Principal Project Manager (US Federal)

Workday; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 189,000 - 294,000; Full time

Job summary

Workday is hiring a Principal Project Manager to support federal contracts, including potential on-site work in the DMV area. The role partners with executive leadership, sponsors, and technical teams to deliver large-scale programs across the federal landscape. U.S.

citizenship and security clearances may be required. The PMO for Product and Technology drives strategic programs with impact across the organization, balancing risk, delivery, and governance while navigating complex,

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive, cross-organizational program management experience in federal/public sector initiatives.
• 5+ years crafting, deploying new technology, cloud migrations, and delivery processes for software or SaaS in Federal market.
• 10+ years of relationship-building with executive leadership across organizations.
• Previous experience in a federal government business model.

Responsibilities

• Drive large-scale, cross-functional programs for the Federal market.
• Coordinate dependencies, mitigate risks, and provide clear executive insights.
• Lead collaboration with executive leadership, sponsors, business leads, and technology teams.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Federal government experience

Program management

Risk management

Job description

Your work days are brighter here.

We're obsessed with making hard work pay off, for our people, our customers, and the world around us. As a Fortune 500 company and a leading AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, we're shaping the future of work so teams can reach their potential and focus on what matters most. The minute you join, you'll feel it. Not just in the products we build, but in how we show up for each other. Our culture is rooted in integrity, empathy, and shared enthusiasm. We're in this together, tackling big challenges with bold ideas and genuine care. We look for curious minds and courageous collaborators who bring sun-drenched optimism and drive. Whether you're building smarter solutions, supporting customers, or creating a space where everyone belongs, you'll do meaningful work with Workmates who've got your back. In return, we'll give you the trust to take risks, the tools to grow, the skills to develop, and the support of a company invested in you for the long haul. So, if you want to inspire a brighter work day for everyone, including yourself, you've found a match in Workday, and we hope to be a match for you too.

About the Team

The Product and Technology Program Management Office (PMO) at Workday spearheads strategic intracompany initiatives. Our results-oriented team of program leaders collaborate across boundary partners to deliver tangible business outcomes for the organization.

About the Role

This role will support one or more direct or indirect contracts with the U.S. Federal Government. Due to federal security requirements, all Workday personnel working on the contracts must be United States citizens (naturalized or native). Workday Inc is seeking a Principal Project Manager to join our team and support our growing Federal business. As a change agent, you will collaborate with executive leadership, program sponsors, business leads, and technology teams to drive the successful implementation of large-scale, cross-organization strategic programs aimed at enterprise growth in the Federal market.

About You

You will be a passionate and driven program manager who drives large-scale, complex, cross-functional technical initiatives for our growing Federal business. You will collaborate with executive leadership and technology teams on engineering, security, and operations for enterprise growth.

The TPM will coordinate critical initiatives, manage dependencies, mitigate risks, and combine strong program management with technical fluency to engage engineering and provide clear executive insights. You are a highly organized, technically fluent program leader who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments, managing ambiguity, aligning stakeholders, and driving execution. You balance technical understanding with program management expertise to anticipate risks and maintain momentum. You break down complex problems into actionable plans and possess a proactive, ownership-driven, and results-focused mindset.

This role may require a security clearance at the TS/SCI W/CI Poly level. Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance. An active TS/SCI w/CI Poly is preferred. May be required to be on-site at client locations in the DC, MD, and VA (DMV) area.

Basic Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive, cross-organizational technical program management experience, with a focus on highly visible, large-scale strategic federal and/or public sector initiatives.
• 5+ years experience crafting, developing, and implementing new technology, cloud environments, migrations, business, compliance, and delivery processes for software or SaaS companies entering the Federal market.
• 10+ years demonstrated ability establishing and maintaining strong relationships at all levels of the organization, with a proven track record of influencing and working with executive leadership.
• Previous experience in a federal government business model.

Other Qualifications

• Highly proficient in analytical thinking and demonstrated ability to make informed business decisions in complex scenarios.
• IL5, TS experience a plus.
• FedRAMP experience a plus.
• Experience with and knowledge of design thinking, strategy definition, and execution, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and constantly evolving environment.
• High attention to detail, process, and organization and ability to optimally convey ideas through various mediums. Experience in creating and implementing successful internal communications strategies.
• Demonstrated adaptability in ambiguous situations with flexibility to quickly adjust priorities as needed. Ability to proactively identify risks and issues and implement mitigation plans.
• Experience partnering with team members to design, develop, and implement new technical, business, compliance, and delivery processes for the Federal market. Assist in the implementation and management of executive governance and operational working practices required for the program.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that drive effective collaboration with executive leadership, cross-functional teams, and third parties.
• Ability to lead cross-functional program teams across multiple workstreams, creating integrated program plans and goals. This includes monitoring progress and reporting on program objectives and goals. Successful facilitation of cross-functional meetings, identifying inter-program dependencies and ensuring alignment of functional deliverables and plans.

Workday Pay Transparency Statement

The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. Workday pay ranges vary based on work location. As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus, as well as annual refresh stock grants. Recruiters can share more detail during the hiring process. Each candidate's compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, skills, job duties, and business need, among other things.

• Primary Location: USA.VA.Reston
• Primary Location Base Pay Range: $189,000 USD - $283,600 USD
• Additional US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $171,000 USD - $294,000 USD

Our Approach to Flexible Work

With Flex Work, we're combining the best of both worlds: in-person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in-office each week, we simply spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you'll have the freedom to create a flexible schedule that caters to your business, team, and personal needs, while being intentional to make the most of time spent together. Those in our remote "home office" roles also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for important moments that matter.

Fair Chance & Equal Opportunity Statements

Pursuant to applicable Fair Chance law, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Workday is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

At Workday, we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive hiring experience where all candidates can fully demonstrate their skills. If you require assistance or an accommodation at any point, please email [e-mail].