Senior Program Manager, Employee Experience

Toyota Research Institute • Los Altos, CA

148d • $133,200 - $203,500

About The Position

At Toyota Research Institute (TRI), we’re on a mission to improve the quality of human life. We’re developing new tools and capabilities to amplify the human experience. To lead this transformative shift in mobility, we’ve built a world-class team in Automated Driving, Energy & Materials, Human-Centered AI, Human Interactive Driving, Large Behavioral Models, and Robotics. We believe breakthrough research demands more than technical excellence; it requires an environment where people can think freely, learn continuously, and feel connected through shared purpose. Recognizing this, we’re launching a new function within the Office of the Chief of Staff focused on cultivating a human-centered employee experience, one that invites learning, belonging, and meaningful engagement at every stage of the TRI journey. As Senior Program Manager, Employee Experience, you will shape the culture and systems that make TRI not only a place to do great work, but a place where people feel connected to purpose, growth, and belonging. This role partners deeply with People, Internal Communications, Operations, employee resource groups, and TRI leadership to co-create experiences that reflect our values and amplify the human experience. From onboarding through offboarding and alumni engagement, you will lead initiatives that ensure employees feel seen, supported, and connected throughout their TRI journey. This is not a role focused on deploying off-the-shelf programming—it’s a strategic, inquiry-driven role for someone who leads with empathy, uses data to uncover root causes, and designs with intention and impact.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree with 6–10+ years of experience in employee experience, organizational development, learning and development, or a related strategic people function.
• Proven ability to lead programs end-to-end, from ideation and stakeholder engagement through change management, implementation, and evaluation.
• A systems thinker and listener with a strategic mindset, skilled in designing people-centered programs rooted in organizational context.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills with the ability to synthesize insights, surface themes, and convey program impact to senior leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and influence across functions in matrixed or evolving organizations.
• Experience working in fast-paced, research-driven, or cross-cultural environments where trust, adaptability, and clarity are essential.
• Comfort using qualitative and quantitative data to uncover root causes, inform priorities, and advocate for people-centered solutions.
• Ability to travel domestically on a quarterly basis, with occasional international travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Design the TRI Employee Experience Framework: Develop a unifying strategy that defines what it means to work at TRI, shaped by our values and inclusive culture.
• Lead Signature Engagement Programs: Oversee initiatives such as the Food for Thought series, employee recognition, and community-building efforts.
• Shape Key Lifecycle Moments: Partner with People and Internal Comms to co-create meaningful experiences throughout the employee journey.
• Develop Transformational Learning Experiences: Create learning and development programs rooted in organizational needs and intrinsic motivation.
• Use Data to Drive Continuous Improvement: Leverage engagement surveys, listening sessions, and people metrics to identify experience gaps.
• Influence Across the Organization: Represent employee experience in executive forums, strategy discussions, and internal communications.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally and Globally: Build strong partnerships with People, Comms, ERGs, and leaders across TRI’s global footprint.
• Manage Vendors and Tools Thoughtfully: Select and oversee external partners and platforms that support engagement, learning, and feedback.
• Own End-to-End Program Execution: Lead employee experience initiatives from discovery and design through change management, implementation, and measurement.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package including 401(k) eligibility.
• Various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave.
• Annual cash bonus structure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees