Director, Merchant Data Solutions & Partner Enablement

Visa; Dubai; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic leader to drive the Merchant Data Platform's strategy across multiple regions. This role focuses on data acquisition, quality, and distribution, ensuring high-quality data for global merchants. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in data strategy and governance, strong analytical skills, and a proven track record in leading high-performing teams. Join a forward-thinking organization that values data as a key driver of business success and innovation, and help shape the future of data management in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Flexible Working Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Remote Work Options

Wellness Programs

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in data-related fields with a strong analytical background.
• Proven leadership in managing data teams and driving business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the regional strategy for the Merchant Data Platform across multiple regions.
• Oversee data acquisition, quality, and distribution to ensure high-quality data.

Skills

Data Strategy

Data Governance

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Leadership

Communication

Cloud Technologies

AI and ML Technologies

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

PhD

Tools

Data Management Tools

Data Engineering Tools

Job description

The Global Data Office

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.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to drive the regional strategy and adoption of our Merchant Data Platform across Asia Pacific (AP), Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA), and Europe (EU) regions. This individual will spearhead the data acquisition efforts, ensuring seamless client and internal stakeholder management. They will oversee critical aspects such as data ingestion, data quality, data enrichment, and data distribution, guaranteeing the platform delivers high-quality and reliable data for both regional and global merchants. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of data strategy, governance, and management practices, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They should have a proven track record in leading high-performing teams, excellent communication and relationship-building abilities, and a passion for leveraging data to drive business outcomes. Familiarity with payments and consulting, along with expertise in AI and ML technologies, will be highly advantageous. We are looking for someone who is intellectually curious, adaptable, and capable of thriving in fast-paced environments with demanding timelines.

Essential Functions:

• Own the regional strategy and adoption for the Merchant Data Platform in Asia Pacific (AP), Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA), and Europe (EU) regions.
• Lead the regional data acquisition efforts, overseeing essential aspects like data ingestion, data quality, data enrichment, and data distribution to ensure the platform provides high-quality and reliable data for both regional and global merchants.
• Implement best practices for data management, including data quality measurement, data enrichment processes, and data distribution mechanisms.
• Monitor and analyze product performance metrics, using data-driven insights to identify areas for optimization and drive continuous improvement.
• Gather and incorporate feedback from stakeholders, including users and partners, to refine and enhance the product offering.
• Support the planning and execution of future roadmap and use cases, leveraging Merchant data to achieve product or market goals. This involves close collaboration with a wide range of global and regional teams.
• Collaborate with engineering, data science, and other cross-functional teams to ensure successful product delivery.
• Build and support strong relationships with key stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners.
• Communicate product vision, strategy, and progress effectively to all stakeholders in the region.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of product managers and data analysts, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback and coaching, and support professional development to ensure team members achieve their full potential.
• Develop clear and concise executive-level communications and updates, and support the development and delivery of stakeholder communications.
• Define and monitor key platform success metrics, SLAs, and operational targets.
• Liaise with regional leaders, country managers, global product leaders, engineering, and other applicable groups to ensure flawless execution.

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

Desired Candidate Profile

Qualifications

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 a minimum of 3 years of work experience with a PhD.

Preferred Qualifications
Minimum of 12 years of experience in an analytical field such as computer science, data science, finance, economics, or adjacent areas.
5+ years of experience leading data management functions and related processes, such as data engineers or data scientists.
1+ years of experience with cloud technologies.
5+ years of experience managing large, global, and distributed teams to scope and deliver business outcomes, preferably in a financial services or consulting setting.
Proven experience in a leadership role within the payments systems or merchant service industry
Familiarity with payments, lending, and consulting is a strong plus.
Fundamental and broad knowledge of common data management and data engineering tools and methodologies.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills needed to effectively communicate technical insights and recommendations with business customers and leadership team.
Ability to work effectively within a large, matrixed organization.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and sustain relationships across levels and role types. Influences and collaborates with all levels, functions, and geographies.
Superior communication and problem-solving skills with a passion to get things done, learn, and inspire peers and business partners to uplift skills and capabilities.

Skills and Competencies
In-depth understanding of data strategy, data governance, and data management practices.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and analytics.
Strong quantitative skills with a data first mindset. Ability to use data and metrics to back up assumptions, recommendations, and drive actions.
Strong technical, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Strong problem solver, with exposure to and knowledge of industry-standard AI and ML technologies with expertise to drive technology-related and architecture discussions.
Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a track record of developing and mentoring high-performing teams.
Outstanding organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills conducive to driving consensus and able to work in a cross-functional, matrix management environment.
Good business acumen to orient data management to business needs of clients, including experience in the payments space.
Ability to translate data and technical concepts into requirements documents, business cases, and user stories.
Good communication and presentation skills with the ability to interact with different cross-functional team members at varying levels.
Flexible and creative thinker with the ability to define business tradeoffs.
Ability to learn new tools and paradigms as data continues to evolve.
Demonstrated intellectual and analytical rigor, team-oriented, energetic, collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible style.
Intellectually curious and continuously striving to learn.
A proven track record of success in fast-paced environments with demanding timelines.
High degree of competence in working independently with limited oversight from the manager on undefined and unique problems and an extreme sense of ownership.

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