Senior Program Manager, HR Systems and Data

Sephora•San Francisco, CA

7d•$205,200 - $228,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Senior Program Manager for HR Technology & Data, you will drive the successful planning, execution, and delivery of highly visible HRIS and data initiatives. In this pivotal role, you will evaluate and manage project portfolios, translating global HR and IT stakeholder needs into actionable project plans and technical implementations. We are seeking an expert project manager with deep analytical capabilities, a foundational understanding of HR systems configuration, and a proven track record of delivering data-driven solutions. This role involves managing a team of one direct report and three indirect consultant reports, working alongside HRIS Leads, technical configurators, and data analysts to successfully execute cross-functional technology strategies on a global scale through rigorous project management standards.

Requirements

8–10+ years of progressive experience in program/project management, with a focus on HR systems and data initiatives
Proven expertise delivering complex, global HR technology implementations and data-driven solutions
Strong knowledge of HRIS platforms (e.g., SAP SuccessFactors) and system interdependencies
Deep understanding of HR data architecture, governance, data privacy (e.g., GDPR), and analytics methodologies
Advanced project management expertise across Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall frameworks
End-to-end experience leading system implementation lifecycles, including discovery, requirements gathering, build/testing, deployment, and hypercare
Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across matrixed, global teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with attention to detail and execution excellence
Experience leading cross-functional teams and working with external vendors and consultants
Demonstrated success in change management and driving large-scale system adoption
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences and executive leaders
Strategic Execution: Ability to align HR technology and data projects with the broader strategic goals of the HR function and the overall business
Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven ability to lead and influence matrixed teams—including HR, IT, Finance, and external vendors—without needing direct reporting authority
Change Management Champion: Strong capability to drive user adoption, manage resistance, and build effective communication strategies for system go-lives and data process changes
Risk & Issue Mitigation: Proactive approach to identifying project roadblocks, scope creep, and data integrity risks, with the ability to swiftly develop contingency plans
Complex Problem Solving: A highly analytical mindset capable of breaking down intricate HR workflows and data challenges into scalable technical solutions
Project Management Methodologies: Deep expertise in Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall methodologies, knowing when to apply each to different types of HR/Tech projects
HR Data Fluency: Strong grasp of data governance, data privacy (e.g., GDPR), data migration strategies, and HR metrics
System Implementation Lifecycle: End-to-end experience leading discovery, requirements gathering, building/testing, deployment, and hyper care for enterprise HR systems
PM Tools: Jira, Smartsheet, or MS Project
Data/Reporting: Power BI, Tableau, or advanced Excel
Mapping: Visio, Lucidchart, or similar for process mapping
Technical Translation: Exceptional ability to translate complex IT and data terminology into clear, accessible language for HR stakeholders and business leaders
Executive Presence & Communication: Confident in presenting project statuses, business cases, and data insights to senior leadership
High Adaptability: Ability to pivot and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment where project priorities or business needs may rapidly shift

Responsibilities

Lead the entire project lifecycle for multiple, concurrent HRIS and data projects, ensuring adherence to strategic objectives, timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
Define comprehensive project scope, goals, and deliverables in close partnership with global stakeholders, translating business needs into actionable project plans.
Develop robust project plans, resource strategies, and proactive risk mitigation approaches for complex, multi-faceted HR technology initiatives.
Continuously monitor project performance, anticipate challenges, and implement effective solutions to keep projects on track.
Facilitate high-impact project meetings, workshops, and steering committee presentations, ensuring clear communication and decision-making.
Champion the design of project solutions that ensure robust data collection, data flows, data storage, uphold data integrity, and enable sophisticated analytical capabilities.
Effectively collaborate and build consensus with diverse teams, including HRIS configurators, data analysts, technical experts, and business stakeholders across various HR systems and data platforms, to drive requirement gathering, solution design, and successful implementation.
Proactively identify and clearly communicate complex project needs, interdependencies, and potential blockers to all organizational levels, including executive level leadership in Paris, influencing decisions and aligning expectations.
Cultivate strong, productive relationships with internal teams, global partners, and external vendors.
Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and compelling project status reports and presentations tailored for executive-level consumption.
Oversee comprehensive testing strategies, including User Acceptance Testing (UAT), to validate that solutions meet defined global business needs and quality benchmarks.
Lead change management efforts, including training development and communication strategies, to ensure seamless adoption and realization of benefits or new HR systems and processes globally.
Oversee contract management for all HR Systems related vendors and services, ensuring compliance, favorable terms, and effective vendor relationships.
Collaborate with Tech and Global teams to ensure seamless support for infrastructure and integration projects, fostering cross-functional synergy and efficient problem resolution.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Disability insurance
Life insurance
401k with 4% match
FSA programs
HSA programs
Student Debt Retirement plan
PTO
Flexibility
Protected leave
Training
Development
Tuition reimbursement
30% discount on all merchandise/services
Opportunities for free product or “gratis”
Flash sale discounts on LVMH brand products
Free mental health and financial coaching resources with 24/7 access to Modern Health and Financial Finesse
Volunteer and donation matching