Braze
Senior Director, People Operations
Braze, Chicago, IL
At Braze, we have found our people. We're a genuinely approachable, exceptionally kind, and intensely passionate crew.
We seek to ignite that passion by setting high standards, championing teamwork, and creating work-life harmony as we collectively navigate rapid growth on a global scale while striving for greater equity and opportunity - inside and outside our organization.
To flourish here, you must be prepared to set a high bar for yourself and those around you. There is always a way to contribute: Acting with autonomy, having accountability and being open to new perspectives are essential to our continued success. Our deep curiosity to learn and our eagerness to share diverse passions with others gives us balance and injects a one-of-a-kind vibrancy into our culture.
If you are driven to solve exhilarating challenges and have a bias toward action in the face of change, you will be empowered to make a real impact here, with a sharp and passionate team at your back. If Braze sounds like a place where you can thrive, we can't wait to meet you.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Sr. Director of People Operations is essential in shaping the future of our workforce and driving transformation as we grow. This high-impact leadership position sets the strategic direction for People Systems, Analytics, Project Management, and Shared Services, focusing on evolving and scaling our operations to meet the demands of a dynamic organization.
In this role, you will blend creativity, technical expertise, and strong interpersonal skills with a proactive approach. You will lead a global team of over 15 individuals, including managers and analysts, and be responsible for optimizing and transforming HR systems and processes. Additionally, you will design and implement a comprehensive data analytics strategy that provides actionable insights to our leaders, empowering informed, data-driven decision-making.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in HR systems, global operations, process transformation, and continuous improvement. Your contributions will enhance efficiency and effectiveness while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
WHO YOU ARE
For candidates based in the United States, the pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between$210,740.00 - $258,300.00/year with an expected On Target Earnings (OTE) between $257,000.00 - $315,000.00/year (including bonus or commission). Your exact offer may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to cash compensation, Braze offers full- and part- time employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes equity grants of restricted stock (RSUs) so that all Braze employees own a piece of our company.
WHAT WE OFFER
Details of these benefits plan will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. Benefits may vary by location.
From offering comprehensive benefits to fostering flexible environments, we've got you covered so you can prioritize work-life harmony.
ABOUT BRAZE
Braze is a leading customer engagement platform that powers lasting connections between consumers and brands they love. Braze allows any marketer to collect and take action on any amount of data from any source, so they can creatively engage with customers in real time, across channels from one platform. From cross-channel messaging and journey orchestration to Al-powered experimentation and optimization, Braze enables companies to build and maintain absolutely engaging relationships with their customers that foster growth and loyalty.
Braze is proudly certified as a Great Place to Work® in the U.S., the UK and Singapore. We ranked #3 on Great Place to Work UK's 2024 Best Workplaces (Large), #3 on Great Place to Work UK's 2023 Best Workplaces for Wellbeing (Medium), #4 on Great Place to Work's 2023 Best Workplaces in Europe (Medium), #10 on Great Place to Work UK's 2023 Best Workplaces for Women (Large), #19 on Fortune's 2023 Best Workplaces in New York (Large). We were also featured in Built In's 2024 Best Places to Work, U.S. News Best Technology Companies to Work For, and Great Place to Work UK's 2023 Best Workplaces in Tech.
You'll find many of us at headquarters in New York City or around the world in Austin, Berlin, Chicago, Jakarta, London, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo - not to mention our employees in nearly 50 remote locations.
BRAZE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
At Braze, we strive to create equitable growth and opportunities inside and outside the organization.
Building meaningful connections is at the heart of everything we do, and that includes our recruiting practices. We're committed to offering all candidates a fair, accessible, and inclusive experience - regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, maternity, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. When applying and interviewing with Braze, we want you to feel comfortable showcasing what makes you you.
We know that sometimes different circumstances can lead talented people to hesitate to apply for a role unless they meet 100% of the criteria. If this sounds familiar, we encourage you to apply, as we'd love to meet you.
Please see our Candidate Privacy Policy for more information on how Braze processes your personal information during the recruitment process and, if applicable based on your location, how you can exercise any privacy rights.
We seek to ignite that passion by setting high standards, championing teamwork, and creating work-life harmony as we collectively navigate rapid growth on a global scale while striving for greater equity and opportunity - inside and outside our organization.
To flourish here, you must be prepared to set a high bar for yourself and those around you. There is always a way to contribute: Acting with autonomy, having accountability and being open to new perspectives are essential to our continued success. Our deep curiosity to learn and our eagerness to share diverse passions with others gives us balance and injects a one-of-a-kind vibrancy into our culture.
If you are driven to solve exhilarating challenges and have a bias toward action in the face of change, you will be empowered to make a real impact here, with a sharp and passionate team at your back. If Braze sounds like a place where you can thrive, we can't wait to meet you.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Sr. Director of People Operations is essential in shaping the future of our workforce and driving transformation as we grow. This high-impact leadership position sets the strategic direction for People Systems, Analytics, Project Management, and Shared Services, focusing on evolving and scaling our operations to meet the demands of a dynamic organization.
In this role, you will blend creativity, technical expertise, and strong interpersonal skills with a proactive approach. You will lead a global team of over 15 individuals, including managers and analysts, and be responsible for optimizing and transforming HR systems and processes. Additionally, you will design and implement a comprehensive data analytics strategy that provides actionable insights to our leaders, empowering informed, data-driven decision-making.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in HR systems, global operations, process transformation, and continuous improvement. Your contributions will enhance efficiency and effectiveness while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
- Build and manage the Shared Services operational infrastructure, focusing on scalable support models to enhance agility, efficiency, and employee experience.
