Principal Program Manager

UKG; United States; On-site; USD 115,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

UKG is seeking a strategic Business Applications Analyst to lead cross-functional transformation initiatives that align with our enterprise objectives. You will drive process improvements and oversee complex programs across Sales, Finance, Operations, Product, and Technology.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of program management experience, strong stakeholder influence, and a track record of delivering measurable impact.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in program management, business transformation, or strategic operations.
• Proven ability to partner with cross-functional teams and deliver business impact.
• PM certification (PMP, Agile, Lean Six Sigma) is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Thought Leadership: Recommend innovative solutions to strategic problems using data insights.
• Operational Improvements: Identify inefficiencies and lead productivity improvements.
• Strategic Initiative Execution: Plan and deliver enterprise-wide transformation aligned with goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead teams across Sales, Finance, Ops, Product, Tech.
• Program Management: Create plans, manage timelines, budgets, risks, resources.
• Change Management: Design strategies to support adoption of new processes.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate with stakeholders to ensure alignment and buy-in.
• Performance Monitoring: Track metrics and adjust strategies based on data.
• Communication & Reporting: Deliver updates and visuals on status, risks, and recommendations.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Change management

Strategic planning

Communication

Tools

Asana

MS Project

Smartsheet

ServiceNow SPM

Job description

Why UKG

At UKG, the work you do matters. The code you ship, the decisions you make, and the care you show a customer all add up to real impact. Today, tens of millions of workers start and end their days with our workforce operating platform. Helping people get paid, grow in their careers, and shape the future of their industries. That’s what we do.

Why UKG

At UKG, the work you do matters. The code you ship, the decisions you make, and the care you show a customer all add up to real impact. Today, tens of millions of workers start and end their days with our workforce operating platform. Helping people get paid, grow in their careers, and shape the future of their industries. That’s what we do.

We never stop learning. We never stop challenging the norm. We push for better, and we celebrate the wins along the way. Here, you’ll get flexibility that’s real, benefits you can count on, and a team that succeeds together. Because at UKG, your work matters—and so do you.

About The Role

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Business Applications Analyst to drive and manage cross-functional transformation initiatives that align with our company’s strategic objectives. This role requires a dynamic leader with a proven ability to transform business processes and functions through effective cross-functional teaming, rigorous program management, and exceptional communication. The ideal candidate will serve as a thought leader and change agent, driving innovation and operational excellence across the enterprise.

Responsibilities Include

• Thought Leadership: Recommend creative and innovative solutions to strategic business problems leveraging industry best practices and insights from the analysis of internal and external data.
• Operational Improvements: Identify inefficiencies and lead efforts to streamline operations and improve productivity.
• Strategic Initiative Execution: Partner with Business Leads to support the planning, execution, and delivery of enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead teams across departments (e.g., Sales, Finance, Operations, Product, Technology) to ensure seamless integration and execution of transformation efforts.
• Program Management: Create project plans, manage timelines, budgets, risks, and resources, and ensure successful delivery of transformation projects.
• Change Management: Design and implement change management strategies to support adoption and sustainability of new processes and technologies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels to ensure transparency, alignment, and buy-in.
• Performance Monitoring: Track metrics that will monitor the success of transformation initiatives; adjust strategies based on performance data.
• Communication & Reporting: Prepare and deliver clear, concise updates to stakeholders and leadership. Create visualizations and presentations to communicate project status, risks, and recommendations.

Basic Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in program management, business transformation, or strategic operations.
• Proven track record for partnering with cross-functional teams and delivering significant business impact (e.g., Finance, Sales, Operations, Product Development, Customer Experience, Customer Success or Cloud), with a strong understanding of their KPIs and operational models.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams.
• Project Management certification (e.g., PMP, Agile, Lean Six Sigma) strongly preferred.
• Experience with enterprise project management tools (e.g., Asana, MS Project, Smartsheet). Service Now SPM a plus.

Success Metrics

• Measurable improvements in operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
• Positive stakeholder feedback and high adoption rates of new processes or systems.
• Timely and on-budget delivery of transformation projects.

Company Overview

UKG is the Workforce Operating Platform that puts workforce understanding to work. With the world's largest collection of workforce insights, and people-first AI, our ability to reveal unseen ways to build trust, amplify productivity, and empower talent, is unmatched. It's this expertise that equips our customers with the intelligence to solve any challenge in any industry - because great organizations know their workforce is their competitive edge. Learn more at ukg.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UKG is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, disability, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

UKG participates in E-Verify. View the E-Verify posters here.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Disability Accommodation in the Application and Interview Process

For individuals with disabilities that need additional assistance at any point in the application and interview process, please email [e-mail].

The pay range for this position is $115,100 to $165,450. The actual base pay offered may vary depending on skills, experience, job-related knowledge and work location. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible to participate in a performance-based bonus plan and to receive restricted stock unit awards as part of total compensation. Learn more about UKG’s benefits and rewards at https://www.ukg.com/about-us/careers/benefits