Senior Director – Strategy, Planning and Operations - Product & Solutions

The Senior Director - Business Planning & Operations, Product & Solutions (CEMEA) is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the strategic, financial, operational, and performance agenda for the CEMEA Product & Solutions organization.

This role acts as the operational and business planning leader for Product & Solutions, anchoring annual planning processes, performance management, strategic project execution, and governance across the region. It ensures effective alignment between global product priorities, CEMEA strategy, and market-level delivery, working closely with the CEMEA Product & Solutions Leadership Team, regional functions, market teams, and global product groups.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Business Planning for Product & Solutions

• Lead and coordinate the Product & Solutions annual operating plan (AOP), strategic planning, reforecasting, and performance processes for the function across CEMEA region

• Align regional product plans with global product roadmaps to ensure unified prioritization and execution

• Maintain and document the strategic direction and product priorities of the CEMEA region

Performance Management & Analytics

• Own and evolve the performance management framework for Product & Solutions, including KPI tracking, dashboards, product portfolio insights, and business reviews

• Build analytical capability across the Product & Solutions teams and promote a data-driven culture

Operational Governance & Leadership Rhythm

• Manage and maintain Product Lifecycle Management processes in region and in alignment with Global Product & Solutions

• Support the Head of Product & Solutions in ensuring consistent communication and leadership alignment across CEMEA

• Define and run the Product & Solutions operating rhythm, including leadership meetings, performance reviews, strategic check-ins, and cross-regional governance forums

• Maintain strong governance across the organization, including compliance, budget management, audit readiness, and control processes

Executive Communication & Senior Leadership Support

• Develop high-impact executive presentations, business reviews, narratives, and strategic updates for regional and global senior leadership

• Represent the CEMEA Head of Product & Solutions when needed in internal and external forums

Reporting Structure

This position is based in Dubai and reports into the CEMEA Product & Solutions Leadership.

Professional Experience
• 12–15 years of senior professional experience in digital payments, product strategy, business planning, financial services, consulting, or related fields.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in business planning, analytics, operations, or product-related roles within a multi-national environment.
• Experience working directly with product or solutions organizations strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing complex, multi-market or cross-functional initiatives.
Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Engineering, or related field required
• Master’s degree (MBA or similar) preferred
Technical & Functional Skills
• Strong command of business and financial planning, product economics, and analytics
• Excellent program and project management skills
Leadership & Behavioral Competencies
• Exceptional strategic thinking and structured problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across diverse teams and leadership levels
• Comfortable leading in a dynamic, fast-paced, and ambiguous environment

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.