Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations - job 6 of 21

The Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations at Visa is responsible for driving the execution of critical business priorities within the Global Data Office. This includes coordinating business deliverables such as Quarterly Business Reviews, OKRs, and Product Roadmap. Additionally, the role entails facilitating communication across various product teams, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and acting as a trusted advisor to the Head of Business Operations.

Candidates for the Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations role at Visa should possess strong analytical and strategic skills, meaningful operational experience, and the ability to thrive within a matrix organization. A proven track record of collaboration and leadership, alongside an understanding of data-related capabilities and technologies, will also be essential to succeed in this position.

The Global Data Office at Visa plays a crucial role in shaping strategies related to data utilization for the company. By coordinating high-impact projects and ensuring alignment across multiple departments, the office helps drive innovation and responsible data usage practices that support the company's business objectives and growth strategy.

A career as a Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations at Visa provides exposure to senior leadership and key product and technology figures in the company, offering valuable networking and professional development opportunities. This role positions individuals for future leadership opportunities within Visa's data and technology ecosystem due to its strategic nature and central role in the company’s growth initiatives.

In the role of Sr. Manager, Strategy & Business Operations at Visa, individuals will lead special projects aimed at improving operational efficiencies and productivity across various teams. Projects may involve tracking key metrics, developing internal communications, and identifying areas for continuous improvement within the Global Data Office, all geared toward fostering innovation and excellence.

When managing multiple projects, it’s crucial to assess the urgency and impact of each task. I recommend creating a prioritization matrix to help visualize which tasks contribute most to the company's strategic goals. Daily reflection and adjustments also play a critical role in ensuring timely delivery of all project components.

Building strong stakeholder relationships relies heavily on communication and empathy. In my previous role, I regularly initiated check-ins with stakeholders to understand their concerns and needs. By demonstrating genuine interest and ensuring transparency in processes, I was able to cultivate trust and collaboration.

Staying updated requires both proactive research and active participation in industry communities. I follow various data science publications, attend webinars, and engage with professional groups on platforms like LinkedIn. This not only keeps me informed but also helps glean insights on best practices that can be applied to operations.

Supporting the Head of Business Operations involves being proactive and organized. I would implement regular reporting systems to track progress on key initiatives, provide data-driven insights for strategic decisions, and ensure that communication channels are open for effective information sharing.

During a previous project, mid-implementation, we faced a sudden shift in stakeholder priorities. I rallied the team to reassess our strategy, integrating the new requirements into our project plan swiftly while ensuring team morale stayed intact. This adaptability helped us meet the new expectations without sacrificing quality.

Effective operations management often relies on tools like project management software, data analytics platforms, and collaboration tools. I swear by tools such as Asana or Trello for project tracking, Google Analytics for performance monitoring, and Slack for team communication to streamline workflows.

To improve processes, I would first conduct a thorough assessment of current workflows to identify bottlenecks. Then, I’d engage with team members to gather insights and suggestions. Implementing iterative changes and measuring outcomes would be key to fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Analytics plays a fundamental role in shaping business strategy. As a Sr. Manager, utilizing data analytics allows for informed decision-making, optimizing resource allocation, and identifying areas for growth or improvement, thus enhancing overall operational effectiveness.

To ensure alignment, I begin by understanding the company’s strategic goals and then map project objectives to those goals. Regular check-ins with leadership and maintaining clear documentation and communication with all stakeholders fosters transparency and consistent alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

Challenges such as coordinating between various teams or managing stakeholder expectations are to be expected. To address these, I would leverage my experience in facilitation and create structured communication plans to ensure clarity and alignment while remaining adaptable to shifting priorities as needed.