Senior Manager, Reference Data Management

Senior Manager, Reference Data Management

The Global Data Office
With data being the fuel that drives our future – our strategies, policies, and business successes around data will define our future growth prospects. Unlocking the value available through the innovative use of data on behalf of consumers, businesses, and communities is key to our future. With our ongoing commitment to Visa’s Data Values and the responsible use of data, we at Visa have a bold vision to continue to grow and accelerate our data-related businesses and capabilities.

Led by Visa’s first Chief Data Officer, the Global Data Office coordinates high-impact, complex, company-wide projects related to data business strategy, critical investments, policy development, and marketplace execution. Working closely with Visa’s Chief Privacy Officer, the Technology organization, the wider data community, and the full set of Visa’s global lines of business, the Global Data Office is evolving Visa’s data-related work with momentum and enthusiasm. Driven by its commitment to trusted use of data, Visa is seeking enthusiastic leaders who are change-agents and passionate about the future of data around the world.

The Master and Reference Data Management Team plays a pivotal role in Visa’s enterprise data strategy by ensuring that foundational data assets, such as merchant, product, country, currency information, etc. are accurate, consistent, and trusted across all platforms and business processes. This team defines governance frameworks, establishes standards, and drives automation to maintain high-quality master and reference data that supports global operations, regulatory compliance, and advanced analytics. By partnering with technology and business stakeholders, the team enables seamless integration of data across systems, powering innovation and delivering reliable insights that enhance Visa’s ability to serve clients and partners worldwide.

As a Sr. Manager, Reference Data Management, you will lead efforts to define, govern, and optimize reference data assets across Visa’s ecosystem.

This role requires a strategic thinker with strong data management expertise and the ability to collaborate across technology and business teams globally.

Responsibilities:

• Define and enforce standards, policies, and processes for managing reference data across Visa systems.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise data governance frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of reference data assets.
• Partner with Data Stewards and domain owners to maintain metadata, lineage, and classification structures.
• Drive synchronization and standardization of reference data across platforms to reduce duplication and improve usability.
• Implement automation and tooling for validation, deployment, and monitoring of reference data.
• Work closely with technology, product, and compliance teams to integrate reference data into enterprise solutions.
• Act as a subject matter expert for reference data in strategic initiatives and platform migrations.
• Lead and manage high-visibility, time-sensitive projects related to reference data governance.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

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

Basic Qualifications:

• 8 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor Degree or at least 5 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 2 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• 9 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor Degree or 7 or more relevant years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 3 or more years of experience with a PhD
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field, advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in product management, data management, governance, or related fields, with proven leadership in complex initiatives.
• Strong understanding of metadata management, taxonomy design, data classification, and governance frameworks.
• Proficiency in SQL for data analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge of deployment workflows, APIs, and web applications.
• Familiarity with risk management practices and regulatory compliance in data environments.
• Business acumen and understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both business and technology stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence decisions, and drive consensus across a matrixed organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex issues into actionable components.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter with a history of taking initiative and ownership.

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements: This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

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.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is 169,100.00 to 245,400.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.