Sr. Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations - job 3 of 21

As a Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations at Visa, responsibilities include managing change and program management across Value-Added Services priorities, nurturing collaboration between teams, and leading strategic projects that drive commercial outcomes. You will develop and implement transformation strategies, facilitate communication across business units, and oversee training programs to enhance the skills of product managers.

To qualify for the Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations role at Visa, candidates typically need over ten years of experience in product management, operations, or consulting. Skills in consensus building, change management, and program management are critical, alongside a strong understanding of product lifecycle practices and the ability to work cross-functionally within an organization.

The Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations contributes significantly to Visa's vision by ensuring the effective delivery of innovative product solutions. This role involves leading change initiatives that enhance operational efficiencies and collaboration, ultimately driving a seamless experience for clients and consumers while supporting Visa’s mission to be the best payment solution provider globally.

In the Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations position at Visa, you will manage a variety of strategic and operational projects related to product lifecycle transformation. These can include launching new products, implementing training programs, and driving initiatives that promote a culture of continuous improvement among product teams throughout the organization.

Successful candidates for the Senior Manager, Product and Portfolio Operations position at Visa demonstrate strong leadership, excellent communication, and consensus-building skills. Additionally, experience in program management, a deep understanding of product lifecycle practices, and a passion for fostering innovation are all crucial for succeeding in this role.

When discussing your approach to change management in product operations, highlight the importance of communication and stakeholder engagement. Describe specific methodologies you have employed, such as ADKAR or Kotter’s 8-Step Process, and provide examples of successful change initiatives you led, focusing on the outcomes achieved.

In your response, recall a challenging project that involved multiple stakeholders and complex dynamics. Explain the strategies you implemented to align interests, such as setting clear objectives, fostering open communication, and establishing a robust project management framework, and detail the successful results of your efforts.

Discuss specific strategies you use to foster collaboration, such as regular cross-functional meetings, collaborative tools, and team-building activities. Emphasize the importance of relationships and trust, and mention any successful initiatives that have led to improved teamwork and project outcome.

When answering how you measure the success of product lifecycle initiatives, mention key performance indicators (KPIs) you typically use, like time to market, cost efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction. Describe a time when you collected and analyzed data to improve a specific product or process, highlighting the adjustments made based on your findings.

Training is vital for product management success, as it equips teams with the skills necessary to adapt to market changes and new technologies. You can mention specific training programs you've developed or facilitated, illustrating how they have led to improved team performance while also enhancing individual career growth.

In your response, express your commitment to continuous improvement by referring to techniques such as regular feedback loops, brainstorming sessions, and recognition programs that celebrate innovation and contributions. Provide examples where you actively implemented such methods and the positive impacts they had on the team or organization.

Discuss your conflict resolution strategy, which should involve active listening, empathy, and seeking common ground. You could share a specific case where you successfully mediated a conflict, detailing the steps taken and the positive outcome, which ultimately led to a stronger team dynamic.

You should detail your experience with various program management tools. Mention specific platforms you've utilized, such as JIRA, Trello, or Asana, and how these tools enhanced project tracking, communication, and efficiency. Share an instance illustrating the successful application of a tool in a real-world scenario.

Emphasize your approach to ensuring alignment between product changes and company goals by maintaining close communication with executive leadership and regularly reviewing company strategy. Discuss techniques like strategic alignment meetings or customer feedback channels that help you keep products on track with organizational objectives.

In answering this question, articulate your method for prioritization, which may involve assessing the potential impact, resource availability, and alignment with strategic objectives. Providing a real example can underscore your ability to strategically prioritize and successfully deliver on key initiatives.