HR Technology AI Architect

Freshworks Inc.; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental, medical, and vision insurance

Flexible PTO

Equity and ESPP

Commuter benefits

Adoption and parental leave benefits

Job summary

Freshworks Inc. is looking for an HR Technology AI Architect in San Mateo, CA, to lead transformative change in HR through innovative AI and technology solutions. This hybrid role requires over 10 years of experience with Workday and proven success in managing large-scale transformations. Responsibilities include shaping HR strategies, translating business challenges into AI solutions, and overseeing project execution. Freshworks offers a comprehensive benefits package including flexible PTO and wellness benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience with Workday, including HRIS support.
• Proven success in managing large-scale transformation and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of HR principles and emerging technologies.
• Ability to design and configure AI agents in HR context.

Responsibilities

• Drive HR transformation strategies focusing on AI innovation.
• Translate business challenges into scalable AI solutions.
• Establish governance and best practices for AI deployment.
• Manage cross-functional projects ensuring timely execution.

Skills

Workday expertise

Change management

AI/ML knowledge

Design thinking

Stakeholder management

Agile delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

AI Agent tools

Automation tools

Job description

Job Description

The HR Technology AI Architect is a strategic leader responsible for driving transformative change across our HR function through AI-powered and emerging technology solutions. This role shapes and delivers our AI & Innovation solutioning agenda, oversees Transformation & Process Excellence programs, and continuously improves HR processes and systems to enable a future-ready workforce. With a focus on experimentation, scaling, and governance, this leader ensures our people, processes, and technology deliver an exceptional employee experience.

Reporting to the Director of HR Digital Transformation & AI Strategy, the HR Technology AI Architect will scale AI-enabled and automation solutions, optimize HR operations, and champion digital adoption and cultural change.

Please note: This is a hybrid role that will be based in San Mateo, CA and requires an in-office presence three days per week (Tuesday - Thursday).

Develop and execute HR transformation strategies with a focus on AI innovation and future workforce needs.

Translate business challenges into AI and emerging technology solutions that are scalable and measurable.

Define priorities for experimental pilots, proof-of-concepts, and enterprise-scale AI solutions.

Direct the design, development, and integration of new HR technologies, including Workday enhancements, AI models, and automation tools.

Ensure smooth adoption through effective system selection, configuration, testing, and user systems training.

Process Optimization & Automation

Identify and redesign processes to maximize efficiency, cost savings, and employee experience through AI and intelligent automation.

Establish governance, standards, and best practices for AI solutioning and deployment.

Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain strong partnerships with key stakeholders across HR, IT, Legal, and the business.

Effectively communicate vision, progress, and impact of transformation efforts.

Provide oversight and direction for complex AI-driven and HR transformation initiatives, partnering closely with the PMO to ensure projects are effectively planned, tracked, and delivered on time and within budget.

When needed, directly manage smaller-scale or cross-functional projects where dedicated PMO resources are not available, applying sound project management practices.

Coordinate project priorities, resources, and dependencies to ensure successful execution of transformation and innovation efforts.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience working with Workday, including HRIS support and optimization.
• Proven success managing large-scale transformation, change, and technology implementation initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of HR principles, processes, and emerging HR technologies.
• Familiarity with AI/ML, automation, natural language processing (NLP), and chatbots in an HR context — including the ability to design, configure AI agents or virtual assistants.
• Skilled in design thinking, solution architecture, and agile delivery.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• Exposure to AI Agent or Intelligent Automation tools that combine RPA with NLP or decision engines to enable more dynamic, conversational workflows.
• Workday implementation experience; modules such as Absence Management, Advanced Compensation, Benefits, Payroll, and Time Tracking preferred.
• Exposure to AI ethics, responsible AI practices and data privacy frameworks.

Additional Information

Local: San Francisco Bay Area. Base salary range depends on factors such as professional background, training, work experience, business needs and market demand. Actual salary may fall outside of this range. Pay range is subject to change.

Compensation is based on a variety of factors. Bonus/equity may be available. Freshworks offers multiple options for dental, medical, vision, disability and life insurances. Equity + ESPP, flexible PTO, flexible spending, commuter benefits and wellness benefits are also offered. Freshworks also offers adoption and parental leave benefits.

At Freshworks, we have fostered an environment that enables everyone to find their true potential, purpose, and passion, welcoming colleagues of all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and ethnicities. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and believe that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer environment that boosts the goals of our employees, communities, and business.