Director : Consulting

Position Summary

The Visa Consulting & Analytics Director is a senior role in the Sub-Saharan African consulting team (SSA). We are seeking a strategic, innovative, and analytical thinker with the main ability to deliver data-driven solutions through a consultative approach. In this role, you are expected to deliver across multiple key areas: Design, develop and implement end-to-end strategic programs across areas such as new product development, customer life cycle management, digital innovation, and risk that are data-driven for our clients.

Develop high-impact storyboards that promote data-driven strategies and solutions. This role will be required to drive the growth of the Digital and Commercial practice areas within VCA, including business development as well as project delivery. This role will require presence at client premises and travel to other markets in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Design and deliver Consulting and Analytics programs by identifying innovative opportunities around data and data-related processes that will help our clients implement fact-based decision-making processes within their card & payment programs.
2. Resolve complex strategic problems and set strategic direction and roadmap for client program delivery across multiple topics such as new products, strategy, digital, and commercial service lines.
3. Synthesize and manage complex project structures especially with clients that have multiple affiliates.
4. Manage, facilitate, and implement analytics and consulting services and meet clients' business targets in an efficient manner by creating synergies to deliver across multiple markets.
5. Work closely with other VISA groups, including Product, Marketing, Client services, etc., to ensure a seamless Consulting experience in the countries of focus.
6. Collaborate with internal Technology partners and Data Engineering function to best leverage Visa internal technology platforms, data, and the broader Visa ecosystem to support our clients' technical data needs.
7. Develop project pitches and secure new assignments with clients, as well as re-engagement opportunities via a consultative sales approach to assigned clients.
8. Develop and deliver client-training programs and impart best practices knowledge sharing to VISA clients.
9. Manage the VISA Consulting budget and resources to perform all required duties.
10. Liaise with VISA functional teams (Finance, Audit, Legal, Tax, Sourcing) to define and implement processes to optimize the daily engagement of vendors and the relationships with clients.
11. Manage workload for self and any direct reports, providing prioritization guidance for project flow to improve process efficiency.
12. Manage and grow talent within the team.
13. Socialize innovative ideas and approaches that are scalable and have market demand.
14. Comply with internal requirements around Model Risk Management, Visa Analytics Rules, and Global Privacy standards around client delivery to ensure that Visa's highly regarded market standing is maintained.

Professional Experience

1. Over 12 years of solid experience gained within the financial services industry.
2. Preferably worked in the FI practice of a top-tier consulting firm.
3. Experience working in one or more of the Card and Payments markets around the globe - with specific responsibilities in payments, retail banking, or retail merchant industries.
4. Deep consulting skills and client engagement capabilities.
5. Advanced client management and presentation skills.
6. Credibility with clients and working teams and diplomatic skills to extract desired outcomes.
7. Post-graduate degree desired.
8. Good understanding of Payments and the Banking industry, including card verticals such as consumer credit, consumer debit, prepaid, small business, commercial, co-branded, and merchant.
9. Highly analytical with advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills.
10. Superior project management skills.
11. Fluent communicator.
12. Self-motivated and able to use own initiative with limited direction.
13. Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with inter-disciplinary groups.
14. Experience building and cultivating teams.
15. Experience planning, organizing, and managing multiple large projects with diverse cross-functional teams, including resource planning and delivery implementation.
16. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
17. Fluency in English mandatory; French is desired but not a prerequisite.

Business Experience

1. Results-oriented with strong problem-solving skills and demonstrated intellectual and analytical rigor.
2. Exhibits intellectual curiosity and a desire for continuous learning.
3. Good business acumen with a track record in solving business problems through data-driven quantitative methodologies with proven skills in translating analytics output to actionable recommendations and delivery.
4. Team-oriented, collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible style.
5. Very detail-oriented, expected to ensure the highest level of quality and rigor in reports and data analysis.
6. Experience in presenting ideas and analysis to stakeholders whilst tailoring data-driven results to various audience levels.
7. Proven ability to deliver results within committed scope, timeline, and budget.
8. Very strong people and project management skills and experience.

Leadership Competencies

1. Demonstrates integrity, maturity, and a constructive approach to business challenges.
2. Serves as a role model for the organization by implementing core Visa Values.
3. Shows respect for individuals at all levels in the workplace.
4. Strives for excellence and extraordinary results.
5. Uses sound insights and judgments to make informed decisions in line with business strategy and needs.
6. Able to allocate tasks and resources across multiple lines of businesses and geographies.
7. Able to influence senior management both within and outside Visa, successfully persuading internal stakeholders to commit to best-in-class solutions when required.
8. Leverages change management leadership as required.

Additional Information

Position based in South Africa - Travel required to other SSA markets and part-time onsite at client premises. 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.