Manager - Strategic Programs CEMEA

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Manager of Strategic Programs to lead critical initiatives within their Client Services team. This role involves driving business effectiveness through data analytics and project management, ensuring that strategic objectives are met. You will create detailed project plans, manage risks, and communicate progress to stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in business analysis and program management, with a strong focus on delivering results in a fast-paced environment. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will directly impact the success of the organization and help shape the future of payment solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in business analysis and project management.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analytics software.

Responsibilities

• Drive business effectiveness through management information and reporting.
• Manage large cross-functional projects and track risks and issues.

Skills

Business Analysis

Data Analytics

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Planning

Communication Skills

Technical Aptitude

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA)

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

MicroStrategy

Jira

Mural

Job description

The Strategic Programs team is a part of the Gotomarket Services (GTMS) team within Client Services (CS) function. The team leads the delivery of critical strategic initiatives and complex transformational programs. This team is at the forefront of achieving the CS functions key priorities by partnering closely with cross functional teams, extensive engagement with global stakeholders, executing robust gotomarket roll out plans and establishing best in class program management assets, management information, and business reporting.

The Manager of Strategic Programs, an individual contributor, ensures project management, performance management, and business reporting meet the functions objectives. This role involves creating detailed project plans, managing risks and issues, and communicating progress for timely decision-making.

The role is a direct report to the Director Strategic Programs in the CEMEA Gotomarket Services team and will be based in Dubai.

• Responsible for driving business effectiveness through best-in-class management information and business reporting.
• Creates monthly and quarterly business reporting data points and materials for the function.
• Maintains diligent monitoring and actioning of OKRs, focusing on identifying key variances, trends, and issues to ensure timely decision-making.
• Demonstrates business analysis with a focus on trends, data analytics, dashboards, and sales tools.
• Leads performance optimization initiatives working directly with Product and CS leads to define appropriate metrics and KPIs and delivers required tooling to monitor.
• Defines and documents project requirements by identifying project milestones, phases, and resources.
• Project manages large cross-functional projects, tracks status, risks & issues, and drives accountability vs. plan.
• Manages stakeholders by coordinating internal resources for a flawless execution of projects.
• Assists in the prioritization and sequencing of projects using defined criteria and identifies project overlaps to increase effectiveness.
• Reports status across projects, identifying when action is required and recommending solutions to overcome roadblocks across all areas of the business.
• Facilitates Visa planning cycles including Annual Operating Plan (AOP) support.
• Builds excellent relationships with stakeholders in Client Services, Product, Sales, and Global to facilitate effective business outcomes.

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

Qualifications :

Basic Qualification

• 5 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's Degree or at least 2 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD/MD) or 0 years of work experience with a PhD OR 8 years of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree with extensive experience providing business analysis, strategic planning, and/or program/project management and data analysis in software, financial, or information services.
• 8 years of success in a technology, financial, or information services business or with at least 6 years of experience in the payments industry. International experience and exposure to matrixed organizations preferable.
• PRINCE2 or PMP experience or qualifications desirable with Agile qualifications and experience desirable.
• Strong and demonstrable experience in data analytics software such as Power BI, Tableau, MicroStrategy, or open-source tools.
• Experience with digital collaboration tools e.g. Mural and project management software e.g. Jira is beneficial.
• Ideally good working knowledge and preferably experience of payment products and ability to apply that knowledge to address client/market/business needs.
• Able to set priorities, influence others, and advise on B2B and B2C client expectations.
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to absorb technical information.
• Focused on delivery of results through effective planning and solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.
• Excellent collaboration skills able to influence without authority and work effectively in a matrix organization.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to clearly communicate compelling messages to key stakeholders.
• High self-motivation and ability to work under minimal supervision. Able to proactively identify areas of improvement and develop plans to address.
• Ability to use appropriate verification techniques to facilitate decision-making.
• Ability to develop or modify existing methods/processes as part of continuous improvement.
• Experience in leading complex projects/teams with global reach.
• Proven ability to execute against tight deadlines and manage conflicting priorities essential.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven abilities in negotiating with and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent time management, organization, and project planning skills.

Additional Information :

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.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time