Senior Director, Strategy & Planning NA Risk - job 23 of 26

As the Senior Director, Strategy & Planning in the NA Risk team at Visa, your main responsibilities include driving strategic initiatives, managing key risk events, developing powerful reports, and fostering relationships across regional teams. You'll collaborate closely with the NA RRO and Risk leaders to create actionable plans and ensure the delivery of content for important leadership updates. Additionally, you will oversee key business operating rhythms while assessing new capabilities in partnership with technology providers, all aimed at improving the organization’s risk objectives.

To qualify for the Senior Director, Strategy & Planning role at Visa, candidates typically need a strong background in strategic planning and risk management, usually with a significant number of years in leadership positions. Advanced degrees in business, finance, or related fields are highly beneficial. Proven capability in managing cross-functional teams, excellent communication skills, and a knack for innovative thinking are essential to drive the effectiveness and productivity of the NA Visa Risk organization.

In the Senior Director, Strategy & Planning role at Visa, you will contribute to the organization’s risk management objectives by developing and implementing strategic plans that prioritize risk mitigation and enhance business performance. You'll be responsible for shaping the content of critical reports and updates, ensuring that data-driven insights inform decision-making processes. Your leadership will foster alignment across teams, enabling Visa to proactively adapt to evolving challenges in the ecosystem.

Visa is known for its commitment to innovation and excellence, making it an ideal environment for a Senior Director, Strategy & Planning. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and empowers leaders to challenge the status quo. With opportunities to influence critical organizational strategies and access to a global network of expertise, you’ll find a workplace that values your input and encourages professional growth. Additionally, the hybrid work model offers flexibility, accommodating a balanced work-life integration.

To succeed as a Senior Director, Strategy & Planning at Visa, you need exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills, along with a strong ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Leadership skills to inspire teams, adaptability to navigate changing business landscapes, and a collaborative approach for working cross-functionally are also crucial. Moreover, understanding technology's role in managing ecosystem risks and the ability to develop business cases for enhancements are key to thriving in this position.

When asked this question, it's vital to discuss a specific project where you successfully created a comprehensive strategic plan. Emphasize your process for defining objectives, identifying stakeholders, and incorporating data-driven insights. Highlight how you managed resources, aligned teams, and achieved successful outcomes, demonstrating your strategic planning capabilities relevant to the Senior Director, Strategy & Planning role at Visa.

In answering this question, focus on your approach to prioritization. Discuss methodologies like the Eisenhower Matrix or scoring systems based on impact and feasibility. Share an example where your prioritization led to successful outcomes, showcasing how you aligned your priorities with broader business goals and risk mitigation needs pertinent to Visa.

Describe the risk assessment techniques you employ, such as SWOT analysis or scenario planning. Illustrate with an example where you identified potential risks and developed mitigation strategies, emphasizing your proactive approach and analytical thinking in the context of Visa's risk objectives.

Articulate your process for ensuring alignment with business goals, such as regular consultations with key stakeholders and using performance metrics to track initiative impact. Share a previous experience where you adjusted a strategy in response to feedback or changing business objectives, highlighting your flexibility and collaboration skills.

Discuss specific challenges you faced, such as resistance to change or resource constraints. Explain the strategies you used to overcome these issues, showcasing your problem-solving skills and ability to motivate teams, particularly in environments similar to Visa’s.

Talk about your experience with data visualization tools and reporting strategies that enhance decision-making. Provide an example of a report or MIS you developed, including how the insights helped inform business strategy at a previous organization.

For this question, share experiences where you managed teams across different functions. Highlight your communication strategies and how you encouraged collaboration. Discuss the outcomes of these projects, particularly relevant to driving risk strategy within a complex organization like Visa.

Outline how you leverage technology for data analysis, reporting, and risk management in your strategic planning. Discuss tools you've used and how they have improved efficiency, particularly in your past roles related to risk and strategy.

Explain your approach to defining key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that reflect initiative success. Provide examples of initiatives where you successfully measured ROI or impact on business objectives, particularly related to Visa’s risk management goals.

Discuss your criteria for evaluating new capabilities, including market trends, stakeholder needs, and technological advancements. Share an instance where you identified a capability that provided a competitive advantage, particularly in a risk management context relevant to Visa.