Chief Systems Engineer - job 11 of 21

The Chief Systems Engineer at Visa is responsible for leading the development and execution of the global End User Technology strategy, overseeing all phases of operations and technology projects, and managing a high-performing team. You’ll handle budgeting, planning, and implementation of technology upgrades while ensuring a secure and resilient infrastructure for corporate computing and networking. Furthermore, you will drive organizational transformations with deep partnerships and agile collaboration with the business, fostering a culture of innovation.

To qualify for the Chief Systems Engineer position at Visa, candidates typically need a robust background in systems engineering, significant experience in managing IT operations, and a strong understanding of risk management and security compliance. Proven leadership skills, particularly in guiding high-performing teams and fostering a culture of innovation, are also crucial. Familiarity with standards such as ITIL, COBIT, and ISO27001 is beneficial.

In the Chief Systems Engineer role, you'll play a pivotal part in developing and implementing risk management strategies at Visa. This includes directing the administration and maintenance of corporate computing infrastructure, embedding information security and risk management within the corporate culture, and ensuring ongoing improvements across various compliance functions. Decision-making around technology solutions will reflect an acute awareness of security and compliance risks.

As Chief Systems Engineer at Visa, you should anticipate a collaborative environment that encourages strong partnerships with different business units. This role emphasizes agile collaboration, meaning working closely with various teams to foster a culture of innovation, and leveraging these relationships to drive successful technology implementations and transformations across the organization.

The Chief Systems Engineer role at Visa operates within a hybrid work model, allowing for flexibility between remote and office work. Employees in this position are encouraged to work from the office 2-3 days per week, depending on business needs set by leadership. This structure supports a balance between collaboration in-person and the convenience of remote work.

To ensure operational excellence, I would focus on creating highly leveraged platforms that prioritize customer experience. This would involve continuous assessment and automation of corporate landscapes, rigorous monitoring for resiliency, and fostering a team culture that encourages innovation and agility in response to business needs.

My approach to team management would involve empowering individuals through mentorship and professional development opportunities. I believe in fostering an open dialogue, encouraging team members to share their ideas and concerns. I would also ensure that the team remains aligned with our goals by maintaining clear communication and recognizing achievements.

I've managed risk in previous roles by developing comprehensive Risk Management and Information Security strategies. This involves constantly evaluating potential vulnerabilities, devising mitigation plans, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Being proactive about risk management is vital for the Chief Systems Engineer, especially in maintaining robust IT infrastructure.

ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library, a set of practices for IT service management. As Chief Systems Engineer, I would leverage ITIL principles to streamline processes, improve efficiency in service delivery, and ensure that our IT services meet customer needs effectively.

If a project is falling behind schedule, I would conduct an immediate assessment to identify bottlenecks and resource gaps. Engaging with the team to gather insights, we would reprioritize tasks and possibly reassess timelines or allocate additional resources to ensure we meet our objectives while maintaining quality.

A strong IT governance framework involves clear standards, risk management policies, and compliance with external regulations. It is essential to establish a culture where security and compliance become intrinsic to all processes, driving continuous improvement in IT practices.

Fostering innovation can fundamentally change IT operations by encouraging teams to explore new technologies, adopt agile methodologies, and continuously improve service delivery. An innovative mindset leads to creative problem-solving approaches that can enhance efficiency and user satisfaction.

Ensuring team alignment with corporate objectives requires regular communication of the company's goals, strategic planning sessions, and aligning individual performance metrics with these objectives. I would also promote a culture where feedback is encouraged to ensure everyone understands how their contributions impact overall success.

I prefer utilizing agile methodologies for managing technology upgrades, as they allow for iterative progress and adaptability in the face of changing needs. This approach emphasizes regular feedback loops, collaboration, and prioritization of high-value features, which can mitigate risks associated with upgrades.

User feedback is critical in system engineering because it directly informs how well the solutions meet customer needs. Listening to users enables us to make data-driven decisions about system enhancements and ensures that our platforms remain user-centric and responsive to evolving demands.