Senior Program Manager, People Operations

Role Overview

Senior Program Manager, People Operations (United States) responsible for leading large-scale People Operations transformation initiatives in a fast-growing technology environment. The role drives enterprise HCM implementation programs while building scalable systems, controls, and processes that protect sensitive employee data.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end HCM implementation programs, including payroll and compensation modules; serve as primary partner between technical teams and business stakeholders.
• Translate compliance requirements and business/control objectives into actionable system requirements and implementation plans.
• Partner with IT on system configuration, integrations, security settings, and data migration; ensure audit readiness.
• Design, implement, and maintain internal controls and ITGC frameworks for HR and payroll systems (documentation, testing, monitoring, remediation).
• Manage governance and compliance processes for People Operations workflows and sensitive employee data.
• Support audits by coordinating evidence collection, control testing, and remediation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop security and access control frameworks (permissions management, segregation of duties, and data privacy protocols).
• Oversee payroll and compensation operations during HCM transformation across multi-state and multi-entity environments.
• Drive change management for system enhancements and operational process improvements.
• Build cross-functional partnerships across People Operations, IT, Finance, Legal, Security, and Payroll teams.
• Create documentation, SOPs, and control matrices to support long-term operational excellence.

Requirements

• 7+ years experience in internal controls, ITGC, compliance, or People Operations systems environments.
• Proven experience managing enterprise HCM implementations (e.g., Workday, ADP), especially for payroll and compensation.
• Strong background designing, documenting, testing, and maintaining internal controls and compliance frameworks.
• Experience bridging technical and business teams by translating complex requirements into practical solutions.
• Demonstrated audit support experience: evidence gathering, control testing, remediation, and compliance reporting.
• Knowledge of HRIS security controls, access management, segregation of duties, and employee data privacy practices.
• Strong program management and communication skills; proactive approach to operational improvement.