Sr. Director, US Credit Product Strategy Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Director, US Credit Product Strategy Lead Company: Visa Location: San Francisco, California, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Strategy & Operations (GTM Focus) Date Posted: September 19, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years (Senior Level) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for Visa's US Consumer Credit product portfolio, focusing on driving payments volume growth and market share.
• Identify and operationalize key investments and initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of Visa's credit products amidst industry headwinds and evolving market dynamics.
• Lead strategic client engagements, including supporting deal negotiations, RFPs, and retaining/growing credit issuing relationships with key financial institutions.
• Drive alignment across internal stakeholders, including North America Leadership, Account Executives, and Finance teams, to ensure effective execution of the credit strategy.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as payments volume growth, win rates on new deals, renewals, and overall consumer credit economics to inform strategic adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level strategic leader within Visa's US Consumer Credit division. The emphasis on "product platform strategy," "operationalize investment," and "improving competitiveness" strongly suggests a focus on the Go-to-Market (GTM) aspects of product strategy, requiring close collaboration between product development, sales, and operations teams to ensure successful market penetration and revenue generation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and articulate the long-term (e.g., "US Credit Growth 2030") and short-term roadmaps for the US Visa credit product portfolio, aligning with market opportunities and business objectives.
• Spearhead the development of strategies to grow Visa's value-added services (VAS) within the consumer credit segment.
• Formulate and execute strategic initiatives to address specific market obligations, competitive pressures, and emerging consumer credit trends.
• Develop and refine segment-specific strategies, with a particular focus on the affluent consumer segment and other key target demographics.
• Lead competitive analysis to position Visa's credit products effectively against rivals and identify areas for differentiation and advantage.
• Drive strategic client engagement by providing product expertise and supporting account teams in high-stakes discussions with C-level executives at issuing financial institutions.
• Provide critical product strategy and support for deal origination, renewal processes, and Request for Proposals (RFPs) from key clients.
• Collaborate closely with Account Executives to ensure product strategies are translated into actionable sales plans and client-specific solutions.
• Partner with Finance to model the economic impact of strategic initiatives and ensure alignment with Visa's financial goals and credit P&L.
• Present strategic recommendations and performance updates to senior leadership, including the Vice President, Head of US Consumer Credit and the North America Leadership Team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic planning, market analysis, and client-facing execution, which are core to successful GTM operations. The emphasis on "operationalize investment," "strategic client engagement," and "deal/RFP support" indicates that this role requires translating high-level strategy into tangible business outcomes, often involving cross-functional operational alignment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Business, or a related field required.
• Advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, Master's) in a relevant discipline are strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive professional experience, with a Bachelor's Degree.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g., Masters/MBA/JD/MD), or a minimum of 5 years with a PhD, in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.
• A strong preference for 15+ years of experience with a Bachelor's Degree, or 12 years with an Advanced Degree.
• A minimum of 15 years of direct experience in the payments industry, with a significant focus on financial institution engagement and consumer credit products.
• Previous experience working with or for a leading US consumer credit issuer is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in management, including resource planning, budget management, and direct supervision of employees.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in the payments industry, with a specialized understanding of US consumer credit products, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes.
• Exceptional strategic planning and execution capabilities, with a proven ability to develop and articulate long-term product visions.
• Strong business acumen, with a clear understanding of commerce business Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and financial modeling.
• Demonstrated experience in client relationship management, including building and maintaining strong partnerships with C-level executives.
• Excellent executive-level communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with a proven ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Robust analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Proficiency in managing client engagements and supporting complex sales cycles, including deal structuring and RFP responses.
• Experience in managing teams, including resource allocation, performance management, and budget oversight.

Preferred Skills:

