Senior Manager - People AI Product Management

Freshworks•San Mateo, CA

50d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, People AI Product Management is a strategic leader responsible for driving transformative change across our HR function through AI-powered and emerging technology solutions. This role shapes and delivers our AI & Innovation solutioning agenda, oversees Transformation & Process Excellence programs, and continuously improves HR processes and systems to enable a future-ready workforce. With a focus on experimentation, scaling, and governance, this leader ensures our people, processes, and technology deliver an exceptional employee experience. Reporting to the Director of HR Digital Transformation & AI Strategy, the Senior Manager will lead a team of Product Owners to design, pilot, and scale AI-enabled and automation solutions, optimize HR operations, and champion digital adoption and cultural change. Please note: This is a hybrid role that will be based in San Mateo, CA and requires an in-office presence three days per week (Tuesday - Thursday).

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience working with Workday, including HRIS support and optimization.
Proven success managing large-scale transformation, change, and technology implementation initiatives.
Strong knowledge of HR principles, processes, and emerging HR technologies.
Familiarity with AI/ML, automation, natural language processing (NLP), and chatbots in an HR context - including the ability to design, & configure AI agents or virtual assistants.
Skilled in design thinking, solution architecture, and agile delivery.
Exceptional communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
Exposure to AI Agent or Intelligent Automation tools that combine RPA with NLP or decision engines to enable more dynamic, conversational workflows
Workday implementation experience; modules such as Absence Management, Advanced Compensation, Benefits, Payroll, and Time Tracking preferred.
Exposure to AI ethics, responsible AI practices and data privacy frameworks.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute HR transformation strategies with a focus on AI innovation and future workforce needs.
Translate business challenges into AI and emerging technology solutions that are scalable and measurable.
Define priorities for experimental pilots, proof-of-concepts, and enterprise-scale AI solutions.
Direct the design, development, and integration of new HR technologies, including Workday enhancements, AI models, and automation tools.
Ensure smooth adoption through effective system selection, configuration, testing, and user systems training.
Identify and redesign processes to maximize efficiency, cost savings, and employee experience through AI and intelligent automation.
Establish governance, standards, and best practices for AI solutioning and deployment.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with key stakeholders across HR, IT, Legal, and the business.
Effectively communicate vision, progress, and impact of transformation efforts.
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of Product Owners.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
Provide oversight and direction for complex AI-driven and HR transformation initiatives, partnering closely with the PMO to ensure projects are effectively planned, tracked, and delivered on time and within budget.
When needed, directly manage smaller-scale or cross-functional projects where dedicated PMO resources are not available, applying sound project management practices.
Coordinate project priorities, resources, and dependencies to ensure successful execution of transformation and innovation efforts.

Benefits

Freshworks offers multiple options for dental, medical, vision, disability and life insurances.
Equity + ESPP, flexible PTO, flexible spending, commuter benefits and wellness benefits are also offered.
Freshworks also offers adoption and parental leave benefits.

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