Principal, Strategic Business Development

Workday; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Workday seeks a highly motivated programs manager to lead the operational cadence of the Global Customer Operations sales organization, aligning priorities with senior leadership and translating them into actionable workstreams. You will own executive communications, drive QBRs, planning, governance, and cross-functional alignment in a fast-paced, global environment.

Collaborate with sales leaders to produce clear narratives for internal and external audiences and build trusted relationships

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in project or program management, defining, launching, and iterating on impactful projects or programs.
• 4+ years experience driving complex cross functional programs with clear timelines and executive communication.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end Sales operational cadence, including executive leadership meetings, staff meetings, QBRs, cross-functional Interlock meetings and other executive business reviews.
• Develop and maintain standardized approaches, templates, and materials for internal business reviews, and leadership communications.
• Maintain a CAGR and GCO ecosystem of operational artifacts (e.g. templates, planning documents, historical executive decks, action tracking).
• Partner with senior Sales leadership team to define, communicate, and execute priorities.
• Support annual and quarterly planning processes, including sales goals, operating plans, investment priorities, headcount planning, territory planning, and cross-functional dependencies.
• Translate Sales priorities into actionable workstreams, milestones, ownership models, and accountability mechanisms.
• Build trusted relationships with senior leaders across the organization.
• Refine communications, presentations, updates, and narratives for Sales leadership in partnership with Exec Comms.
• Coordinate materials for leadership meetings, QBRs, executive staff meetings, board-level discussions, customer briefings, partner engagements, all-hands meetings, and organization-wide communications.
• Distill complex business topics into clear, concise, and compelling narratives for executive, field, customer, and cross‑functional audiences.

Skills

Program management

Executive communication

Sales operations

Planning

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

We are seeking a highly motivated, results-oriented individual to support the Global Customer Operations (GCO) leadership team. This role will own and drive the operational rhythm of the Sales organization, ensuring alignment, accountability, and execution across key cadences, major initiatives, performance metrics, executive communications, and external engagement materials.

About the Role

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in program management, executive communication, sales or customer operations, planning, and operational excellence within a fast-paced, global environment. This role will serve as a trusted partner to Sales leadership, helping translate priorities into operating mechanisms, measurable business outcomes, and consistent execution across the organization.

Operational Cadence and Program Management

Manage the end-to-end Sales operational cadence, including executive leadership meetings, staff meetings, QBRs, cross-functional Interlock meetings and other executive business reviews. Drive the agenda setting process, ensure clear documentation of actions and decisions and facilitate seamless follow-through to ensure accountability.

Develop and maintain standardized approaches, templates, and materials for internal business reviews, and leadership communications.

Maintain a CAGR and GCO ecosystem of operational artifacts (e.g. templates, planning documents, historical executive decks, action tracking).

Planning and Leadership Alignment

Partner with senior Sales leadership team to define, communicate, and execute priorities.

Support annual and quarterly planning processes, including sales goals, operating plans, investment priorities, headcount planning, territory planning, and cross-functional dependencies.

Translate Sales priorities into actionable workstreams, milestones, ownership models, and accountability mechanisms.

Build trusted relationships with senior leaders across the organization.

Executive Communications and Executive Engagements

Refine communications, presentations, updates, and narratives for Sales leadership in partnership with Exec Comms. Ensure consistent messaging, high-quality materials, and strong preparation for internal and external meetings.

Coordinate materials for leadership meetings, QBRs, executive staff meetings, board-level discussions, customer briefings, partner engagements, all-hands meetings, and organization-wide communications.

Distill complex business topics into clear, concise, and compelling narratives for executive, field, customer, and cross‑functional audiences.

About You

Basic Qualifications (P5)

• 8+ years experience in project or program management, defining, launching, and iterating on impactful projects or programs.
• 4+ years experience driving complex cross functional programs with clear timelines and executive communication.

Basic Qualifications (P4)

• 6+ years experience in project or program management, defining, launching, and iterating on impactful projects or programs.
• 2+ years experience driving complex cross functional programs with clear timelines and executive communication.

Other qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to drive Cross-Functional Alignment acoss multiple departments and teams
• Strong Decision Making skills in complex programs, evaluating options, assessing risks, and driving effective solutions.
• Deep understanding of Governance principles and the ability to establish and enforce structure for owned programs and projects.
• Proven Schedule Development skills creating integrated master schedules, managing critical paths, and forecasting delays for complex programs.
• Proven ability to lead Stakeholder Engagement by building strong relationships, influencing key stakeholders, and managing expectations at various levels