Director, VCA of Data & Analytics Governance

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

Visa Consulting and Analytics (VCA), the consulting arm of Visa, is a global team of industry experts in strategy, marketing, operations, risk and economics consulting, with decades of experience in the payments industry.

Our VCA teams offers,

• Consulting services customized to the needs of Visa client business objectives and strategy
• Business and economic insights and perspectives that impact business and investment decisions
• Self-service digital solutions Visa clients can leverage to improve performance in product, marketing and operations
• Proven data-driven marketing strategies to increase clients ROI

The Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) team under Visa Consulting & analytics – Data Science is a multidisciplinary group responsible for designing robust data infrastructures, developing innovative machine learning solutions, enforcing data governance standards, and aligning machine learning projects with business objectives to drive business value and revenue generation in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Data and ML Governance Leader to join our Data Science MLOps team in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing, enforcing, and maintaining consistent end-to-end standards for data quality, privacy, and security within our machine learning workflows. This role is critical for ensuring the responsible and compliant use of data throughout the entire lifecycle of machine learning solutions and client engagements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive policies, standards, and procedures for data governance, focusing on data quality, privacy, and security.
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of machine learning solutions, ensuring compliance with established Data Governance policies and internal Model Risk Management Frameworks (from development to monitoring).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed data governance practices within machine learning workflows.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with data governance policies, standards, and procedures across all consulting projects in the region.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify and address potential risks related to data quality, privacy, usage, and security.
• Provide guidance and support to different stakeholders on best practices for data governance.
• Monitor and report on data governance and model risk management performance metrics.
• Develop and deliver training programs on data governance and model risk management as part of the data steward responsibilities.
• Provide guidance to model owners across the organization.
• Stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes related to data governance, machine learning, and model risk management.
• Lead initiatives to improve data governance practices and enhance the overall data governance framework.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to promote a culture of data governance and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• In partnership with data scientists, drives compliance of the Model Risk management governance, data assets and policies.
• Identify and standardize the use and governance of data and models in support of the VCA business strategy. This includes the governance of data and algorithms/models used for analysis, analytical applications and automated decision making.
• Collaborate with VCA members in LAC to navigate ambiguous policy situations - creatively problem solve to provide value to clients in a compliant manner.
• Connect policies to common data analytics performed by VCA and develop compliance checklists and toolkits within Data Science and Consulting teams across the Region.
• Respond to nuanced policy inquires in a timely and professional manner, identify potential risks, suggest mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

Technical Expertise

• 10+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Proven experience in data governance, data quality, privacy, and security within a machine learning environment.
• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks and best practices.
• Experience in overseeing the lifecycle of machine learning solutions, from data acquisition to deployment and monitoring.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Experience with data management tools and technologies.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL.
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks and libraries.
• Experience with data integration and ETL processes.

Leadership Competencies

• Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate with cross-functional teams and drive strategic changes.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering complex projects.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Ability to mentor and coach team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Strong decision-making skills and the ability to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty.

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications
•10+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 7 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 4 years of work experience with a PhD, OR 13+ years of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications
12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 8-10 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 6+ years of work experience with a PhD
Technical Expertise
•Proven experience in data governance, data quality, privacy, and security within a machine learning environment.
•Strong understanding of data governance frameworks and best practices.
•Experience in overseeing the lifecycle of machine learning solutions, from data acquisition to deployment and monitoring.
•Knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.
•Experience with data management tools and technologies.
•Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL.
•Familiarity with machine learning frameworks and libraries.
•Experience with data integration and ETL processes.
Leadership Competencies
•Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
•Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
•Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
•Demonstrated ability to negotiate with cross-functional teams and drive strategic changes.
•Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering complex projects.
•Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
•Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
•Experience in developing and implementing strategic initiatives.
•Ability to mentor and coach team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
•Strong decision-making skills and the ability to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty.
Travel Requirements

This position may require the incumbent to travel for work 10% of the time.

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.

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.