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.

Direct Report to: Vice President, Government Relations Asia Pacific (Singapore-based)

Indirect Report to: Country Manager for Japan

The Head of Government Relations Japan is a key full-time role focused on Visa’s government, regulatory and stakeholder affairs in Japan. The role will focus on developing and driving Visa’s Japan government affairs strategy by constructively engaging with national and sub-national governments, regulatory bodies, public sector agencies and related stakeholders with a view to ensuring public and regulatory frameworks that are conducive to a fair, competitive and successful operating environment for Visa’s current and future business.

Delivering against and further development of key Government Affairs work streams will be critical. These include:

• prominently positioning Visa with political, regulatory and policy decision-makers in Japan;

• working to ensure positive impact on Visa’s business, and the expansion of the electronic payments industry in general, of any proposed new public and regulatory policies, including at the regional level;

• working to reform existing public and regulatory policies where they detract from a fair, level and successful operating environment for Visa’s business, particularly where they impose regulatory burdens unequally;

• assisting in identifying business opportunities with government and ensuring Visa is well positioned to take advantage of potential partnerships with national and sub-national government agencies in the delivery of social services, payment of taxes, expansion of travel and tourism, smart cities and other potential government programs that may benefit from the application of electronic payments; and

• driving the continuous enhancement of Visa Government Affairs function, toolkit, staff and agency competency (as relevant).

• As a member of the regional Government Relations team, the position demands the ability to work constructively in a specific market, and operate simultaneously in the regional and global corporate environment. Working as a member of cross-functional teams is essential. The ability and willingness to play an active role in developing strategic positions on country, regional and global public and regulatory policy positions for Visa will be important. Crisis management and response skills are imperative for this position.

• The ability to work independently and lead a team is expected and frequent travel in Japan and to regional meetings are also features of the position.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an overall government affairs strategy for Japan in close coordination with the VP Government Relations Asia Pacific, Country Manager for Japan and other Visa business leaders to achieve agreed objectives.

• Monitor the regulatory and political landscape in Japan for threats and opportunities to Visa’s business and communicate this intelligence to locally-based business leaders, functional colleagues and global management.

• Manage Visa’s relationships with officials at key government agencies (e.g., METI, FSA, Cabinet Secretariat, etc.) in Japan including education of these officials about the value of Visa thereby improving the company’s overall reputation.

• Regularly communicate directly with lawmakers, government officials, regulators, and policy makers that may impact Visa’s business to enhance Visa’s reputation and competitive position.

• Develop and deliver informative and engaging local communications about the value of Visa and the payments industry in general that is fully aligned with business priorities and global branding.

• Support ongoing Country Manager engagement with key lawmakers and regulators.

• Recommend appropriate contacts and communication channels between Visa country and regional executive leadership and senior government officials.

• Ensure local, group, and global business subject matter experts conduct regular face-to-face technical issue briefings with relevant regulators and government officials.

• Recommend, engage and manage Visa’s relationships with necessary third-party intermediaries including government affairs advisors, industry associations, broad-based and business trade associations, diplomatic missions and civil society organizations.

• Establish and maintain appropriate contact with counterparts at other industry participants including client banks, and where legally permissible, competitors.

• Promote Visa’s reputation and profile by speaking at public events, legislative hearings, industry conferences, association committees and roundtables, etc.

• Contribute to the development of Visa’s Corporate Responsibility program and corporate charitable activities in Japan ensuring reputable positioning of Visa.

• Be acutely aware of potential global implications of local issues and coordinate their management with global colleagues.

• Manage effectively the Government relations team in Japan

• 15+ years in relevant corporate position; regulatory or government agency; and/or consultancy serving equivalent client

• First degree minimum; advanced degree preferred

• Active network of senior government contacts in Japan.

• In-depth knowledge of the electronic payments industry and local political environments

• Management experience, including in leading teams and working in matrix organizations

• Political acumen

• Strong financial services and/or technology pedigree

• Strategic advocacy and communications planning skills

• Superior inter-personal and presentational skills

• Confident and authoritative manner in all communication channels

• Excellent written and spoken communication abilities in Japanese and English

• Ability to act independently but also within a team environment. Ability to manage and develop a team.

• Strong digital research and communications skills

• Commitment to implementation of Visa’s diversity and inclusion program

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.