Openings at Visa

Job Description

• This is a high impact individual contributor role within the regional Sales Engineering team. The Senior Manager will report to the Head of Sales Engineering and will work closely with peers and stakeholders to drive technical sales excellence across VAS Issuing products. The role is deeply embedded in the VAS team and its sales motions, covering all VAS Issuing products including Risk & Identity Solution, Pismo, Featurespace, Loyalty, Network, and Digital Solutions. The successful candidate will be a hands on contributor, ready to roll up their sleeves and deliver results in a dynamic, multicultural environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a senior technical resource within the Sales Engineering team, providing expertise and guidance on complex client solutions.
• Contribute to embedding Sales Engineering best practices within the regional structures.
• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with key stakeholders, including regional Solutions Leads, Client Services Leads, and Sales Teams to drive the sales and revenue targets in the region
• Ensure seamless collaboration with product and innovation teams to align on client needs and market trends.
• Demonstrate technical excellence and contribute to continuous improvement in solution design and client engagement.
• Drive technical sales and solution excellence for all VAS Issuing products, including RaIS, Pismo, Featurespace, Loyalty, Network, and Digital Solutions.
• Collaborate closely with regional Sales teams at Visa to support pipeline engagement strategies and new business opportunities.
• Participate in client pitches, renewals, and technical workshops, providing expert guidance and hands on support.
• Actively support the sales and revenue targets for the region in the designated VAS Issuing Solutions area.
• This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in pre-sales, fraud strategy, or technical consulting roles within banking and fraud solutions, payments, or financial services.
• Experience delivering solutions within global banks, fintechs, processors, or PSPs using both Visa and third-party platforms.
• Demonstrated experience in sales engineering or product support within the payments industry.
• Experience contributing to high performing teams.
• Strong client relationship and presentation skills.
• Solid understanding of operational and IT payment processing environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage cross functional relationships and resources.
• Strong analytical and detailed oriented mindset.
• Keen interest in innovation and emerging technologies.
• Proven experience contributing as a senior member of a technical or sales engineering team in a regional or global context.
• Demonstrated success in sales engineering, product management, or technical sales within the payments or fintech industry.
• Strong technical expertise in Financial Institutions business, with hands on experience in Risk Management, Card Processing, Core Banking and digitization solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions.
• Comfortable operating in a fast paced, multicultural environment, with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and lead by example.
• Track record of delivering high quality technical solutions and supporting sales objectives.
• Experience working with sales processes and supporting performance against clear objectives and key results.

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Job Description

• The South Africa team is a dynamic group of innovators and problem-solvers committed to accelerating the digitization of payments and driving financial inclusion. We partner with banks, fintechs, merchants, and government entities to shape the future of commerce in one of Africa’s most vibrant markets.
• If you are passionate about payments, have deep industry expertise, and thrive in building strategic partnerships that deliver growth, this role is for you.

What a Director, Business Development does at Visa:

• Lead Strategic Growth: Own and grow Visa’s business with key clients in South Africa, driving revenue and market share through strong relationship management and consultative selling.
• Shape Market Strategy: Develop and execute short- and long-term plans aligned with Visa’s South Africa strategy to accelerate digital payments adoption.
• Drive Innovation: Champion Visa’s new payment technologies and solutions, articulating their commercial value to clients and enabling them to win in an evolving ecosystem.
• Identify Opportunities: Analyze client portfolios and market trends to uncover new business opportunities, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions.
• Influence Industry Direction: Stay ahead of local and global payment trends, advising clients on best practices and positioning Visa as a trusted partner.
• Mentor and Inspire: Foster a high-performance culture within the team, coaching and developing talent to achieve ambitious goals.

Why this role matters

• South Africa is a critical market for Visa in Sub-Saharan Africa, with immense potential for digital transformation. This role is pivotal in strengthening Visa’s position as the leading payments partner, driving financial inclusion, and shaping the future of commerce in the region.
• This is a hybrid position based in Cape Town. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• 12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 10 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters/MBA /JD/MD), or a minimum of 5 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications

• 15 or more years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 12 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, or MD), PhD with 9+ years of experience

What you will need:

• 12+ years of proven experience in business development, sales, or relationship management within payments, financial services, or banking.
• Strong track record of delivering revenue growth and managing strategic client relationships.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing teams in a matrixed organization.
• Ability to navigate complex environments, influence senior stakeholders, and lead change.
• Deep understanding of South Africa’s payments landscape, regulatory environment, and emerging trends.