• Solid understanding of current and emerging technologies within the payments ecosystem, especially those impacting consumer credit.
• Proven ability to effectively engage in public speaking and represent Visa at industry events.
• A track record of successfully articulating business benefits to executive-level stakeholders, while also communicating technical details to subject matter experts.
• Experience in developing and executing strategies for specific market segments, such as the affluent consumer demographic.
• Familiarity with Visa's internal processes, product suites, and go-to-market strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements emphasize a deep understanding of the payments ecosystem and consumer credit products, crucial for developing effective GTM strategies. The required management experience suggests that this role will involve leading teams and initiatives, necessitating strong operational oversight and project management skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing strategic development and execution of product growth initiatives within the financial services or payments sector.
• Include case studies detailing successful market share expansion or significant payments volume growth for credit products.
• Provide evidence of strategic financial modeling and analysis used to support investment decisions and forecast business impact.
• Showcase experience in operationalizing strategies, including cross-functional team coordination and execution planning for product launches or enhancements.
• Present examples of stakeholder management and communication strategies used to gain buy-in and drive alignment for complex initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of developing strategic roadmaps, including market analysis, competitive positioning, and financial projections.
• Documentation of processes used to identify and assess new product opportunities or enhancements for consumer credit.
• Case studies detailing the implementation of go-to-market plans, including sales enablement, marketing alignment, and operational readiness.
• Evidence of performance tracking mechanisms, including defining key metrics, establishing reporting dashboards, and analyzing results to inform future strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a role of this seniority in product strategy and GTM operations would typically expect candidates to present a portfolio that demonstrates their strategic thinking, execution capabilities, and quantifiable impact on business growth, particularly in terms of revenue and market share. This often involves showcasing process improvements or new process implementations that directly contributed to these outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated salary range for this position is $204,500 to $296,700 USD per year. This range may also include potential sales incentive payments, if applicable.
• The final salary will be determined based on various job-related factors, including but not limited to the candidate's knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location.
• This position may also be eligible for bonus and equity awards.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for healthcare expenses.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Wellness Program to support employee health and well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week, but may vary based on departmental needs.
• Travel requirements are estimated at 5-10% of the time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a senior leadership role in the payments industry in a major metropolitan area like San Francisco. The comprehensive benefits package aligns with industry standards for large, established organizations like Visa, supporting operational professionals with work-life balance and long-term financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Payments Technology & Financial Services Company Size: Visa is a large, global corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide, indicative of extensive resources, established processes, and a wide array of career opportunities. Founded: Visa was founded in 1958, giving it a long history and deep expertise in building and scaling the global payments infrastructure. This legacy suggests a culture that values innovation, reliability, and long-term strategic thinking.

Team Structure:

• The role reports into the Vice President, Head of US Consumer Credit, placing it within a specialized vertical of the US Consumer Products organization.
• This position will require extensive collaboration with various cross-functional teams, including North America Leadership, Account Executives (sales), Finance, Product Development, Marketing, and potentially Legal/Compliance.
• The team structure likely emphasizes matrixed reporting and project-based collaboration to drive strategic initiatives across the organization, requiring strong operational coordination.

Methodology:

• Visa's operations and strategy development are heavily data-driven, relying on extensive market analysis, transaction data, and financial modeling to inform decisions.
• Workflow planning and optimization are critical for ensuring the efficient delivery of payment solutions and the successful execution of go-to-market strategies.
• The company likely employs a combination of agile and traditional project management methodologies, with a strong emphasis on innovation and continuous improvement in its product offerings and operational processes.

Company Website: https://www.visa.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Visa's extensive history and global reach mean that operations roles here often involve working within highly structured environments but also offer opportunities to influence global best practices. The emphasis on data and cross-functional collaboration is paramount for success in any strategic operations role at Visa.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Sr. Director level position, indicating a senior leadership role responsible for a significant strategic function within the US Consumer Credit business. It implies a high degree of autonomy, responsibility for team management, and direct impact on business outcomes. Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the VP, Head of US Consumer Credit, with potential for interaction and presentation to higher levels of executive leadership within Visa's North America and Global Product organizations. This provides high visibility and direct access to decision-makers. Operations Impact: This role has a direct and measurable impact on Visa's core business: growing consumer credit payments volume and improving economic performance. Success in this role contributes directly to Visa's market leadership, revenue growth, and strategic positioning against competitors.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Potential to advance to VP or SVP roles within Visa's Consumer Products or Strategy divisions, leading larger portfolios or broader functional areas.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in payments strategy, financial modeling, client relationship management at an executive level, and cross-functional leadership within a complex global organization.
• Leadership Potential: As a Sr. Director, the role provides a platform to develop and demonstrate leadership capabilities, potentially leading to opportunities in general management or P&L ownership within specific business units. Exposure to executive decision-making and strategic planning processes further hones leadership acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Sr. Director role is a significant step for operations professionals looking to move into high-level strategic leadership within the payments industry. The clear reporting line to a VP and the direct impact on core business metrics suggest a robust career trajectory within Visa.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid position, meaning it will involve a combination of remote work and in-office days. The expectation for days in the office will be confirmed by the Hiring Manager. Office Location(s): The primary work location is San Francisco, California. Visa typically maintains professional office environments conducive to collaboration and focused work.

