Director - Global Air & Car Account Management

American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915 and today is one of the world’s largest luxury travel and lifestyle service networks. The Travel & Lifestyle Services (TLS) business provides exclusive access, differentiated value, extraordinary service, and unrivaled expertise to premium Card Members seeking leisure or business travel, as well as a variety of lifestyle services. The TLS COE (Center of Excellence) is tasked with uniting the travel and lifestyle benefits and strategic travel partner relationships globally to create structured and focused plans towards advanced Card Member engagement with Amex travel benefits.

Job Description

With a deep understanding of our customers’ needs and a pulse on evolving travel trends and innovation, the Global Strategic Partnerships and Marketing (GPM) organization is shaping the future of travel and transforming the value proposition of TLS travel benefits to maintain our strength in the leisure travel industry. The Global Strategic Partnerships and Marketing (GPM) within American Express Travel brings together the best travel partners in the world to create unparalleled value and unforgettable experiences across the travel journey - and amplifies this to Card Members wherever they are. 

The Global Air and Car Partnerships team ensures Amex Travel is the channel of choice for Card Members and partners to drive share and widen our leadership position. 

The Director, Global Account Management – Air & Car Partnerships will lead a global team responsible for managing strategic airline and car rental partnerships, optimizing commercial performance, and driving revenue growth across the portfolio. This role will own supplier relationships, negotiate commercial agreements, and partner closely with internal stakeholders to ensure TLS maximizes value for both Card Members and partners.

We are seeking a commercially minded leader with strong negotiation skills, executive presence, and a proven ability to build and grow strategic partnerships. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, balance long-term relationship management with near-term business objectives, and lead a high-performing team focused on delivering measurable business results.

• Manage strategic airline and car rental partner relationships across TLS proprietary programs, supplier agreements, and customer value initiatives.
• Lead contract negotiations, renewals, commercial agreements, and supplier-funded offers to optimize revenue, margin, and Card Member value.
• Oversee day-to-day partner management and program execution, ensuring strong operational performance and delivery across channels.
• Drive partner engagement and identify opportunities to grow sales, revenue, and customer adoption through marketing, servicing, and advisor engagement initiatives.
• Partner closely with Revenue Management to optimize supplier economics, incentive performance, and commercial outcomes.
• Collaborate across TLS teams including Program Management, Marketing, GCX, Servicing, Product, and Technology to shape strategy and execute key initiatives.
• Work closely with Strategic Partnerships and Merchant teams to advance critical enterprise airline and transportation partnerships.
• Bring the supplier perspective to influence product innovation and technology roadmaps, ensuring solutions support partner needs and customer expectations.
• Champion an external perspective by maintaining a deep understanding of airline, car rental, and travel industry trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging opportunities.
• Effectively manage partners throughout the relationship lifecycle, including business development, onboarding, growth planning, performance management, and long-term strategic engagement.
• Represent TLS in executive-level discussions with suppliers and industry stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and driving mutual value creation.
• Global travel required.

• Exceptional communicator with the ability to influence external partners and drive alignment across the Blue Box.
• Strong strategic thinker with a growth mindset and ability to balance Card Member, partner, and business needs.
• Proven ability to operate effectively at both strategic and tactical levels, translating vision into execution.
• Strong people leader with experience leading and developing high-performing teams in a matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build alignment, drive change, and motivate teams around a common vision.
• Collaborative team player with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic environment.
• Self-starter with strong business judgment, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex concepts and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating supplier agreements and driving sales revenue growth.
• Passion for the travel industry and understanding of airline, transportation, loyalty, or travel supplier ecosystems.

• Partnership management, airline, travel or hospitality industry experience preferred.

   

  Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position.