Director, Strategy and Operations - Data Cloud (Chief of Staff)

Workday • Pleasanton, CA

3d • $175,000 - $310,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Strategy and Operations will partner with the SVP & GM of Data Cloud to drive strategic initiatives in a newly forming, high-growth organization. The role acts as a trusted advisor and right-hand to the SVP & GM, extending the efficiency of the executive and broader leadership team by establishing operational rhythms, creating organizational clarity, connecting product engineering with go-to-market teams, and supporting the strategic pivot toward an Agentic Data Platform.

The position owns the operational rhythm of the Data Cloud business unit and enables executive decision-making through synthesis, prioritization, and business insight. It translates strategy into measurable execution, coordinates cross-functional planning and alignment, and leads strategic projects and communications. Workday’s flexible-work approach requires at least half of each quarter spent in the office or in the field with customers, prospects, or partners, depending on the role.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience in business operations, strategy, consulting, or equivalent.
• Experience as a Chief of Staff or senior operator leading executive operations and strategy.
• BA, BS, or equivalent degree in Business, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Deep experience in an enterprise SaaS environment.
• Cybersecurity-focused experience or experience working closely with functional and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications strategies for internal and external partners.
• Ability to collaborate across teams to develop strategic storyboards and quarterly board materials.
• Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced team, including highly technical topics.
• Ability to manage interpersonal relationships with a high degree of emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Nice To Haves

• Prior management or strategy consulting experience, such as McKinsey, Bain, or BCG.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the SVP & GM to drive strategic priorities, tracking, and execution across a global product and technology organization.
• Establish and optimize operating cadence, planning cycles, and alignment frameworks across teams and cross-functional organizations.
• Translate high-level vision and business strategy into operational execution, organizational clarity, focus, and measurable outcomes.
• Synthesize complex data, competitive intelligence, and product and engineering updates into recommendations for executive decision-making.
• Own the Data Cloud business unit’s day-to-day operating cadence, including leadership staff meetings, quarterly execution reviews, operational dashboards, and town halls.
• Drive and track adoption and execution of OKRs across Data Cloud, ensuring alignment with broader corporate goals.
• Identify and implement improvements to systems, resource allocation, and processes to increase agility and delivery speed.
• Coordinate the definition, refinement, and execution of Data Cloud product and business strategy with the SVP and product leadership.
• Connect Data Cloud with partner functions and ensure execution across Sales, Marketing, and Partnerships.
• Collaborate with Product Marketing and Analyst Relations to shape a clear and consistent strategic narrative for analysts and the market.
• Liaise with Corporate Strategy, Corporate Development, Finance, and People & Purpose (HR).
• Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives, including evaluations of market opportunities, partnership frameworks, and business model innovations.
• Develop strategic presentations, business reviews, and board-level materials that communicate technical and business metrics as compelling narratives.
• Advise the SVP, support leadership alignment, provide objective feedback, and manage sensitive or confidential organizational matters with discretion.

Benefits

• May be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.
• May be eligible for annual refresh stock grants.
• Workday comprehensive benefits are referenced, but specific benefits are not listed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director