Director, Americas Real Estate

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

We are seeking an experienced real estate leader to oversee Visa's corporate real estate strategy across the Americas, with a primary focus on the Latin America and Caribbean region.

The Director of Real Estate will play a key leadership role in the development and management of Visa's real estate strategy and operations across the Latin America and Caribbean region (LAC), while supporting select initiatives for the North America region. This role will support strategic planning, execution of real estate transactions, management of construction projects, and facilities operations. The role will collaborate closely with global and regional stakeholders to ensure alignment with Visa's business priorities. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong track record in data-driven decision-making, utilizing advanced analytics, emerging technologies including AI, and scenario modeling to inform real estate recommendations. The role requires a strategic mindset, strong market knowledge, and a proven ability to build trust, influence decisions, and lead through collaboration across a diverse stakeholder landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Portfolio Leadership

• Develop and execute a real estate strategy for the LAC region that aligns with Visa's global and regional business priorities.
• Apply strategic thinking to assess portfolio performance, identify opportunities, and recommend actions that support business growth and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with global and regional leadership to translate business needs into actionable real estate plans.
• Provide market intelligence and insights to inform decision-making and long-term planning.
• Monitor geopolitical, economic, and regulatory trends that may impact Visa's real estate footprint in the Americas.
• Explore and apply AI-driven tools and analytics to enhance portfolio planning, scenario modeling, and forecasting accuracy.

Execution & Operational Oversight

• Lead the execution of real estate transactions across LAC, including lease negotiations and site selection.
• Develop and execute leasing strategies that balance cost, flexibility, and long-term business needs
• Lead complex negotiations, renewals, and restructuring efforts across diverse markets.
• Develop and present executive-level documents that articulate strategic recommendations, financial analyses, and operational impacts, facilitating informed decision-making and organizational alignment.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of office buildouts, from initial deal structuring through design, construction, and occupancy, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business needs.
• Monitor and manage operating and capital budgets, ensuring cost efficiency and value delivery.
• Identify and mitigate risks across real estate and facilities operations, and recommend contingency plans to ensure business continuity and resilience.
• Ensure accurate reporting of relevant performance metrics to support strategic decision-making.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

• Leverage market expertise and established network of brokers, landlords and service providers in Latin America to strategically expand the real estate portfolio in Latin America.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with internal stakeholders, including regional leadership, country managers and business leaders.
• Act as a key point of contact for leadership, providing timely updates, insights, and recommendations that support decision-making.
• Lead cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and deliver strategic initiatives.

Innovation & Workplace Experience

• Support the implementation of Visa's global workplace strategy in the LAC region, adapting concepts to reflect regional business needs and cultural context.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to pilot and scale innovative workplace solutions that enhance flexibility, productivity, and employee engagement.
• Contribute to sustainability and wellness efforts through thoughtful planning, design, and operational practices.
• Leverage digital tools and platforms to enhance workplace services, data visibility, and operational efficiency.
• Support hybrid work models by ensuring physical spaces and services are optimized for collaboration, connectivity, and inclusivity.
• Remain responsive to leadership priorities, translating strategic direction into actionable workplace improvements.

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

Basic Qualifications

• 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 Qualifications

• 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
• Master's degree in Business, Real Estate, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in corporate real estate field.
• Proven success in leading real estate transactions, construction projects, and operational oversight across multiple geographies.
• Deep familiarity with the Latin America and Caribbean market, including established relationships with key stakeholders in the region.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and ability to translate business needs into actionable real estate plans.
• Strong collaboration skills with experience partnering across functions.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills (written and verbal), with a track record of building trust and driving alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to adapt and navigate ambiguity in a dynamic environment.
• Fluency in Spanish and English required, Portuguese is a plus.
• Experience working in a multinational corporate environment with a matrixed organizational structure.
• Familiarity with AI-driven tools and digital platforms used in real estate portfolio management.
• Certifications such as MCR, CFM, LEED AP, WELL AP, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting hybrid work models and implementing workplace innovation strategies.

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires approximately 10-15% international travel to visit sites and meet with regional teams.

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 145,100.00 to 210,450.00 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.