Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations - job 19 of 21

As a Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations at Visa, you will be responsible for supporting the Business Operations team by planning and coordinating business deliverables such as Quarterly Business Reviews and OKRs. You will facilitate communication across Product and Platform leads, develop internal communications, and act as a trusted advisor to the Head of Business Operations, while also identifying opportunities for continuous improvement in the Global Data Office's operations.

Candidates for the Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations role at Visa should possess a strong background in analytics, strategy, and operational management. Ideally, you’ll have significant experience in a similar role, working across matrixed organizations. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are essential, enabling you to manage relationships with diverse stakeholders and drive collaboration across various teams.

The Global Data Office at Visa is dedicated to unlocking the potential of data as a vital component of our corporate strategy, shaping policies, and cultivating data-related business capabilities. It is unique in that it operates under the leadership of the Chief Data Officer, working alongside the Chief Privacy Officer and engaging with a wide range of global business lines, fostering a culture of innovation and data responsibility.

The work environment for a Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations at Visa is dynamic and collaborative. This hybrid position enables flexibility in work arrangements, allowing for effective communication and teamwork with Product and Technology teams, while also engaging in high-impact projects. Expect to embark on an exciting journey that combines strategic planning with hands-on execution in a forward-thinking atmosphere.

As a Sr. Manager, your contributions to data-related innovation at Visa will involve leading internal tracking of operational metrics, facilitating communication across teams, and synthesizing information for leadership presentations. Your role is pivotal in aligning business priorities with innovative data strategies, ensuring that Visa remains at the forefront of data advancements in the payments ecosystem.

In a strategic business operations role like the Sr. Manager at Visa, prioritizing tasks starts with a clear understanding of overall business goals and deadlines. I usually assess the impact and urgency of tasks, collaborating with stakeholders to ensure alignment. Utilizing tools like project management software can be helpful in tracking progress and adjusting priorities dynamically as new challenges or opportunities arise.

Certainly! One example would be when I led a cross-departmental initiative aimed at streamlining our quarterly reporting process. By collaborating with both the finance and product teams, we developed a more efficient workflow that reduced reporting time by 30%. This project required strong analytical skills and effective communication, ensuring all teams were aligned and informed of their contributions to the overall goal.

Effective stakeholder communication is critical in my experience. I prioritize regular check-ins and updates via team meetings and status reports to keep stakeholders informed. I also tailor my communication styles to suit different audiences, ensuring clarity and engagement. Utilizing visual aids, like presentations or dashboards, can aid in conveying complex data insights succinctly.

In handling conflicts, I first listen to each party's perspective to understand the root cause of the disagreement. I encourage open and honest dialogue, creating a safe space for team members to express their concerns. By focusing on mutual goals and finding common ground, I help facilitate a collaborative resolution, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

My approach to continuous improvement involves collecting feedback regularly and analyzing operational metrics to identify areas of inefficiency. I believe in fostering a culture where team members feel empowered to suggest changes. Implementing small, iterative changes often leads to significant long-term benefits in terms of productivity and efficiency.

Ensuring alignment on business priorities requires effective communication and structured planning. I use tools like OKRs to define clear objectives and key results, which helps keep everyone focused on common goals. Regular cross-functional meetings are essential for sharing progress and recalibrating priorities when needed, ensuring all teams remain aligned throughout the project lifecycle.

One major challenge I faced was managing the transition to a new project management system. To facilitate the change, I organized training sessions and created user-friendly documentation to help the team adapt. By investing time in understanding their concerns, I built buy-in and support, ultimately leading to a smoother transition with improved visibility into project progress.

When developing internal presentations for leadership, I ensure that I begin with a clear outline of key messages. I incorporate data visualizations and case studies whenever possible to make complex information easily digestible. Keeping the audience in mind, I strive to present actionable insights and strategic recommendations that align with the leadership team's priorities.

Technology plays a crucial role in business operations by streamlining processes, enabling better data analysis, and facilitating communication. In my past experiences, I've leveraged various tools to enhance operational efficiency, from project management software to analytics platforms, which allow for real-time tracking and informed decision-making across teams.

I am excited about the opportunity to work for Visa's Global Data Office because I am passionate about the potential of data to drive innovation and growth. Visa's commitment to responsible data usage and its focus on creating value through data aligns with my professional values and aspirations. I see this role as a chance to contribute to impactful projects that can reshape how we utilize data globally.