Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations - job 9 of 21

As a Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations at Visa, you will primarily be responsible for supporting the Business Operations team in executing key business priorities for the Global Data Office. This includes consolidating and coordinating crucial deliverables such as Quarterly Business Reviews, OKRs, and Product Roadmaps. You will also facilitate communication across Product and Platform leads, ensuring alignment and collaboration with stakeholders, managing internal metrics, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

Candidates applying for the Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations role at Visa should have strong analytical, strategic, and operational skills, along with meaningful experience in managing business operations. A proven background in fostering relationships across a matrix organization and knowledge of payment ecosystems will be crucial. Leadership and interpersonal skills are essential for successfully engaging with various stakeholders and driving key initiatives.

The Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations contributes to Visa's data initiatives by acting as a trusted advisor to the Head of Business Operations, providing strategic guidance on products and platforms, and synthesizing key information for leadership presentations. You will engage directly with essential data priorities and collaborate with the technology teams, all while championing innovation and excellence within the Global Data Office.

To succeed as a Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations at Visa, candidates should possess excellent leadership, collaboration, and management skills. Additionally, strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities are vital for making data-driven decisions. Familiarity with the payments ecosystem and excellent communication skills will aid in effectively conveying operational goals and progress to stakeholders across various levels.

The work environment for the Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations at Visa is one that fosters innovation, collaboration, and flexibility. As this is a hybrid position, employees have the opportunity to work both in the office and remotely. Visa encourages a culture of continuous learning and improvement, making it an exciting place for professionals passionate about data and operational strategies.

When prioritizing competing projects, I first assess the urgency and impact of each project on the overall business strategy. I use a framework of criteria such as potential ROI, stakeholder urgency, and resource availability to guide my decisions. Open communication with my team and department heads helps ensure alignment and that we are all on the same page regarding priorities.

In my previous role, I identified a lack of a streamlined communication process between departments. I initiated a weekly sync meeting format, which allowed for more efficient tracking of project updates and collective problem-solving. This led to a marked improvement in project timelines and fewer misunderstandings, ultimately boosting team morale and productivity.

I have extensive experience in setting and aligning OKRs with business strategy through workshops and collaborative sessions with team leaders. I believe in ensuring that team objectives resonate with company-wide goals. For instance, in my last position, I successfully aligned our teams' OKRs, which resulted in higher engagement and improved project outcomes.

I approach difficult stakeholder relationships with empathy and transparency. I strive to understand their perspectives and concerns while clearly communicating our objectives. Building rapport takes time, and I make it a priority to keep all parties informed and involved, turning potential conflict into collaboration.

Data analytics has been a cornerstone of my decision-making process. In my past roles, I have utilized data to identify trends, measure performance, and inform strategic initiatives. For instance, I conducted a detailed analysis that revealed customer preferences, which guided a successful product launch, resulting in a 25% increase in sales.

I employ a transformational leadership style where I seek to inspire and motivate my team while encouraging their input and development. I prioritize creating a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. This allows team members to grow and take ownership of their projects, ultimately leading to better results.

To ensure effective communication within a hybrid team, I use a combination of regular check-in meetings, digital collaboration tools, and clear documentation. Establishing set communication protocols helps ensure everyone is on the same page regardless of their location. Additionally, I promote an open-door policy, inviting team members to connect with me directly when issues arise.

When evaluating operational effectiveness, I focus on several key metrics, including productivity rates, project turnaround times, stakeholder satisfaction, and cost efficiency. Regularly tracking these metrics helps identify areas for improvement and informs my strategic decisions moving forward.

I identify opportunities for operational improvement by maintaining an open feedback loop with my team and analyzing performance data. Conducting regular reviews and brainstorming sessions allows us to pinpoint inefficiencies and collaboratively develop strategies for enhancement.

Continuous improvement is central to my professional philosophy. I believe that there is always room for enhancement, whether through refining processes, adopting new technologies, or seeking ongoing education. This mindset not only drives personal growth but also fosters a culture of excellence within my team.