- Collaborate with Business Leaders and People Leadership Teams to refine HR processes and systems, identifying opportunities for standardization and automation while accommodating local regulations.
- Develop escalation paths for HR Ops service delivery issues and utilize metrics-based tools like Jira to assess and enhance HR service performance.
- Lead HR systems and data initiatives, including projects and implementations.
- Leverage people data to solve complex business problems and uncover actionable insights for leadership.
- Manage risks and issues with executive leadership to drive resolution.
- Direct the data team to uphold data integration, reporting, security, and testability standards.
- Optimize the HR tech stack to ensure efficiency and functionality.
- Coordinate with third-party consultants and vendors to secure quality support as needed.
- Manage relationships and collaboration among internal teams, including Talent, Compensation, Finance, and Payroll.
- Represent the HR tech team in project and stakeholder meetings, securing senior management buy-in for key initiatives and changes.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of HRIS and data professionals, overseeing hiring and onboarding.
- Communicate a clear vision for the People Systems and Data team, shifting its role from transactional to strategic.
- Optimize HRIS (e.g., Workday) and other tech components like Aeqium and Greenhouse to enhance efficiency and user experience.
- Develop a comprehensive data strategy to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and security of people data.
- Provide actionable insights based on people data to support informed decision-making among leaders.
- Play a strategic leadership role in the broader systems community, representing the organization and staying updated on industry trends and best practices.
- Collaborate with business leaders to understand their needs and provide effective people systems and data solutions.
- Oversee global expansion initiatives, M&A activities, and systems consolidation efforts.
WHO YOU ARE
- 12+ years of progressive global leadership experience in HR Operations at a publicly traded company with second-line leadership responsibility
- 7+ years of experience in analytics - experience leading cross-functional teams
- Extensive experience with HRIS and Payroll systems, ideally Workday, Greenhouse, and ADP
- Must have worked in a SOX-compliant environment previously
- Excellent communication skills and high emotional intelligence, with the ability to articulate a clear vision and strategy for the team and build relationships across the business
- Must be able to stay highly organized while working in a fast-paced environment with constant change
- Extreme sense of ownership and accountability with a bias for action
- Strong data analysis skills and a passion for leveraging data to solve complex problems
- Experience with global expansion and M&A activity is a plus
- Consulting mindset and experience leading major HR technology implementations
- Strategic thinker and influencer with demonstrated leadership acumen and problem-solving skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including experience in effectively communicating with colleagues of various technical backgrounds and skill sets
For candidates based in the United States, the pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between$210,740.00 - $258,300.00/year with an expected On Target Earnings (OTE) between $257,000.00 - $315,000.00/year (including bonus or commission). Your exact offer may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to cash compensation, Braze offers full- and part- time employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes equity grants of restricted stock (RSUs) so that all Braze employees own a piece of our company.
WHAT WE OFFER
Details of these benefits plan will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. Benefits may vary by location.
From offering comprehensive benefits to fostering flexible environments, we've got you covered so you can prioritize work-life harmony.
- Competitive compensation that may include equity
- Retirement and Employee Stock Purchase Plans
- Flexible paid time off
- Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental, vision, life, and disability
- Family services that include fertility benefits and equal paid parental leave
- Professional development supported by formal career pathing, learning platforms, and tuition reimbursement
- Community engagement opportunities throughout the year, including an annual company wide Volunteer Week
- Employee Resource Groups that provide supportive communities within Braze
- Collaborative, transparent, and fun culture recognized as a Great Place to Work®
ABOUT BRAZE
Braze is a leading customer engagement platform that powers lasting connections between consumers and brands they love. Braze allows any marketer to collect and take action on any amount of data from any source, so they can creatively engage with customers in real time, across channels from one platform. From cross-channel messaging and journey orchestration to Al-powered experimentation and optimization, Braze enables companies to build and maintain absolutely engaging relationships with their customers that foster growth and loyalty.
Braze is proudly certified as a Great Place to Work® in the U.S., the UK and Singapore. We ranked #3 on Great Place to Work UK's 2024 Best Workplaces (Large), #3 on Great Place to Work UK's 2023 Best Workplaces for Wellbeing (Medium), #4 on Great Place to Work's 2023 Best Workplaces in Europe (Medium), #10 on Great Place to Work UK's 2023 Best Workplaces for Women (Large), #19 on Fortune's 2023 Best Workplaces in New York (Large). We were also featured in Built In's 2024 Best Places to Work, U.S. News Best Technology Companies to Work For, and Great Place to Work UK's 2023 Best Workplaces in Tech.
You'll find many of us at headquarters in New York City or around the world in Austin, Berlin, Chicago, Jakarta, London, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo - not to mention our employees in nearly 50 remote locations.
BRAZE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
At Braze, we strive to create equitable growth and opportunities inside and outside the organization.
Building meaningful connections is at the heart of everything we do, and that includes our recruiting practices. We're committed to offering all candidates a fair, accessible, and inclusive experience - regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, maternity, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. When applying and interviewing with Braze, we want you to feel comfortable showcasing what makes you you.
We know that sometimes different circumstances can lead talented people to hesitate to apply for a role unless they meet 100% of the criteria. If this sounds familiar, we encourage you to apply, as we'd love to meet you.
Please see our Candidate Privacy Policy for more information on how Braze processes your personal information during the recruitment process and, if applicable based on your location, how you can exercise any privacy rights.