Senior Director, Data Science People Analytics

Workday • Pleasanton, CA

289d • $255,800 - $383,900

About The Position

At Workday, we believe that data-driven insights empower our people and business to thrive. We are looking for a Senior Director in People Analytics to lead our Data Science team reporting to the VP of People Analytics, HR Strategic Consulting, & Employee Experience. This leader will shape and execute the people analytics strategy, applying advanced data science techniques to workforce challenges and enabling our leaders to make informed, strategic talent decisions.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in People Analytics, Data Science, and/or HR Technology leadership roles.
• Strong expertise in data science methodologies, modeling, machine learning, and AI applications in HR analytics.
• Deep understanding of HR metrics, workforce planning, talent analytics, employee listening, and talent strategies.
• Experience with HR technology platforms (Workday, ATS, LMS), cloud-based analytics tools (AWS, Snowflake, Databricks), and visualization platforms.
• Proven ability to partner with senior leaders, influence strategic decisions, and align analytics with business priorities.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and storytelling skills, translating data insights into business impact.
• Experience leading, coaching, and scaling high-performing analytics teams in a fast-paced, enterprise technology environment.
• Strong data governance, compliance, and responsible AI awareness in HR analytics.

Responsibilities

• Co-design and execute a multi-year people analytics strategy, aligning data science initiatives with Workday's business goals and talent priorities.
• Act as a strategic advisor to HR executives and senior business leaders, driving evidence-based decision-making.
• Scale a best-in-class data science function, delivering insights that shape workforce strategy, talent retention, performance, and engagement.
• Partner with key stakeholders across Finance, HR, and Business Strategy to integrate people data into company-wide decision-making.
• Lead the development of advanced analytics, AI-driven workforce insights, and machine learning applications to improve talent outcomes.
• Champion the productization of analytics by partnering with our people analytics technology function.
• Ensure data governance, privacy, and responsible AI practices are embedded in all people analytics initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of data scientists, engineers, and analysts.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and innovation in analytics, AI, and data science.
• Translate complex data insights into clear, compelling storytelling, influencing stakeholders across HR, Finance, and the Executive team.
• Drive a data-driven culture by improving HR data literacy, coaching leaders on analytics adoption.

Benefits

• Workday Bonus Plan or role-specific commission/bonus.
• Annual refresh stock grants.
• Flexible work schedule with a combination of in-person and remote work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Publishing Industries