Senior Director - AI and Data Science Center of Excellence - Visa

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.

With data being the fuel that drives our future - our strategies, policies, and business successes around data will define our future growth prospects. Unlocking the value available through the innovative use of data on behalf of consumers, businesses, and communities is key to our future. With our ongoing commitment to Visa’s Data Values and the responsible use of data, we at Visa have a bold vision to continue to grow and accelerate our data-related businesses and capabilities. 

Led by Visa’s Chief Data Officer, the Global Data Office coordinates high-impact, complex, company-wide projects related to data business strategy, critical investments, policy development, and marketplace execution. Working closely with Visa’s Chief Privacy Officer, the Technology organization, the wider data community, and the full set of Visa’s global lines of business, the Global Data Office is evolving Visa’s data-related work with momentum and enthusiasm. Driven by its commitment to trusted use of data, Visa is seeking enthusiastic leaders who are change-agents and passionate about the future of data around the world. 

The Global AI/ML Product & Platforms team under the Global Data Office is creating the next generation of scalable and responsible AI/ML and Data products and solutions to solve client and consumer problems. We are a cross-functional team of data scientists, product managers, AI and data engineers, program managers focused on generating value for the payments ecosystem. We are dreaming of the next generation of AI features and products.

This position is in the AI and Data Science vertical under the Global AI/ML Product & Platforms team. In this role, you will lead data scientists as part of a Center of Excellence (CoE) team who will solve complex problems for our clients and Visa using appropriate data, AI/ML models and data science techniques. You will also be responsible to create frameworks and assets which can be leveraged by global and regional data science teams across Visa to address business problems.

Responsibilities include: 

Solve complex problems for our clients and Visa using appropriate data, AI/ML models and data science techniques leading data scientists part of a Center of Excellence (CoE) team. Responsible to create frameworks and assets which can be leveraged by global and regional data science teams across Visa to address business problems.

Technical Leadership:

• Develop and execute a vision for data science capabilities useful for Visa and its clients
• Lead the design and development of large-scale data science systems
• Foster innovation and experimentation within the team

Team Management:

• Lead and manage a team of data scientists
• Provide guidance and mentorship to ensure high-quality deliverables
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning

Data Science:

• Apply advanced data science techniques and models to drive business impact
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies
• Develop and maintain expertise in multiple programming languages and data science tools

Collaboration:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate data science capabilities
• Communicate complex technical concepts and results to stakeholders
• Influence business decisions with data-driven insights

Technical Expertise:

• Develop and maintain expertise in multiple programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Spark)
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in data science tools and technologies (e.g.,   TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn)

Strategy:

• Develop and execute a data science strategy aligned with business goals
• Identify opportunities for data science to drive business impact

Communication:

• Communicate complex technical concepts and results to stakeholders
• Present data science capabilities and results to senior leadership and business partners

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.

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
• 15+ years of hands-on experience developing advanced data science models and providing data science solutions to address industry opportunities and issues, 8+ years of experience leading data science teams
• Advanced Degree/PhD with specialization in AI, Computer Science, Operations Research, Statistics or a highly quantitative field
• Previous exposure to providing creative data science solutions in the financial services, payments industry or large merchants is a plus
• Strengths in Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Recommendation systems, Generative models, Statistical analyses
• Expertise in multiple programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Spark)
• Experience with data science tools and technologies (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn)
• Experience working with real-world data sets and building scalable models from large-scale data.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams (e.g., product, engineering, marketing)
• Fluent storyteller with superior interpersonal skills
• Orientation to detail, as expected to ensure highest level of quality/rigor
• Strong project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-moving work environment
• Ability to coach, lead and provide direction to a technical data science team
• Possess a collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible style, with the ability to tailor communication to various audience levels
• Results oriented with strong conceptual, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated intellectual and analytical rigor
• Exhibit intellectual curiosity and strive to continually learn
• Experience working in global organizations and roles that need collaboration with stakeholders, partners and development team spread around the globe, gathering regional and global requirements

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 192,900 to 354,500 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.