Common Purpose, Uncommon Opportunity. Everyone at Visa works with one goal in mind – making sure that Visa is the best way to pay and be paid, for everyone everywhere. This is our global vision and the common purpose that unites the entire Visa team. As a global payments technology company, tech is at the heart of what we do: Our VisaNet network processes over 13,000 transactions per second for people and businesses around the world, enabling them to use digital currency instead of cash and checks. We are also global advocates for financial inclusion, working with partners around the world to help those who lack access to financial services join the global economy. Visa’s sponsorships, including the Olympics and FIFA™ World Cup, celebrate teamwork, diversity, and excellence throughout the world. If you have a passion to make a difference in the lives of people around the world, Visa offers an uncommon opportunity to build a strong, thriving career. Visa is fueled by our team of talented employees who continuously raise the bar on delivering the convenience and security of digital currency to people all over the world. Join our team and find out how Visa is everywhere you want to be.

Purpose
The Analytics Lead for Japan is a key member of the Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA) team. You will be responsible for developing and delivering analytics projects to solve complex business problems for Visa and Visa clients. In addition, you will need to leverage analytics and industry knowledge to accelerate and maintain deep partnerships with Visa clients, as well as internal stakeholders.

In your new role, you should be able to both manage as well as execute analytical projects of any nature, and hence, should be an expert in advanced analytical methodologies including machine learning and deep learning. Further, you will interact with stakeholders and team members across multiple functions such as Client Relationship Management, Merchant Sales and Solutions, Products, Marketing and Strategy, thus, you should be well versed in understanding business problems, translating them into quantitative projects and delivering them on time and within scope.

The role requires working with large data sets using quantitative techniques and building complex statistical models on large data sets. Data sets will include alternate data sourced from non-traditional data vendors and data from diverse systems maintained by card issuing clients. You will build alliances and relationships with multiple teams and functions to develop cutting edge, creative and advanced analytic solutions and processes.

Since the role is focused on the Japan market, you should be fluent in speaking, reading and writing in both English and Japanese. You will have a dual reporting line to the Head of Visa Consulting & Analytics Japan and the Regional Head of Analytics in Singapore.

Visa Consulting & Analytics is a key part of the Global Solutions organization; this is a high-performing team serving major Financial Institutions and Merchants within Asia Pacific. We are looking for a hands-on, result-oriented person focused on forging lasting partnerships with the country teams and stakeholders and delivering innovative analytics work.

Key Responsibilities

• Continuously grow and maintain analytics engagement with Visa clients and internal stakeholders in Japan
• Lead the design of analytic projects / solutions for Issuer and Merchant clients
• Collaborate with other business functions in Japan to fully understand client business challenges and define approaches to answering business questions using analytics
• Direct and execute analytical projects in collaboration with VCA team members from across the region
• Develop analytical solutions, engage clients, develop strategies, testing & monitoring frameworks
• Actively seek out opportunities to innovate by using non-traditional data and new modeling techniques
• Provide thought leadership in both using data to solve business problems and in arriving at innovative statistical solutions
• Ensure all project documentation is up to date and maintain the highest levels of quality in deliverables
• Ensure project delivery within timelines and budget requirements
• Contribute to the development of the team’s analytical skills and business knowledge
• Work mostly as an independent contributor and as a team lead if needed by providing guidance to other team members where required
  
• Enhancing existing analytics techniques by promoting new methodology and best practices
• Providing subject matter expertise and quality assurance of complex data driven analytic projects
• Train and coach team members as needed
  

Technical

• The equivalent of 10 years of analytical experience in applying statistical solutions to business problems
• Post Graduate degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in Quantitative field such as Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, or equivalent experience preferred
• Experience in data analytics using machine learning and deep learning
• Deep experience with one or more data analytics/programming tools such as SAS/Salford SPM/Hadoop/R/SQL/Python/Hive
• Proficiency in some of the following statistical techniques: Neural Networks, Gradient Boosting, Linear & Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, Random Forests, Markov Chains, Support Vector Machines, Clustering, Principal Component Analysis, Factor analysis, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate solutions to solve business problems 

Business

• Native level Japanese and business level English proficiency is mandatory
• Experience in cards/payments, retail banking, or retail merchant industries will be a significant advantage
• Results oriented with strong analytical and problem solving skills, with demonstrated intellectual and analytical rigor
• Good business acumen with strong ability to solve business problems through data driven quantitative methodologies.
• Demonstrated rigor of converting data analysis into business insights and strategic recommendation
• Experience developing executive-level presentations and defining messaging for audiences of all levels
• Excellent communication skills, in both English and Japanese, with both internal and external stakeholders
• Detailed oriented as you are expected to ensure the highest level of quality/rigor in reports & data analysis
• Global mindset, desire and demonstrated ability to be a team player and collaborator in a cross-cultural and matrixed organization
• Multi-disciplinary thinking skills: creative, analytic, strategic
• Demonstrated experience in planning, organizing, and managing multiple analytic projects with diverse cross-functional stakeholders
• Must have experience in simultaneously managing multiple projects