Sr. Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations - job 18 of 21

The Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations at Visa holds crucial responsibilities such as managing change and program management for Value-Added Services initiatives, identifying continuous improvement opportunities in product lifecycle practices, and leading strategic transformation projects. This role requires collaboration across various departments, including sales, technology, and support, ensuring the effective implementation of change management strategies that align with Visa's vision.

To qualify for the Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations position at Visa, candidates should possess over a decade of experience in product management, delivery, or operations typically gained within a consulting firm or a similar environment. Strong consensus-building skills, the ability to lead change across diverse teams, and experience in developing strategies for transformation initiatives are essential for success in this role.

The Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations significantly contributes to Visa's goals by leading change management efforts and driving operational excellence throughout the product lifecycle. This role helps in aligning various business units to develop a cohesive strategy supporting Visa's vision of being the best way to pay and be paid globally, ensuring that all initiatives are effectively communicated and adopted across the organization.

Success as a Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations at Visa requires a blend of strategic and operational skills, including strong leadership abilities, excellent communication, program management experience, and a talent for fostering collaboration among diverse teams. Additionally, proficiency in developing training frameworks and competency development pathways is critical for enhancing the skills of product managers and ensuring the effectiveness of transformation initiatives.

The work culture for a Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations at Visa is dynamic and inclusive, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. As part of a diverse team, you'll have the opportunity to engage with various cross-functional stakeholders while driving impactful changes to product lifecycle practices. The hybrid working arrangement allows for flexibility, catering to both in-office and remote work preferences.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects you've handled, emphasizing the methods used for managing change. Discuss how your strategic approach resulted in positive outcomes and how it affected the teams involved. Highlight your ability to navigate various stakeholders during the transformation.

In your response, explain your strategies for building relationships and facilitating communication among different teams. You might want to discuss methods you've used to address bottlenecks or conflicts, underscoring your leadership style in encouraging collaboration and innovation.

Choose a specific initiative and detail your role in leading it. Explain how you defined objectives, aligned stakeholders, and achieved the desired outcomes. Be sure to highlight any challenges faced and how you overcame them to drive success.

You should discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) you've utilized in the past, such as time-to-market, customer satisfaction, or team productivity metrics. Explain how you analyze these KPIs to make data-driven adjustments to strategies and project execution.

In answering this question, outline your strategy for communicating change, including your methods to ensure clarity and buy-in. Discuss how you tailor messages to different audiences and the tools you use to facilitate effective communication throughout the change process.

Share your approach to creating training and accreditation pathways, highlighting any programs you've implemented. Discuss how you assess the needs of product managers at various career stages and ensure that the training delivered meets those needs.

Describe your strategies for identifying sources of resistance and how you engage team members to address their concerns. Showcase your ability to empathize while also reinforcing the benefits of the change and how it aligns with the team's goals.

Talk about a mentorship program you've established or participated in, detailing its structure, goals, and outcomes. Emphasize how this program has contributed to knowledge sharing and career development within product management teams.

Discuss how you utilize metrics not just for tracking progress but also for making informed decisions about direction, resource allocation, and identifying areas for improvement in product lifecycle management.

In your answer, explain the methods you use to ensure that product strategies are in line with broader business objectives. Discuss how you facilitate alignment through collaboration with leadership and cross-functional teams to achieve unified goals.