Workspace Context:

• The San Francisco office likely offers a dynamic, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and teamwork among product, strategy, and account management professionals.
• Access to advanced technology, data analytics platforms, and communication tools will be standard, enabling efficient collaboration and strategic analysis.
• Opportunities for interaction with senior leaders and peers across different functions will be frequent, facilitating knowledge sharing and cross-functional alignment.

Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour work week is generally expected, the demands of a senior strategic role may necessitate flexibility to meet deadlines, client needs, and project timelines.
• The hybrid model allows for a balance between focused individual work and collaborative team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role in a major tech hub like San Francisco suggests a modern work environment that values flexibility while ensuring team cohesion and strategic alignment through dedicated in-office time.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a recruiter or hiring manager screen to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit. Prepare to articulate your career trajectory and specific interest in Visa's credit strategy.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the VP, Head of US Consumer Credit. Expect questions focused on strategic thinking, market analysis, leadership philosophy, and specific experiences relevant to growing consumer credit portfolios.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Account Management, Finance, or other relevant product teams. These will assess your ability to collaborate, influence, and understand diverse perspectives.
• Case Study/Presentation: A common element for senior roles. You may be asked to prepare a strategic plan or analyze a specific market scenario related to consumer credit, presenting your findings and recommendations. Focus on demonstrating your strategic framework, analytical rigor, and communication clarity.
• Final Executive Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive (e.g., Head of North America Consumer Products) to evaluate overall fit, leadership potential, and strategic vision alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project or initiative in your portfolio, clearly articulate the business problem, your strategic approach, the operational steps taken, and – most importantly – the quantifiable results (e.g., % increase in payments volume, % improvement in win rate, dollar value of deals supported).
• Strategic Narrative: Structure your portfolio items to tell a compelling story about your strategic development and execution capabilities. Highlight how you identified opportunities, formulated strategies, and overcame challenges.
• Process Focus: Emphasize the processes you implemented or improved to achieve these results. This could include strategic planning frameworks, client engagement models, or performance tracking methodologies.
• Tailor to Visa: Research Visa's current market position, strategic priorities, and challenges in the consumer credit space. Align your portfolio examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience can address these specific needs.
• Presentation Clarity: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio items concisely and effectively, highlighting key contributions and insights.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate case study questions related to market entry strategies, competitive response, product lifecycle management, or optimizing a specific aspect of credit product performance (e.g., increasing adoption of value-added services).
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly, demonstrating how you break down complex problems, leverage data, and arrive at actionable recommendations.
• Be ready to discuss how you would build consensus and drive execution across diverse teams, showcasing your leadership and collaboration skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, the interview process will heavily scrutinize strategic thinking, leadership potential, and the ability to translate strategy into tangible business results. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates quantifiable impact and a clear understanding of the payments industry is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Proficiency with major CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) for managing client relationships, tracking sales pipelines, and analyzing customer data is expected.
• Data Analysis & BI Tools: Strong skills in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms for data visualization, dashboard creation, and performance reporting are essential for monitoring credit product performance and market trends.
• Financial Modeling Software: Expertise in Excel for complex financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating executive-level presentations and communicating strategic initiatives.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with enterprise-level analytics platforms and databases to extract and analyze large datasets related to payment transactions, customer behavior, and market performance.
• Ability to define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for credit products, such as payment volume growth, transaction frequency, merchant acceptance rates, and customer acquisition costs.
• Familiarity with reporting frameworks and best practices for presenting complex data insights to executive leadership.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, understanding of how CRM systems integrate with other business applications and potentially experience with marketing automation or sales enablement tools could be beneficial for driving GTM strategies.
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Monday.com) can aid in managing complex initiatives and cross-functional workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the nature of the role implies a need for strong analytical, financial modeling, and presentation skills, often supported by robust CRM and business intelligence platforms. Proficiency in data-driven decision-making is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A focus on understanding and serving the needs of Visa's clients (issuing financial institutions) and the end consumers who use Visa credit products.
• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new technologies and market opportunities to continuously improve product offerings and adapt to evolving consumer behaviors and competitive pressures.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Working effectively across diverse internal teams and with external partners to achieve shared goals and drive collective success.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on robust data analysis and insights to inform strategic planning, execution, and performance measurement.
• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for strategic outcomes and driving initiatives to completion with a focus on measurable impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where strategic planning is a team sport, involving input and alignment from various departments.
• Emphasis on clear communication, active listening, and building consensus among stakeholders with potentially differing priorities.
• A culture that encourages constructive feedback and continuous improvement in processes and strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Visa's culture, as a global leader, likely values a blend of established best practices with a forward-looking approach to innovation in the payments space. Professionals in this role will need to be adept at navigating complex organizational structures while championing strategic initiatives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Volatility & Competition: Navigating a dynamic payments landscape with intense competition from other networks, fintechs, and alternative payment methods, requiring continuous strategic adaptation.
• Regulatory Environment: Operating within a complex and evolving regulatory framework that impacts credit products and financial services.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless execution of strategies across multiple departments (Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance, Legal) that may have competing priorities.
• Data Integration & Analysis: Effectively synthesizing data from various sources to derive actionable insights and make informed strategic decisions.
• Driving Adoption of New Products/Features: Convincing clients and consumers of the value of new credit product enhancements or value-added services.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge of global payments trends, consumer credit markets, and regulatory landscapes.
• Strategic Leadership: Developing advanced strategic planning, market analysis, and executive communication skills.
• Client Management: Enhancing capabilities in managing high-level client relationships and complex negotiations.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Gaining experience in leading and influencing without direct authority across a large organization.
• Professional Development: Access to internal training programs, industry conferences, and potential for certifications related to product management, strategy, or finance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in leading strategy for a major product line at a global financial services company. Overcoming these challenges offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development in strategic leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a 5-year strategy for Visa's US Consumer Credit business, considering current market trends and competitive threats?" (Focus on your strategic framework, market analysis inputs, and key strategic pillars.)
• "Describe a time you successfully influenced a C-level executive to adopt a new product strategy or investment. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your communication, persuasion, and stakeholder management skills.)
• "How would you operationalize a new product feature aimed at increasing consumer credit payment volume? What key stakeholders would you involve, and what metrics would you track?" (Demonstrate your understanding of GTM execution and operational alignment.)
• "Walk me through a complex problem you solved in a previous role related to consumer credit or payments. What was your process, and what was the impact?" (Showcase your analytical and problem-solving capabilities.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Visa's current position in the US consumer credit market, and what do you see as our biggest opportunities and challenges?" (Demonstrate your research and strategic understanding of Visa.)
• "How do you foster collaboration and drive consensus among teams with diverse objectives, such as Sales, Product, and Finance?" (Explain your approach to cross-functional teamwork and alignment.)
• "How do you measure the success of a product strategy, and what KPIs are most critical for a role like this?" (Showcase your data-driven mindset and understanding of business impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each portfolio item, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or PAR (Problem, Action, Result) framework. Clearly define the context, your specific role and actions, and the measurable outcomes.
• Data Emphasis: For any strategic initiative, present the key data points that informed the strategy and the metrics that demonstrate its success. Quantify your impact whenever possible.
• Strategic Rationale: Be prepared to articulate the strategic "why" behind your actions and decisions, not just the "what." Explain how your contributions aligned with broader business objectives.
• Conciseness: Practice presenting your portfolio items efficiently, focusing on the most impactful achievements and insights relevant to the Sr. Director role at Visa.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a deep understanding of the payments industry, strategic planning capabilities, and a proven track record of driving business results through effective operational execution and cross-functional leadership.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Director, US Credit Product Strategy Lead position:

• Submit your application through Visa's careers portal via the provided link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in payments, consumer credit, strategic planning, financial institution engagement, and leadership. Use keywords from the job description and focus on quantifiable achievements.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a selection of your most impactful work, focusing on strategic initiatives, market growth, client success, and process improvements within the financial services or payments sector. Be ready to present specific case studies that demonstrate your strategic thinking and execution capabilities.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Visa's current business strategy, market position, recent news, and specific initiatives within the US Consumer Credit space. Understand their competitive landscape and key priorities.
• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and strategic questions. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method and be ready to discuss your approach to leading teams, driving strategy, and influencing stakeholders. Rehearse your portfolio presentation for clarity and impact.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive overview for potential candidates. All details regarding responsibilities, qualifications, and company culture should be verified directly with Visa during the application and interview process.