Director, Business Strategy

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.

The Director, Business Strategy & Operations is a senior strategic leader responsible for defining, driving, and delivering global strategic initiatives that support Visa's long‑term Client Services strategy. This role goes far beyond program oversight — it requires business acumen, strategic thinking, cross‑functional leadership, and strong executive presence.

You will partner with Product, Engineering, Sales, Operations, and executive sponsors (SVP level) to shape strategy, accelerate execution, drive accountability, and ensure measurable business value. The ideal candidate is a strategic operator and change agent with the ability to influence senior leaders, translate complex problems into actionable plans, and lead global teams through transformation.  The role reports to a Senior Director and will be a member of the Strategic Initiatives and Transformation Office within Global Client Services.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Partner with SVP‑level Executive Sponsors to shape the strategy for critical initiatives that will deliver the long-term strategy for Client Services.
• Translate business objectives into clear priorities, operating models, and execution plans.
• Identify opportunities to enhance customer experience, operational efficiency, and product impact across global markets.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to cross‑functional leaders, providing insight, structure, and thought leadership.

Cross‑Functional Influence & Partnership

• Lead and align global teams across Client Services, Product, Engineering, Sales, and Finance to deliver business outcomes.
• Drive clarity, accountability, and decision‑making in ambiguous or rapidly evolving environments.
• Influence product and technology roadmaps by connecting business strategy to technical delivery.

Execution Excellence

• Own end‑to‑end delivery of assigned initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and value realization targets.
• Establish governance models, execution frameworks, and cross‑functional routines to maintain momentum.
• Manage risks, interdependencies, and resource needs across regions and functions.
• Partner closely with stakeholders to ensure change readiness, adoption, and transition to Business‑as‑Usual (BAU).

Digital Transformation Delivery

• Drive adoption of digital tools, automation, data‑driven decision‑making, and AI‑enabled processes.
• Work with Technology and Data teams to integrate systems and platforms that improve operational performance and customer experience.
• Monitor industry trends to bring forward new ideas and digital innovation opportunities.

Performance & Value Management

• Define KPIs, leading indicators, and value realization frameworks for each initiative.
• Provide insights, dashboards, and narrative updates to senior leadership.
• Evaluate performance data, identify opportunities for improvement, and lead corrective actions.
• Ensure complete visibility and traceability from strategic intent to measurable business impact.

Basic Qualifications

• 10 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor's Degree or at least 10 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters/MBA /JD/MD), or a minimum of 5 years of work experience with a PhD.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience in leading and delivering enterprise transformation initiatives
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful digital strategies that drive revenue growth and enhance customer experience; experience working with engineering and product management teams preferred
• Strong understanding of digital tools, technologies, and platforms used in sales to service processes
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others; experience nurturing talent preferred
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 8+ years with an advanced degree (MBA/Master's), or 5+ years with a PhD.
• Demonstrated success shaping and executing enterprise‑level strategies or transformation programs.
• Experience partnering with Product and Engineering teams to bridge business strategy and technology execution.
• Strong business acumen, structured thinking, and ability to translate complex problems into actionable plans. 
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive alignment across global teams.
• Exceptional executive presence and communication skills in English—both written and spoken.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a data‑driven approach.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment and lead in ambiguity.
• Demonstrated track record of defining KPIs, measuring value, and delivering results.

Preferred Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Experience in strategic roles such as business operations, strategy consulting, Chief of Staff, or enterprise transformation.
• Experience with go-to-market planning and/or commercial operations.
• Experience in fintech, enterprise technology, or global product organizations.

Work Environment

• Work Hours: Varies based on business needs.
• Travel: 5–10% globally as needed.
• Location: Office‑based with flexibility.

Additional Information

Visa is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local law.