Director of Data Center Operations

Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale — tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world. Join Visa and do work that matters — to you, to your community, and to the world.

Progress starts with you.

The Director of Data Center Operations is responsible for overseeing the efficient and reliable operation of data center facilities. This role involves strategic planning with internal and external partners, optimization, and management of the physical space within the data center, team leadership, and ensuring the highest levels of uptime, performance, and security for the data center infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in data center management, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of industry best practices.  This role involves leading a team of data center technicians coordinating operational rack and stack and maintenance activities and is responsible for oversight of mainframe and Tape systems.

Accountabilities

Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a team of data center planners, managers, and technicians, providing strategic guidance and support.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement professional development programs and succession planning for the team.

Operational Management:

• Oversee and direct the day-to-day operations of the data center, ensuring high availability, performance, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Establish and manage preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
• Set and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for data center operations and implement strategic improvements.

Strategic Planning: 

• Develop and implement long-term strategies for optimizing the use of white space within the data center.
• Create and maintain comprehensive white space plans, including rack elevations, floor layouts, and cable management.
• Collaborate with facilities, network, and operations teams to ensure alignment with the organization's strategic goals.

Capacity and Resource Management: 

• Monitor, analyze, and forecast data center capacity, including space, power, and cooling.
• Develop and implement plans to accommodate future growth and evolving business needs.
• Provide strategic recommendations for capacity planning, resource allocation, and infrastructure investments.

Compliance and Security: 

• Ensure adherence to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Design and implement robust security measures to protect data center infrastructure.
• Conduct regular audits, risk assessments, and develop mitigation strategies.

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

Visa will accept applications for this role until at least March 27, 2026.

Basic Qualification
10 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 8 years of work experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters/ MBA/JD/MD) or at least 3 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualification
12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 8-10 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 6+ years of work experience with a PhD

• Proven experience in leading large-scale data center operations and strategic initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills paired with unwavering attention to detail.
• Strong customer focus with the proven ability to establish productive working relationships with staff, management at all levels, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities, manage customer expectations, and work both independently and as part of a team and long-term planning.

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% 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 this position is 160,100.00 to 256,300.00 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.