People Systems Lead

Braze•New York, NY

About The Position

At Braze, we have found our people. We’re a genuinely approachable, exceptionally kind, and intensely passionate crew. We seek to ignite that passion by setting high standards, championing teamwork, and creating work-life harmony as we collectively navigate rapid growth on a global scale while striving for greater equity and opportunity – inside and outside our organization. To flourish here, you must be prepared to set a high bar for yourself and those around you. There is always a way to contribute: Acting with autonomy, having accountability and being open to new perspectives are essential to our continued success. Our deep curiosity to learn and our eagerness to share diverse passions with others gives us balance and injects a one-of-a-kind vibrancy into our culture. If you are driven to solve exhilarating challenges and have a bias toward action in the face of change, you will be empowered to make a real impact here, with a sharp and passionate team at your back. If Braze sounds like a place where you can thrive, we can’t wait to meet you. WHAT YOU’LL DO Braze is scaling our global people technology infrastructure to meet the demands of a fast-growing, dynamic workforce. As a People Systems Lead, you’ll bring deep Workday configuration expertise, strong judgment, and a collaborative mindset to help us optimize and expand our HR systems. Reporting to the Manager, People Systems, this role is ideal for someone who is ready to lead complex, cross-functional projects, from global implementations to payroll integrations and is excited to mentor others, challenge the status quo, and shape the future of People Systems at Braze. You won’t just be given tasks, you’ll be trusted with big-picture problems and expected to bring clarity, strategy, and follow-through. You’ll act as a senior member of the team, coaching analysts, making systems decisions, and drive Braze’s People systems roadmap forward.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in HR/People Ops, with 3–4+ years of Workday configuration expertise across multiple modules (HCM, Benefits, Time off and Leaves, Advanced Compensation, Time Tracking, Performance, Payroll, Security, Advanced Reporting) and can troubleshoot integrations with confidence
You’re curious about and excited by the potential of AI in People Systems, and you look for ways to leverage new tools and technologies to drive efficiency and scale
A track record of leading end-to-end system projects, including global rollouts and cross-functional implementations
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You’re great at breaking down complex problems, identifying root causes, and building thoughtful, scalable solutions
Proficient in advanced Workday reporting, including calculated fields and dashboard creation. You’re able to build complex, scalable reports that drive clarity and action
You have a strong understanding of compliance and governance. Experience ensuring systems align to SOX controls, change management, and user access requirements is a plus
Demonstrated experience mentoring or guiding others, and a passion for knowledge-sharing and collaboration
Excellent communication skills, you explain system logic clearly, translate business needs into technical requirements, and communicate updates with clarity and confidence
Strong project management skills, you know how to lead without authority and deliver results through collaboration and influence
You seek out opportunities to support DEI, culture, and team growth through how you work and how you lead
Advanced Excel skills

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with tools like Jira, Greenhouse, Lattice, Culture Amp, and ADP Payroll is a plus

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert in Workday, leading design and configuration with hands-on configuration expertise across multiple modules including HCM, Benefits, Time Off and Leaves, Advanced Compensation, Time Tracking, Payroll, Performance, and Security
Troubleshoot and support Workday integrations, collaborating with our Integrations expert as needed to resolve issues and improve stability
Oversee SOX compliance within Workday by ensuring configurations, access, and processes align to control requirements; assist with preparation of Workday SOX audit documentation and evidence requests
Ensure the team follows internal change management and user access processes, modeling best practices and reinforcing accountability
Own and lead complex system initiatives from end to end—gathering requirements, designing solutions, managing timelines, collaborating across teams, and testing configurations
Partner with key stakeholders in People, Finance, Legal, and IT to ensure systems meet both regulatory and strategic business needs
Manage and triage system request intake using Jira; identify trends and work proactively with your manager to improve prioritization and planning processes
Lead global implementation projects, identifying risks, setting realistic timelines, and communicating progress clearly to stakeholders
Mentor junior analysts, review and provide feedback on their configurations, reporting, and documentation
Build and maintain advanced Workday reports and dashboards, including calculated fields, to provide accurate insights and support data-driven decision-making
Analyze the impact of Workday bi-annual releases and lead change management and testing efforts for new features and updates
Document SOPs, business processes, and configuration logic to build team knowledge and ensure consistency across systems work
Actively contribute to team OKRs, help drive inclusive systems design, and support team culture through collaboration, curiosity, and mentorship

Benefits

Competitive compensation that may include equity
Retirement and Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Flexible paid time off
Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental, vision, life, and disability
Family services that include fertility benefits and equal paid parental leave
Professional development supported by formal career pathing, learning platforms, and a yearly learning stipend
A curated in-office employee experience, designed to foster community, team connections, and innovation
Opportunities to give back to your community, including an annual company-wide Volunteer Week and donation matching
Employee Resource Groups that provide supportive communities within Braze
Collaborative, transparent, and fun culture recognized as a Great Place to Work®