Senior Manager, Design Research

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Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, facilitating over 259 billion transactions annually across more than 200 countries. Our mission is to connect the world through innovative, reliable, and secure payments, helping individuals, businesses, and economies thrive. Join us to make an impact in a purpose-driven industry and experience Life at Visa.

The Product Experience Design & Digital (PxD+D) team, part of the Visa Consulting and Analytics group (VCA), focuses on solving complex business problems through a customer-centric lens. We craft insights that enhance the user experience of our clients’ products and services. Our team values innovation, strategic thinking, and creativity.

The Senior Manager, Research, will lead Visa’s client research initiatives to accelerate innovation and improve customer experiences. You will oversee research projects, delivering insights, journeys, blueprints, and personas that clarify complex challenges. This role is ideal for someone comfortable working in ambiguous environments, translating insights into impactful stories and business outcomes. It is an individual contributor role with mentorship opportunities for junior researchers and internal partners.

• Manage all phases of qualitative research, including scoping, recruiting, strategy, execution, synthesis, and reporting.
• Translate complex findings into compelling stories and actionable recommendations.
• Communicate the value of various research methods to both clients and internal teams.
• Collaborate with strategy, design, and other teams to create comprehensive narratives.
• Develop best practices, tools, templates, and processes to elevate research standards.
• Lead design thinking workshops with clients and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members, assign tasks, set timelines, and review deliverables.

Basic: 8+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 5+ years with an advanced degree (e.g., Masters, MBA, JD, MD), or 2+ years with a PhD.

Preferred: 9+ years with a Bachelor's, 7+ with an advanced degree, or 3+ with a PhD; background in sociology, anthropology, psychology, or related fields; 10+ years in user research; expertise in Service Design; strong understanding of human-centered design; excellent communication, client management, and project management skills; experience working in fast-paced, consulting environments.

Position is hybrid with days in office to be confirmed. Travel is expected 5-10%. The role involves standard office activities and communication.

Visa is an equal opportunity employer. Salary range for U.S. applicants is $152,200 - $220,850 annually, with potential bonuses and benefits.