Head of Strategy and Programmes

Director, Strategic Programs and Innovation

The Director of Strategic Programs & Initiatives will serve as a strategic partner to the Sr. Director of Marketing Strategy & Innovation, leading the research, benchmarking, and strategic design work that informs Visas marketing operational strategy. Director of Marketing Strategy & Innovation, this leader will manage strategic workstreams for transformational initiatives while maintaining continuous feedback loops with regional and functional stakeholders.

Conduct comprehensive research, competitive benchmarking, and market analysis to identify best-in-class practices across AI transformation, operating models, agency ecosystems, learning & development, and organizational culture

Perform deep stakeholder discovery through interviews, surveys, and workshops to understand challenges, opportunities, and priorities across regions and functions

Conduct ongoing environmental scanning to identify competitive threats, emerging trends, and strategic opportunities

Synthesize complex market intelligence into actionable insights and strategic recommendations

Manage Strategic Workstreams for Transformational Initiatives

Lead strategic design and planning for key initiatives across the Five Ps (People, Practices, Processes, Partners, Products)

Create board-level materials that communicate strategic recommendations and business cases

Monitor Strategic Performance & Maintain Feedback Loops

Conduct post-implementation reviews to capture learnings and inform future strategy

Maintain continuous feedback loops with regional and functional stakeholders to ensure strategic recommendations reflect real-world implementation insights

Identify strategic course corrections based on performance data and stakeholder feedback

Partner with the Manager of Operations Excellence to ensure smooth handoff of strategic initiatives into execution planning and implementation

Ensure strategic recommendations account for operational realities, resource constraints, and change management considerations

Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

10 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor's Degree or at least 8 years of work experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters / MBA / JD / MD) or at least 3 years of work experience with a PhD

12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor's Degree or 8-10 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 6+ years of work experience with a PhD

~10+ years of progressive experience in strategy consulting, marketing operations, organizational transformation, or strategic planning roles at Fortune 500 companies or top-tier consulting firms

~5+ years of experience conducting strategic research, competitive intelligence, and market analysis that informed C-suite decision-making

~ MBA or advanced degree (Masters in Strategy, Management, Marketing, Business Analytics, or related field) strongly preferred

~ Direct experience developing strategic frameworks, operating models, and organizational designs for marketing or operations functions

~ Demonstrated expertise in stakeholder discovery and engagement, including executive interviews, surveys, and workshop facilitation across multiple regions and business units

~ Dual-Track Partnership

~ Stakeholder Management

~ Marketing Operations Knowledge

~ Change Management

~ Performance Measurement

~ Travel Requirements : This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA / HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.