Senior Director, Strategic Projects

Proofpoint • Sunnyvale, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Proofpoint is seeking a Senior Director, Strategic Programs to lead the enterprise strategic programs function for People & Culture, responsible for defining and executing the portfolio of initiatives that shape the future of how HR operates globally. This leader will establish the strategy, governance, and operating model for enterprise People initiatives, directing multiple large-scale programs spanning workforce transformation, HR technology modernization, AI enablement, organizational effectiveness, and mergers & acquisitions integration. Operating as a senior advisor to executive leadership, the Senior Director will translate business strategy into transformational programs that impact how Proofpoint attracts, develops, and supports its global workforce. The role requires the ability to navigate complex, ambiguous business challenges, influence company policy, and guide strategic decisions that have long-term impact on the organization’s effectiveness and growth. This role, based at our Sunnyvale headquarters, reports to the VP, Culture & Employee Experience and partners closely with senior leadership across the company.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience leading complex enterprise-scale programs, transformation initiatives, or strategic operations, preferably within HR, organizational transformation, or business operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-impact initiatives that span multiple functional areas and influence outcomes at the executive level.
• Expertise in strategic program leadership, including governance, risk management, stakeholder alignment, and organizational change.
• Strong understanding of HR operating models, HR systems ecosystems, and emerging technology trends impacting the workforce.
• Experience supporting M&A workforce integration initiatives within complex organizations.
• Exceptional executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and drive alignment across functions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex organizational challenges and design scalable solutions.
• BA required; advanced degree or PMP certification preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Technology industry experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• HR Service Delivery & Operational Lead enterprise initiatives that evolve HR’s service delivery model, operating mechanisms, and global service frameworks.
• Define the strategy and governance structures that guide how HR services are delivered across the organization, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and alignment with business needs.
• Oversee complex initiatives that redesign workflows, operating processes, and service delivery mechanisms across HR, IT, Finance, and business teams.
• Drive organizational alignment around process standardization, operational improvements, and service optimization that improve HR effectiveness at scale.
• Develop executive-level reporting frameworks and governance mechanisms that enable leadership visibility into strategic initiatives and operational performance.
• HR Transformation Lead large-scale HR transformation programs that modernize the People organization and align HR capabilities with evolving business strategy.
• Translate organizational priorities into structured transformation initiatives that drive improvements in HR operating models, workforce strategy, and service delivery.
• Coordinate complex cross-functional workstreams across HR COEs, HRBPs, Shared Services, and systems teams to ensure alignment and successful execution.
• Guide strategic decision-making and resolve complex issues that arise during major transformation initiatives.
• AI & Technology Enablement Provide strategic leadership for initiatives that introduce AI-enabled tools, automation, and digital capabilities within HR.
• Partner with IT, Legal, Security, and Procurement leaders to ensure the responsible, compliant, and scalable adoption of emerging technologies.
• Drive initiatives that enhance HR’s ability to leverage technology, data, and automation to improve employee experience and operational efficiency.
• Establish governance and oversight mechanisms that guide the implementation and adoption of new digital capabilities across the People organization.
• M&A Integration Program Management Serve as the strategic program lead for People & Culture during acquisitions, guiding workforce integration efforts from due diligence through integration.
• Develop integration str ategies across HR systems, processes, policies, and employee communications to ensure successful workforce transitions.
• Coordinate cross-functional partners to ensure integration initiatives align with business objectives and deliver a consistent employee experience.
• Monitor risks, dependencies, and strategic decisions that influence the success of integration efforts.
• Strategic HR Initiatives Translate enterprise business priorities into structured initiatives that strengthen HR’s ability to support organizational growth and workforce effectiveness.
• Lead cross-functional working sessions, executive steering discussions, and strategic planning forums that guide major People initiatives.
• Identify systemic process bottlenecks and organizational challenges, and design solutions that improve HR speed, clarity, and operational impact.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits
• Career success on your terms
• Flexible work environment
• Annual wellness and community outreach days
• Always on recognition for your contributions
• Global collaboration and networking opportunities
• flexible time off
• a comprehensive well-being program with two paid Wellbeing Days and two paid Volunteer Days per year, plus a three-week Work from Anywhere option.

What This Job Offers

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