Head of VCA AI Platform Strategy and Operations

Company Description

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

Job Description

The Senior Director, AI Platform Strategy and Operations is responsible for leading the end-to-end vision, strategy, and execution of the enterprise AI platform. This role oversees the platform’s roadmap, budget, and daily operations, ensuring robust vendor management and high-level architectural decisions. The Senior Director partners closely with CISO and Legal teams to incorporate risk and compliance oversight, guaranteeing secure and compliant deployments. The role is pivotal in aligning platform strategy with organizational goals and scaling AI capabilities for global impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Platform Leadership: Define and drive the overall vision, strategy, and roadmap for the AI platform, ensuring alignment with business objectives and global scalability.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee day-to-day platform operations, including performance monitoring, incident management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Budget & Resource Management: Develop and manage the platform budget, resource allocation, and vendor relationships to optimize cost efficiency and value delivery.
• Architecture & Technology Oversight: Lead high-level architectural decisions, ensuring the platform is robust, scalable, and integrates seamlessly with enterprise systems.
• Risk & Compliance: Partner with compliance and Legal to embed risk management and compliance frameworks into platform operations, ensuring secure deployments and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Strategic Alignment: Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure the platform supports organizational priorities and drives innovation.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with technology vendors and service providers, negotiating contracts and ensuring service-level agreements are met.
• Global Scaling: Develop strategies to scale the platform across regions, supporting diverse business needs and regulatory environments.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, communicating platform strategy, progress, and impact.
• Team Development: Mentor and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 10 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters/MBA /JD/MD), or a minimum of 5 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• 15 or more years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 12 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, or MD), PhD with 9+ years of experience
• Experience managing budgets, vendor relationships, and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Outstanding communication, storytelling, and presentation abilities.
• Significant experience in global platform scaling, vendor management, and technology leadership.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies, data governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Track record of driving innovation and transformation in complex, matrixed organizations.
• Technology mindset, curiosity, and up-to-date knowledge of digital trends and applications.
• Team player with a collaborative approach and commitment to developing talent.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

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

Mental/Physical Requirements: 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.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is 210,900.00 to 329,500.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. 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.