brand comes to life visually across global customer touchpoints.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in graphic design and visual identity systems - with the ability to guide how sub-brands evolve, scale, and express themselves across brand architectures. They will collaborate closely with business units, in-house creative teams, and external agencies to inspire bold, future-forward approaches to brand expression across channels, experiences, and partnerships that evolve the American Express visual ecosystem while honoring the brand's heritage and trust.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the strategic oversight and evolution of visual identity expression across Amex sub-brands, products, and business units, ensuring each maintains a clear point of view while aligning to the broader American Express brand ecosystem.
  • Develop scalable frameworks and design principles that guide how business units and sub-brands interpret and apply the Amex visual identity system across diverse customer experiences, channels, and mediums.
  • Partner cross-functionally with brand strategy, business stakeholders, and insights teams to translate business objectives into differentiated, audience-relevant visual identities rooted in enterprise brand strategy.
  • Lead and manage strategic design initiatives from concept through execution, coordinating internal and external creative partners to ensure high-quality delivery, alignment, timing, and budget accountability.
  • Shape and review creative briefs that clearly define business and brand opportunities, inspire strong conceptual thinking, and establish guardrails for visual identity expression.
  • Define and evolve guidance models and best practices for sub-brand and business-unit visual systems, ensuring clarity across teams and consistency across customer touchpoints.
  • Ensure integrity and intent of visual identity guidelines is upheld across creative manifestations in close partnership with Brand Management team.
  • Advocate for design thinking and champion the role of brand design as a strategic driver of brand and business impact.
  • Measure and optimize design impact, identifying key performance indicators and opportunities to enhance brand coherence and effectiveness.


Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in branding, graphic design, design strategy, or similar, preferably in both agency and corporate environments.
  • Strong portfolio/case studies showcasing design leadership in developing or evolving comprehensive brand identity systems (logos, color, typography, illustration, design principles, and more) with a focus in complex brand ecosystems
  • Deep understanding of brand architecture and the balance between enterprise consistency and differentiated sub-brand expression.
  • Knowledge of brand systems, from high-level strategy through implementation across digital, print, and environmental touchpoints.
  • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design rationale and strategy to senior stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to lead multiple, complex design initiatives simultaneously across global teams.
  • Proficiency in writing and evaluating creative briefs, SOWs, and managing project resources efficiently.
  • Passion for great design, a strong grasp of emerging creative trends, and a deep appreciation for how visual identity shapes brand experience.


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

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
  • 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
  • Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
  • Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
  • 20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
  • 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

For a full list of Team Amex benefits, visit our Colleague Benefits Site.

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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