Head of HR Technology & Operations Excellence

panerabread; St. Louis (MO); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Panera Bread is seeking a Director of HR Technology & Operations to lead the strategy, governance, and execution of HR tech initiatives. This role will drive a scalable HR service delivery model, optimize processes, and partner across HR and IT to empower data-driven decision-making and employee experiences.

The position requires extensive HRIS/Workday expertise, strong leadership, and a proven track record in digital transformation and process optimization. The role is hybrid, based in St.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, IS, Business Administration, Technology, or a related field.
• 10+ years in HR technology, HR operations, Shared Services, HRIS, or related functions.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience.
• Deep experience with enterprise HRIS platforms, preferably Workday.
• Demonstrated experience leading HR digital transformation and process optimization initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year HR Technology strategy and roadmap aligned with business and people priorities.
• Serve as the senior business owner for Workday and the broader HR technology ecosystem.
• Partner with HR, IT, Security, Payroll, Benefits, Compensation, Talent, and external vendors to deliver technology solutions that improve efficiency, compliance, and employee experience.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, automation tools, AI-enabled solutions, and workforce technologies to improve HR effectiveness and scalability.
• Establish governance processes for technology investments, prioritization, release management, testing, and user adoption.
• Lead vendor selection, contract management, and ongoing vendor performance reviews.
• Lead the HR Service Center organization responsible for employee, manager, and HR support.
• Design and implement a scalable operating model that delivers consistent, high-quality service while reducing complexity for employees and HR Business Partners.

Skills

10+ years in HR technology/operations

5+ years of people leadership

Workday experience

HR digital transformation

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/IS/BA/Technology or related

Job description

Panera Bread is seeking a Director of HR Technology & Operations to lead the strategy, governance, and execution of HR tech initiatives. This role will drive a scalable HR service delivery model, optimize processes, and partner across HR and IT to empower data-driven decision-making and employee experiences.

The position requires extensive HRIS/Workday expertise, strong leadership, and a proven track record in digital transformation and process optimization. The role is hybrid, based in St.