Strategic HR Project Lead

Workday•Pleasanton, CA

7d•$175,000 - $310,900•Hybrid

About The Position

The Strategic Planning & PMO team is the connective tissue that keeps People & Purpose (P&P) running at its best. We are responsible for full portfolio oversight—from daily operational coordination to annual strategic roadmap planning—and we serve as the go-to project managers for P&P's largest, most complex initiatives. We collaborate closely to solve complex challenges, share expertise, and support one another as a high-impact group committed to driving operational excellence and building a world-class HR PMO. We are seeking a highly versatile and experienced Senior Principal, Strategic Initiatives to play a pivotal role in driving strategic, cross-functional initiatives across the full Workday enterprise. In this role, you are more than a coordinator; you are a central leader and Executive Delegate empowered by sponsors to act as a neutral lead for high-stakes, undefined, or emergent work. You will guide diverse project teams to achieve ambitious objectives, ensure absolute alignment across global stakeholders, and break deadlocks where functional silos exist. This position demands a proactive leader who can navigate complex organizational landscapes, provide high-level strategic counsel to senior executives, and anticipate macro-level risks before they impact the business. You will be instrumental in providing flexible support across a dynamic portfolio—shifting seamlessly from upfront structuring and defining the "how" and "why" to managing complex initiatives through their full lifecycle.

Requirements

12+ years of progressive program leadership driving large-scale enterprise initiatives.
Significant expertise in HR processes and priorities.
Ability to build rapport with and challenge Executive Sponsors in ambiguous environments.
Proven ability to prioritize enterprise or P&P value over functional interests.
Mastery at identifying interconnections
Strong instinct for anticipating challenges & keeping programs on course.
Skilled at aligning departments and holding senior leaders accountable.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to distill complex information into clear, concise updates and recommendations tailored to executive audiences.

Responsibilities

Design and deliver high‑impact initiatives: Bring clarity and structure to undefined work; lead the design, planning, and end‑to‑end delivery of P&P’s most complex, business‑emergent programs.
Provide strategic, neutral leadership: Serve as a trusted partner to senior and executive leaders, acting as a neutral project lead who focuses on enterprise outcomes and can help drive critical‑path decisions when alignment is tough.
Build frameworks and governance: Establish program structures, operating rhythms, and clear escalation pathways from the ground up to ensure team clarity and accountability.
Align teams and manage risk: Coordinate across P&P and Workday to drive efficiency; proactively identify risks and execute mitigation plans.
Lead stakeholder communication: Build strong executive relationships and clearly report program health and outcomes to facilitate decision-making.