Job Description

The Vice President of Operations - Global Security & Safety (VP Ops, GSS) will lead and oversee the operational delivery of Visa’s global security and safety strategy, ensuring the protection of people, assets, and brand across all regions. This role will directly oversee the Regional Heads of Security for North America, Visa Europe, Latin America & Caribbean (LAC), Central Europe, Middle East & Africa (CEMEA), and Asia Pacific (AP). In addition, the VP Ops will oversee and manage all Visa Special Events security operations to ensure safe, compliant, and seamless execution globally.

The VP Ops will be a senior leader within the Global Security & Safety (GSS) team, responsible for operational excellence, risk mitigation, compliance, and cultivating a strong, proactive security culture worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Global Security Operations Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for all Regional Heads of Security, ensuring alignment with Visa’s global security and safety standards.
• Oversee the implementation of security programs covering Health & Safety, Electronic Security Systems, Guarding, Physical Countermeasures, Event Security, Executive Protection, Travel Safety, Kidnap Preparedness, and Workforce Protection.
• Ensure a consistent approach to site security surveys, risk assessments, compliance programs, and incident response across all regions.
• Drive operational readiness and resilience globally, ensuring all security systems and personnel meet performance requirements.
• Lead the global coordination of emergency response, crisis management, and business continuity operations.

Visa Special Events Security

• Oversee security planning, risk assessments, and operational delivery for all Visa Special Events worldwide, including executive protection, venue security, crowd management, and liaison with local law enforcement.
• Ensure event-specific safety measures, contingency planning, and compliance with all relevant regulations.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., PCI for Data Centers, NFPA70) across the global portfolio.
• Lead the development and oversight of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) , including the Building Security Operations Manual (BSOM) for all facilities.
• Manage and review metrics and KPIs on incidents, vendor performance, alarm response times, and nuisance alarm reduction.
• Coordinate with internal partners such as Information Security, Legal, Privacy, HR, Sourcing, Finance, Corporate Services, and Audit & Compliance to align security operations with business needs and policies.

Vendor & Budget Oversight

• Direct global vendor management, including contracted guard forces and third-party security providers, ensuring service quality and adherence to customer service standards.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and tracking for all operational security and safety expenditures (OpEx & CapEx).

Team Leadership & Development

• Inspire, mentor, and develop Regional Heads of Security and their teams, fostering a culture of education, certification, diversity, inclusion, and empowerment.
• Advocate for security awareness, cultural engagement, and training initiatives globally, leveraging platforms such as Visa University and industry partners.

External Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with jurisdictional law enforcement, fire, and medical agencies worldwide.
• Represent Visa in global security forums and partnerships to enhance intelligence sharing and best practice adoption.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership & influence
• Crisis decision-making under pressure
• Vendor and contract management excellence
• Cross-functional collaboration & stakeholder engagement
• Global cultural awareness and adaptability
• Strong communication and negotiation skills

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 10 years of experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters/ MBA/JD/MD) or at least 8 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications

• 15 or more years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD, PhD)

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in corporate security, law enforcement, military, or related fields, with significant multi-region/global operational oversight.

• Proven track record of managing senior security leaders and delivering complex, high-profile security programs.

• Expertise in physical security systems, health & safety compliance, event security, and crisis management.

• Strong business and financial acumen, with experience managing global vendor contracts and multi-million-dollar budgets.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-cultural teams and operate effectively in a global matrix organization.

• Certifications in relevant security and safety domains (CPP, PSP, CISSP, NFPA, PCI, First Aid/CPR/AED, etc.) preferred.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

Additional Information

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 254,500 - 397,700 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.