Your work days are brighter here.
At Workday, it all began with a conversation over breakfast. When our founders met at a sunny California diner, they came up with an idea to revolutionize the enterprise software market. And when we began to rise, one thing that really set us apart was our culture. A culture which was driven by our value of putting our people first. And ever since, the happiness, development, and contribution of every Workmate is central to who we are. Our Workmates believe a healthy employee-centric, collaborative culture is the essential mix of ingredients for success in business. That’s why we look after our people, communities and the planet while still being profitable. Feel encouraged to shine, however that manifests: you don’t need to hide who you are. You can feel the energy and the passion, it's what makes us unique. Inspired to make a brighter work day for all and transform with us to the next stage of our growth journey? Bring your brightest version of you and have a brighter work day here.
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About the Team
At Workday, our People & Purpose organization is foundational to fostering high-performing teams and exceptional experiences. We drive empowerment for employees, candidates, customers, and communities through innovative programs and services. Join our transformation as we continuously enhance support and services, solidifying Workday's reputation as a remarkable place for every employee.About the Role
The Senior Director, Global People Relations & HR Compliance, is a pivotal strategic leadership role, spearheading global support and advisory services for people leaders and employees. The Senior Director will lead the People Consultant, Employee Relations and Compliance organizations. This leader will ensure fair and respectful treatment for all employees, driving business growth by navigating complex issues with fairness, consistency, and legal compliance. The role also entails leading governance initiatives and implementing robust risk models.
About You
What You'll Bring
Reporting to the GVP, People Services & M&A, you will serve as a strategic leader, globally fostering a positive workplace culture. You will empower people leaders and employees to thrive, develop and implement comprehensive people consulting and employee relations policies and processes that align with Workday's values, and ensure proactive compliance with evolving legal requirements. You'll bring a proactive, strategic mindset, demonstrated exceptional judgment, and strong influencing and collaboration skills:
Strategic Leadership & Scalability:
Lead, scale, and develop global employee relations, people consulting, and HR compliance teams across all Workday sites and locations.
Establish consistent global structures, standards, and processes, demonstrating exceptional ability to manage at scale within a large enterprise.
Develop and execute a data-driven strategic roadmap to proactively address issues, mitigate risk, inform decision-making, and build global scale across all teams.
Lead complex organizational transformations and change initiatives, leveraging demonstrated expertise in change management methodologies.
Skillfully manage stakeholders, balancing competing priorities and strategically setting boundaries to achieve optimal outcomes.
People Consulting & Employee Relations Oversight:
Provide strategic oversight and expert guidance to global People Consultants (HR Generalists) and the Employee Relations teams.
Foster consistent application of HR best practices and champion professional development through targeted training and quality frameworks.
Design and deliver impactful training programs on best practices, policies, and procedures to enhance organizational capability.
Drive cross-functional collaboration with Legal, Finance, HR Business Partners, Talent Development, and other key stakeholders to ensure strong partnerships.
HR Compliance & Risk Management:
Design and uphold comprehensive, legally sound policies, procedures, and guidelines, integrating robust risk management models.
Proactively monitor evolving global legal and regulatory landscapes, ensuring Workday's policies and practices maintain compliance.
Build a Labor Relations and Compliance Center of Excellence to support global scale and consistency.
Basic Qualifications
12+ years of progressive experience with deep and extensive subject matter expertise and leadership in Employee Relations, Human Resources, and Compliance.
Extensive global HR/ER experience, with a significant presence outside the Americas.
Expertise in compliance, including HR legislation, employment law, principles, policies, and procedures.
In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., EEOC, FLSA, ADA, FMLA).
Excellent verbal, written communication, and presentation skills.
Consistently exercises sound judgment and demonstrates adept stakeholder management skills.
Extensive experience guiding business transformations (acquisitions, restructurings, reorganizations) with proven change leadership.
Strong leadership acumen and a proven track record building high-performing teams.
Proven ability to scale global PC/ER operations, establishing consistent structures, standards, and processes within complex organizations.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous HR Business Partner, People Consulting, ER Partner, and/or employment law experience.
Experience driving multi-region PC and ER strategy with diverse partners and stakeholders (Americas, APJ, EMEA).
Ability to develop and implement effective global PC and ER coverage models for high-volume cases, and negotiations.
Experience creating consistent PC and ER case management frameworks (quality, effectiveness, reporting).
Proven capability in strengthening team PC and ER capabilities through curriculum development for quality outcomes, objectivity and consistency.
Workday Pay Transparency Statement
The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. Workday pay ranges vary based on work location. As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus, as well as annual refresh stock grants. Recruiters can share more detail during the hiring process. Each candidate’s compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, skills, job duties, and business need, among other things. For more information regarding Workday’s comprehensive benefits, please click here.
Primary Location: USA.CA.Pleasanton
Our Approach to Flexible Work
With Flex Work, we’re combining the best of both worlds: in-person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in-office each week, we simply spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you'll have the freedom to create a flexible schedule that caters to your business, team, and personal needs, while being intentional to make the most of time spent together. Those in our remote "home office" roles also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for important moments that matter.
Pursuant to applicable Fair Chance law, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Workday is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
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