Product Manager - Emerging Initiatives Team

Company Description

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.

Job Description

What a Product Manager - Emerging Initiatives Team does at Visa

The responsibilities of a Product Manager - Emerging Initiatives Team can be split into two main dimensions: Strategy Development and Execution, and Program Ownership.

Strategy Development and Execution: 

• The Emerging Initiatives team within Visa Japan’s Product division fluidly shifts scope to manage high priority, strategic initiatives for Visa Japan, working directly with both Visa Japan’s Head of Product and Country Manager.
• Currently, the Emerging Initiative team is Visa Japan’s owner for 1) expansion of SMB acceptance, 2) growing & optimizing international transactions, 3) managing key international merchant relationships incl. co-brand deals, and 4) advancing corporate strategy projects (incl. M&As) that focus on uplifting Japan’s core payment processing infrastructure
• This role will be the primary owner for expansion of SMB acceptance, but also flexibly support all initiatives managed by the Emerging Initiatives team
• End to end ownership of SMB acceptance expansion, from determining what KPIs are best to track program performance, planning and executing strategic initiatives
• Collaborate with the Digital Deployment team and VAS team to ensure seamless execution of key strategies. 
• Work closely with the Business Planning Operation (BPO) team in Visa Japan to ensure that business plans are aligned with the organization's overall goals and objectives. 
• Work closely with the Asia Pacific SMB team in Singapore on reporting of SMB acceptance in Japan, including reporting and aligning on strategic initiatives 
• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive program success. 
• Prepare detailed reports and documentation to communicate business plans, progress, and outcomes to stakeholders. 
• Conduct thorough analysis and evaluation of emerging initiatives to assess their performance and impact. 
• Understanding the levers that influence KPIs and identifying input key levers. 
• Utilize data-driven insights to make informed decisions and recommendations for program improvements. 
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on the findings and impact of emerging initiatives for senior leadership. 
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to identify new opportunities and potential challenges. 

Program Ownership: 

• Taking the responsibility as the program owner for key emerging programs, including expanding SMB acceptance in Japan 
• Oversee the complete development, launch, and continuous management of this program from inception to completion. 

Projects you will be a part of

• SMB acceptance expansion
• Growing & optimizing international transactions
• Managing key international merchant relationships (incl. co-brand deals)
• Corporate strategy projects (incl. M&As) 

Why this is important to Visa 

The Emerging Initiatives team is Visa Japan’s ‘flex team’ that tackles new, high priority initiatives for Visa Japan.

Among our high priority initiatives, SMB acceptance is especially a critical initiative for Visa, as it is the main vertical where card acceptance is underpenetrated in Japan. By being accountable for accelerating SMB acceptance in Japan, you will directly contribute to the core Visa purpose to “uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best pay to pay and be paid.”

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

Qualifications

What you will need:  

• 8 years of experience in payment, retail banking, consulting, or strategy building or project management, particularly in cross-functional programs or delivering new and emerging digital solutions 
• Proven track record of developing and executing strategic initiatives. 
• Full professional level or above in Japanese and business level in English 
• Strong program management skills with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously. 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders at various levels. 
• Understanding of the domestic payments landscape and key drivers, opportunities and headwinds. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated intellectual and critical thinking. 
• Natural curiosity to learn about new products and systems and ability to quickly grasp new concepts and be able to explain the key benefits to clients and internal stakeholders. 
• High energy, motivated team player, able to effectively work across functions and teams to drive projects and key initiatives to completion. 
• Strong collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible working style, and able to work effectively in a matrixed organization. 
• Experience in consultative selling and collaborating with sales teams to help clients understand the benefits of products and services. 
• Comfort with participating in technical discussions and ensuring projects progress to schedule. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, proven interpersonal and presentation skills, and comfortable communicating to large audiences. 

What will also help: 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Information Systems or related disciplines, or commensurate with work experience is required. An MBA/MS is a plus 

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.