Strategy Director, Issuer Processing and Core Banking - Open to all locations in Europe

To be a successful Strategy Director for Issuer Processing and Core Banking at Visa, candidates typically need extensive experience in the payments industry, preferably in product management or strategy roles. A strong understanding of Issuer Core Banking and Processing as well as relevant regulations is essential. Proven leadership, exceptional business acumen, and excellent communication skills are critical, along with the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive solutions that resonate with both market demands and client needs.

The focus of the Strategy Director, Issuer Processing and Core Banking role at Visa is to spearhead the rapid expansion of Pismo's innovative banking platform across Europe. This includes formulating strategies that align with Visa’s global objectives, collaborating with regional teams to ensure platform readiness, and driving business models that meet the evolving needs of clients. As a key player in defining the go-to-market strategy and enhancing service delivery, the role plays a vital part in Visa's mission to provide reliable payment solutions.

As a Strategy Director at Visa, you can expect to work within a small but agile team that embodies a start-up mentality. You'll collaborate closely with Pismo and regionally focused teams, involving yourself in hands-on work that directly influences market growth. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and challenge your team members while building extensive internal partnerships across various Visa functions, allowing for a rich exchange of insights and innovative ideas.

The hybrid work model for the Strategy Director position at Visa means that employees will split their work time between remote and office settings. Generally, you’ll be expected to be in the office 2-3 days a week, but this may vary based on business needs and leadership’s guidance. This flexible arrangement allows you to maintain work-life balance while still fulfilling vital in-person collaboration and networking opportunities.

Key responsibilities of the Strategy Director, Issuer Processing and Core Banking at Visa include defining and implementing a regional strategy for Pismo, prioritizing commercial goals, conducting competitive analysis, and collaborating with both sales teams and stakeholders. You'll also be responsible for assessing new market opportunities, contributing to product readiness initiatives, and influencing financial planning by identifying potential revenue sources—all towards boosting Visa’s growth in the payments industry.

Visa places a strong emphasis on the professional development of its employees, including the Strategy Director, Issuer Processing and Core Banking. You'll have access to a wealth of resources for ongoing training and skills enhancement, including opportunities to engage in thought leadership, present at various forums, and participate in mentoring initiatives. The collaborative environment at Visa fosters personal growth while allowing you to take on impactful projects that align with your career aspirations.

Absolutely! As a Strategy Director at Visa, you'll work in an inclusive and supportive culture where diverse ideas are celebrated, and teamwork is vital. Collaboration with global teams and engaging with clients will only amplify this supportive environment, making it easier to overcome challenges together. With Visa's commitment to uplifting everyone, you’ll find a workplace that encourages innovation, mentorship, and strong relationships.

In approaching market expansion for Visa’s processing services, I would begin by conducting a thorough analysis of the regional market landscape, including identifying key opportunities and understanding local regulations. Leveraging insights from both competitive and consumer studies would allow me to shape a tailored go-to-market strategy. Additionally, collaborating closely with local teams and existing clients would ensure alignment and readiness, ultimately leading to successful market entry.

Certainly! I once led a product strategy that aimed to enhance a payment solution's user experience. By gathering stakeholder feedback, analyzing user data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams, we identified key areas for improvement. Through iterative testing and validation, we successfully rolled out updates that significantly increased customer satisfaction and engagement, exceeding our targets for the launch.

To keep up with evolving client needs, I would implement a continuous feedback loop that incorporates both qualitative feedback from customer interactions and quantitative insights from user data analytics. Regular engagement with clients and market-facing teams would help anticipate changing demands, allowing the team to adapt our offerings proactively. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation within the team encourages creative problem-solving and responsiveness to client feedback.

I believe effective collaboration with sales and engineering teams is key to successful project execution. I prioritize open communication to ensure everyone is aligned on objectives and timelines. Regular check-ins and joint brainstorming sessions help address technical considerations early on while providing sales teams with the insights they need to position our offerings effectively. This collaborative approach results in well-rounded solutions that resonate with clients.

For a Strategy Director role, key metrics would include market penetration rate, revenue growth, client satisfaction scores, and product adoption rates. Additionally, tracking the success of initiatives through performance against predetermined KPIs allows for adaptive strategy refinement. These metrics help provide a comprehensive picture of performance, ensuring that our goals are met effectively and aligned with Visa's broader objectives.

My approach to competitive analysis involves gathering data on competitor offerings, assessing their market positioning, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses. By examining industry trends and regulatory changes, I can identify potential gaps in our services and unique value propositions to capture market share. Collaborating with the sales team for on-the-ground insights can enhance understanding and enable us to stay ahead of market dynamics.

Stakeholder management has been integral to my career. I prioritize building strong relationships and understanding each stakeholder’s perspective. Through regular communication, transparency, and trust-building initiatives, I’ve managed to foster collaboration even when interests vary. By aligning stakeholders with shared objectives and keeping them informed of progress, I ensure everyone is engaged throughout the project lifecycle, leading to smoother execution.

Innovation is a cornerstone of my work as a Strategy Director. I believe that staying ahead in the payments landscape requires a proactive mindset. I encourage my teams to challenge the status quo and explore new solutions that enhance our offerings. By creating a safe space for brainstorming and experimentation, innovative ideas can emerge, ensuring that Visa continues to lead in this dynamic industry.

Ensuring compliance with local regulations involves thorough research and continuous monitoring of changing legislation. I collaborate closely with legal and regulatory teams to stay informed about requirements specific to each market. By integrating compliance considerations into the planning stages of projects, I can mitigate risks and ensure that our services align with legal expectations, thus safeguarding Visa's reputation.

As a Strategy Director, I adopt a transformational leadership style, focusing on inspiring and motivating my team towards shared goals. I believe in empowering team members by encouraging open dialogue and fostering their personal development. By nurturing a collaborative and inclusive environment, I ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, driving engagement and commitment to our endeavors and overall success.