Director Large Programs

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

Position Summary

The Visa Consulting & Analytics Director is a senior role in the Sub-Saharan African consulting team (SSA). We are seeking a strategic, innovative, and analytical thinker with main ability to deliver data driven solutions through a consultative approach.

In this role, you are expected to deliver across multiple key areas:

Design, develop and implement end to end strategic programs across multiple areas as ew product development, customer life cycle management, digital innovation, and risk that are data driven for our clients. Develop high-impact storyboards that promote data-driven strategies and solutions.

This role is dedicated exclusively to working on a key regional client head quartered in South Africa and will require presence at client premises and travel to other markets.  

This person is expected to be the go-to person to advise on large programs designs across SSA.

Principal Responsibilities

• Design and deliver Consulting and Analytics programs by identifying innovative opportunities around data and data-related processes that will help our clients implement fact-based decisioning processes within their card & payment programs

• Resolve complex strategic problems and set strategic direction and roadmap for client program delivery across multiple topics as new products, portfolio management, loyalty, strategy, digital, risk and implementation support services.  

• Synthesize and manage complex project structures especially with clients that have multiple affiliates. Manage, facilitate, and implement analytics and consulting services and meet clients business targets in an efficient manner by creating synergies to deliver across multiple markets. (assignment objectives, project scope, budget, paperwork, external consultants supervision and project delivery).

• Work closely with other VISA groups, including Product, Marketing, Client services etc., to ensure a seamless Consulting experience in the countries of focus.

• Work with a broader team that consists of Business Managers, Consultants and Data Scientists from both Visa and client organizations to strategize, co-create, deploy and reap the benefits of data-driven solutions

• Review, direct, guide, and inspire the consulting and analytical work of junior members in the team

• Collaborate with internal Technology partners and Data Engineering function to best leverage Visa internal technology platforms, data, and the broader Visa ecosystem to support our clients technical data needs

• Develop project pitches and secure new assignments with client, as well as re-engagements opportunities via a consultative sales approach to assigned client

• Develop and deliver client-training programs and impart best practices knowledge sharing to VISA clients.

• Where appropriate, work with designated practice areas globally to incorporate best practice, source analytical or other services and leverage global consulting solutions.

• Manage the VISA Consulting budget and resources to perform all required duties.

• Liaise with VISA functional teams (Finance, Audit, Legal, Tax, Sourcing) to define and implement processes to optimize the daily engagement of vendors and the relationships with clients.

• Manage workload for self and any direct reports, providing prioritization guidance for project flow to improve process efficiency

• Manage and grow talent within the team

• Develop, share, and build global best practices and knowledge management within the team

• Socialize innovative ideas and approaches that are scalable and have market demand

• Comply with internal requirements around Model Risk Management, Visa Analytics Rules, and Global Privacy standards around client delivery to ensure that Visa is highly regarded market standing is maintained

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.

Professional experience
Over 12 years of solid experience gained within the financial services industry. Preferable worked in the FI practice of a top-tier consulting firm.
Experience working in one or more of the Card and Payments markets around the globe - with specific responsibilities in payments, retail banking, or retail merchant industries.
Deep consulting skills and client engagement capabilities. Advanced client management and presentation skills. Credibility with clients and working teams and diplomatic skills to extract desired outcomes. Comfortable interacting with and presenting to senior management of clients and VISA.
Post-graduate degree desired
Good understanding of Payments and the Banking industry, including card verticals such as consumer credit, consumer debit, prepaid, small business, commercial, co-branded and merchant
Highly analytical with advanced PowerPoint skills and Excel skills
Superior project management skills. Fluent communicator
Self-motivated and able to use own initiative with limited direction
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with inter-disciplinary groups.
Experience building and cultivating teams
Experience planning, organizing, and managing multiple large projects with diverse cross-functional teams, including resource planning and delivery implementation
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
Fluency in English mandatory. French is desired but not a prerequisite.

Business Experience
• Results-oriented with strong problem-solving skills and demonstrated intellectual and analytical rigor
• Exhibits intellectual curiosity and a desire for continuous learning
• Good business acumen with a track record in solving business problems through data-driven quantitative methodologies with proven skills in translating analytics output to actionable recommendations and delivery
• Team-oriented, collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible style
• Very detailed-oriented, is expected to ensure highest level of quality and rigor in reports and data analysis
• Experience in presenting ideas and analysis to stakeholders whilst tailoring data-driven results to various audience levels
• Proven ability to deliver results within committed scope, timeline and budget
• Very strong people and project management skills and experience

Leadership Competencies
• Demonstrates integrity, maturity and a constructive approach to business challenges Serves as a role model for the organization by implementing core Visa Values
• Shows respect for individuals at all levels in the workplace
• Strives for excellence and extraordinary results
• Uses sound insights and judgments to make informed decisions in line with business strategy and needs
• Able to allocate tasks and resources across multiple lines of businesses and geographies.
• Able to influence senior management both within and outside Visa, successfully persuading internal stakeholders to commit to best-in-class solutions when required
• Leverages change management leadership as required

Additional Information
Position based in South Africa - Travel required to other SSA market and part time onsite at client premises.

Visa is an EEO Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.