Sr. Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations - job 7 of 21

The Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations at Visa is responsible for driving change management and operational projects related to product lifecycle transformation. Key tasks include fostering continuous improvement in product lifecycle practices, leading strategic initiatives, developing training programs, and facilitating communication among cross-functional teams to ensure successful adoption of transformation efforts.

Candidates for the Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations role at Visa should have over ten years of experience in product management, operations, or related fields, preferably from a consulting background. Strong skills in change management, program management, and consensus building are also essential, along with a deep understanding of product lifecycle practices.

In this role, the Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations at Visa collaborates closely with various teams including technology, sales, marketing, and support organizations. This position serves as a bridge to ensure efficient communication and coordination as products move through the lifecycle, ultimately driving successful product delivery.

The Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations at Visa will significantly impact the organization by leading initiatives that transform product lifecycle management practices, enhancing operational efficiencies, and ultimately contributing to better commercial outcomes. Their ability to foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement will be critical for achieving long-term success.

Candidates can expect a vibrant work culture at Visa that promotes diversity and innovation. The environment values collaboration across various departments while encouraging professional growth through mentorship programs and continuous learning opportunities. As a hybrid role, there’s also flexibility in how and where work is completed, contributing to work-life balance.

When answering this question, highlight specific change management projects you’ve led, outlining your approach to identifying resistance, communicating changes, and ensuring team alignment. Discuss the impact of these changes on product outcomes and how you measured success.

Discuss your methods for assessing training needs and tailoring programs to specific competencies required for product managers. Emphasize collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the training aligns with business goals and includes practical insights to enhance team capabilities.

Share specific examples highlighting your role in facilitating inter-team communication and cooperation. Describe tools or practices you use to promote transparency, such as regular check-ins, joint workshops, or collaborative software, and the positive outcomes of these efforts.

Provide a detailed story of a strategic initiative you led, including your goals, the steps you took, and the measurable results achieved. Emphasize data-driven decisions and the positive changes experienced by the organization post-implementation.

Discuss your strategies for building stakeholder buy-in, such as developing engagement plans, holding regular updates, and actively soliciting feedback. Emphasize how maintaining communication channels throughout the project lifecycle leads to better adoption rates.

Talk about specific metrics you would monitor, such as time-to-market, team efficiency, or product quality improvements. Discuss your approach to analyzing these metrics and adjusting strategies based on insights gathered during the transformation.

Emphasize the importance of clear objectives, target audience segmentation, message consistency, and delivery methods. Discuss how you would ensure relevant updates are communicated effectively to different stakeholders, fostering understanding and support for the initiative.

Explain your approach to identifying the root causes of resistance, utilizing empathy to address concerns, and engaging team members in the process. Highlight the importance of transparent communication and ongoing support to ease transitions.

Discuss how you use data to inform product decisions, from assessing market trends to evaluating customer feedback. Share specific examples of data-driven decisions and the outcomes that followed, underscoring the importance of analytics in effective product management.

Provide an example where you created a competency framework, detailing the steps taken to identify skills, develop training pathways, and implement the framework. Discuss the positive impact this had on team performance and career development within the organization.