Director, VCA Implementation Services

Visa Consulting and Analytics (VCA) Implementation Services (VIS) helps clients successfully implement Visa solutions by translating strategy and product capabilities into real-world execution. VIS partners closely with clients to design, architect, and deliver implementations that are practical, scalable, and aligned to each client’s technical, operational, and regulatory context.

VIS Services includes, but is not limited to, hands-on, client-facing support that helps clients plan, execute, and operationalize complex work—such as program-managing multi-workstream initiatives on behalf of the client, assessing and improving day-to-day card operations, supporting clients in running fraud operations, and helping clients launch new card products.

The Director, VCA Implementation Services role is a senior leadership position responsible for building, leading, and scaling a high-performing team that solution-architects, sells, and delivers VIS offerings—driving measurable outcomes and long-term client value from early solution design through implementation delivery.

Success in this role looks like: delivering implementations that achieve measurable outcomes (e.g., on-time/on-budget delivery, faster time-to-value, and improved adoption/operational readiness), achieving quarterly and full-year sales and margin targets, while scaling repeatable VIS delivery standards across Enablers and Community clients.

The client segments within the purview of this role include Enablers and Community clients, requiring a leader who can flex across complex enterprise environments as well as more resource-constrained institutions.

Key Responsibilities

Practice and Team Leadership

• Build, lead, and develop a multidisciplinary VIS team comprising solution architects, implementation leads, and delivery professionals.

• Establish operating rhythms, delivery standards, and quality controls that improve consistency and client outcomes across VIS engagements.

• Coach and mentor leaders and individual contributors, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Solution Architecture and Offering Leadership

• Lead the design of VIS solutions that help clients implement Visa products, platforms, and services within their technology and operating environments.

• Shape and evolve VIS offerings to be modular, scalable, and repeatable while allowing for client-specific customization.

• Partner with VCA Practices, Product, Technology, and regional teams to ensure VIS solutions are aligned with Visa’s broader strategy and capabilities.

Consultative Selling and Client Engagement

• Serve as a senior executive sponsor in client engagements, owning complex conversations related to implementation approach, scope, value, and risk.

• Partner with sales and VCA Practice leaders to identify client needs and support deal pursuit and closure.

• Clearly articulate the value of VIS services, including how effective implementation accelerates client outcomes and maximizes Visa investments.

Delivery Excellence

• Deliver VIS engagements on time, within scope and budget, and to agreed quality standards.

• Apply strong program and change management discipline to complex implementations involving multiple stakeholders and dependencies.

• Proactively identify and mitigate delivery risks, escalating and resolving issues with diplomacy and urgency.

Client and Market Focus

• Maintain a strong understanding of client operating models, processor and issuer environments, and the competitive landscape.

• Tailor VIS approaches to the distinct needs of Enablers and Community clients.

• Use market insights and client feedback to continuously refine VIS offerings and delivery models.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager. 

Basic Qualifications: 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 Preferred Qualifications: 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 experience leading client-facing implementation, integration, or transformation programs in financial services, payments, or consulting, including accountability for scope, budget, risk, and delivery outcomes. Bachelor’s degree required, and advanced degree preferred. Significant experience leading implementation, integration, or transformation programs within financial services or payments. Experience working with issuers, processors, fintechs, or enabling platforms within the payments ecosystem. Demonstrated success building and leading client-facing delivery teams. Strong background in consultative selling, solution architecture, and complex stakeholder management. Personal Attributes Executive presence with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. Structured, analytical thinker with a pragmatic, execution-oriented mindset. Collaborative leader who thrives in matrixed, cross-functional environments. Resilient and adaptable, comfortable navigating ambiguity while driving clarity and results.

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel up to 25% 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 this position is 160,500 to 285,800 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.