Director Head of Acquisition Germany

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. As part of Team Amex, you'll experience this 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.

As Director, Head of Acquisition Germany, you will shape and execute American Express' merchant acquisition strategy in the German market. You will oversee all acquisition channels – internal and external – and play a key role in accelerating profitable coverage growth.

Leading a team of experienced acquisition professionals, you will combine strategic leadership with hands-on engagement in key negotiations and senior partner relationships. You will closely monitor market trends, competition and regulatory developments, continuously adapting the strategy to capture new growth opportunities.

Reporting to the General Manager & Head of Merchant Services Germany & Austria, you will work in close partnership with the German Issuing business, regional acquisition leaders and Merchant Services functions including Marketing, Pricing, Risk, Legal, Compliance and Control Management.

How will you make an impact in this role?

• Define and execute the German acquisition strategy to expand merchant coverage and deliver against growth and profitability targets.
• Lead and develop a high-performing acquisition team, fostering strong leadership behaviors and a growth mindset.
• Drive large merchant negotiations and partnership models, with a particular focus on scalable growth in the SME segment.
• Oversee new merchant acquisition across dedicated sales teams and external partners.
• Build and maintain senior relationships with key acquisition partners and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure full compliance with governance, risk and regulatory requirements.
• Represent Merchant Services Germany within the wider American Express organization.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven senior leadership experience with a strong track record in sales strategy and execution, ideally within payments or financial services.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong strategic and analytical capabilities, with the ability to translate strategy into measurable business results.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior and board level.
• Experience operating successfully in complex, matrixed and international environments.
• Solid understanding of the European payments and regulatory landscape.
• Excellent written and spoken German and English language skills.

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

We back our colleagues and their loved ones with benefits and programs that support their holistic well-being. That means we prioritize their physical, financial, and mental health through each stage of life. Benefits include: 

• Competitive base salary
• Bonus incentives
• Support for financial well-being and retirement
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
• Healthy Living activities, including insightful health and workout webinars and medical screening
• Healthy Living activities or relaxation programs with showers on site
• Subsidized company fitness membership with "Family Plus 1" at Egym Wellpass
• Integrative and helpful benefits for parents, including first-aid rooms for privacy while breastfeeding, emergency childcare services, and childcare subsidies
• Occupational health consultation for workplace health advice
• Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
• Career development and training opportunities

Amex Flex offers our colleagues flexibility to develop personally and professionally while ensuring that the special benefits of our unique personal culture are preserved. In Germany, we have concluded an agreement with the works council with specific directives on Amex Flex. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues work either on site, in a hybrid model or completely virtually.

Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.