Senior Director - Software Engineering - job 5 of 11

As a Senior Director - Software Engineering at Visa, your primary responsibilities include leading the development of next-generation payment products, particularly in B2B Payables and Commercial Solutions. You will manage development teams, ensure alignment with business strategies, and drive innovative solutions, especially in GenAI initiatives. Additionally, you will work on complex distributed systems, manage strategic projects, and foster a collaborative work environment.

To qualify for the Senior Director - Software Engineering role at Visa, candidates should have extensive experience in software development leadership, a solid understanding of various development methodologies, and a proven track record in leading large teams. Strong interpersonal, communication, and creative problem-solving skills are essential. A technical background in software engineering, along with experience in financial services or payment systems, is highly beneficial.

The Senior Director - Software Engineering plays a crucial role in Visa's strategic growth by spearheading the development of advanced payment solutions and enhancing commercial payment systems. This role directly impacts the efficiency and innovation of Visa’s offerings, helping to digitize payments, streamline processes for financial institutions, and improve service delivery in the complex world of B2B transactions.

A typical day for a Senior Director - Software Engineering at Visa involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, leading strategic projects, and engaging in high-level discussions about technology solutions and architecture. You’ll spend time guiding your development teams, setting project timelines, and ensuring that deliverables meet business objectives. It’s a dynamic role that balances technical leadership with strategic business thinking.

The work environment for a Senior Director - Software Engineering at Visa is collaborative and innovative. You’ll work in a hybrid setting that encourages teamwork and creativity. The culture at Visa emphasizes trust, diverse perspectives, and continuous improvement, making it an exciting place to be for technical leaders looking to make a significant impact.

In my previous roles as a Senior Director, I have adopted a transformational leadership style, motivating and guiding my team towards a common vision while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. I believe in leveraging the diverse skills and perspectives of my team members to enhance problem-solving and drive success.

I led a complex project focused on integrating new payment solutions across multiple platforms. Faced with tight deadlines and cross-team dependencies, I established a clear project timeline and assigned roles effectively. Through constant communication and collective problem-solving, we successfully delivered the project on time, improving transaction efficiency by 25%.

I ensure my team stays aligned with business objectives by setting clear goals that align with our strategic initiatives, involving team members in goal-setting sessions, and regularly checking in on progress. I also promote an open communication culture where feedback is encouraged and adjustments can be made as needed.

In my previous roles, I have been involved in several GenAI initiatives, particularly focusing on implementing AI-driven solutions to enhance user experience and streamline processes. This involved collaborating with data scientists and engineers to develop predictive models that improved decision-making within our products.

I approach managing cross-functional teams by fostering open communication channels and ensuring everyone understands their contribution toward the project objective. I facilitate regular alignment meetings to share updates and address roadblocks while encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing across disciplines.

I find Agile methodologies to be particularly effective for software development because they promote flexibility, iterative progress, and constant stakeholder feedback. This adaptability allows teams to respond quickly to changing requirements and deliver value incrementally, which is especially important in the fast-paced tech environment.

When facing underperformance, I first look to understand the root causes through open, honest conversations. I focus on providing constructive feedback and support, clarifying expectations, and creating a development plan to help the team member improve. Maintaining open dialogue ensures that the individual feels supported and valued.

To assess project success, I typically use KPIs such as delivery timelines, budget adherence, user satisfaction scores, and overall impact on business performance. These metrics provide a comprehensive view of project health and inform any necessary adjustments during the project lifecycle.

I encouraged innovation by setting up regular brainstorming sessions and hackathons, where team members could explore new ideas outside their typical tasks. This approach successfully led to the development of a new feature that boosted user engagement and highlighted the creative potential within our team.

I believe Visa is the right place for me as a Senior Director - Software Engineering because its commitment to innovation aligns with my passion for advancing technology in the financial sector. I am excited about the opportunity to lead impactful projects and collaborate with top talent in a forward-thinking environment.