Senior Manager - Global People Operations
An overview of this role
Execute daily operations of the Global People Operations function and deliver operational excellence under the strategic direction of the VP, People Operations & Technology. This role is responsible for building and scaling a world-class people operations function that supports 2,500+ employees across 64 countries through hands-on implementation of standardized processes, advanced technology enablement, and regional service delivery excellence.
As an execution-focused leader in our People Operations organization, you will be responsible for implementing and operationalizing our core operating philosophy: We are the operating backbone of the People organization – delivering consistent, scalable, and tech-enabled experiences that support every team member across the employee lifecycle. With a standardization-first, automation-first, and empathy-driven approach, we simplify complexity, reduce friction, and ensure our services are reliable, intuitive, and continuously improving. You will translate strategic vision into tactical execution, designing with the end user in mind – anticipating needs, honoring context, and making it easy to get support when and where it's needed. Working closely with leadership, you will implement intelligent, AI-powered self-service solutions, freeing our team to focus on moments that require deeper support, care, and judgment.
What You’ll Do
Operational Leadership
Execute day-to-day operations of the Global People Operations team across multiple regions, including team development, succession planning, and complex escalation resolution
Implement and maintain global HR policies and procedures with regional adaptations, coordinating between service centers for consistency and knowledge sharing
Monitor service delivery metrics, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and lead special projects related to HR operations and process improvements
Process Excellence & Automation
Execute process optimization, system efficiency initiatives, and business process analysis using structured methodologies across the global organization
Implement automation initiatives using Workday, ServiceNow, AI, and RPA technologies while building and maintaining standard operating procedures and governance frameworks
Execute routine auditing practices to monitor process and data integrity, implement corrections, and ensure enterprise-wide process standardization with regional customization
Implement change management strategies and coordinate training for HR Centers of Excellence on system and process changes
Technology & Platform Management
Execute optimization and maturation of Workday and ServiceNow platforms, including data governance, self-service enhancement, end-to-end consolidation, and system integration projects
Implement standardization and emerging technology adoption (AI, RPA) for operational efficiency
Service Delivery & Stakeholder Management
Execute seamless service integration with HR Centers of Excellence and implement process automation opportunities across all service areas
Build stakeholder relationships, prepare and present operational performance metrics to senior leadership, and execute consistent global service delivery with regional flexibility
What You’ll Bring
Core Experience
7-10 years of HR operations experience with 3+ years in senior management roles
Extensive experience building scalable people operations functions in global organizations
Proven track record managing teams and driving results in complex, multi-regional environments
Experience in global HR shared services or similar service delivery environments
Technology & Process Expertise
Workday: Extensive experience optimizing Workday as core employee process platform, including data governance, self-service optimization, consolidation, standardization, automation, and workflow optimization
ServiceNow: Deep experience implementing ServiceNow for HR service delivery, including case management, workflow automation, knowledge management, Workday integration, and service catalog management
Process Automation: Experience implementing AI and RPA technologies for HR process automation, workflow optimization, digital transformation initiatives, and measuring ROI and impact of automation investments
Education & Certifications
Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field
Professional HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) strongly preferred
Process improvement certifications (Lean, Six Sigma) highly valued
About the team
The Senior Manager will execute and operationalize our five core operating principles under strategic guidance:
Standardized Processes, Continuously Optimized. Implement global processes that are consistent, efficient, and built for scale – then execute continuous refinement based on data, feedback, and business evolution.
Consistent Service, Anywhere. Execute delivery of a unified People experience – ensuring that every team member, regardless of location or role, receives timely, accurate, and equitable support through hands-on operational management.
Technology-Enabled, Human-Backed. Build and maintain systems that resolve routine needs through intuitive, AI-enhanced self-service, spanning portals, mobile, chatbot, and voice. Execute seamless escalation processes with full context to eliminate friction and reduce effort.
Governance and Service, Clearly Defined. Implement the separation of policy ownership from execution, ensuring that decision-making, compliance, and service delivery operate in harmony without confusion or redundancy.
Scalable by Design. Build and implement processes and systems that scale with the business – executing automation, integration, and low-effort solutions that reduce manual work, increase accuracy, and enable focus on high-value work.
How GitLab will support you
Home office support
Please note that we welcome interest from candidates with varying levels of experience; many successful candidates do not meet every single requirement. Additionally, studies have shown that people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every single qualification. If you're excited about this role, please apply and allow our recruiters to assess your application.
Remote-Global
The base salary range for this role’s listed level is currently for residents of listed locations only. Grade level and salary ranges are determined through interviews and a review of education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities of the applicant, equity with other team members, and alignment with market data. See more information on our benefits and equity. Sales roles are also eligible for incentive pay targeted at up to 100% of the offered base salary.
California/Colorado/Hawaii/New Jersey/New York/Washington/DC/Illinois/Minnesota pay range
$100,800—$216,000 USD
About the job
Apply for this position
Senior Manager - Global People Operations
An overview of this role
Execute daily operations of the Global People Operations function and deliver operational excellence under the strategic direction of the VP, People Operations & Technology. This role is responsible for building and scaling a world-class people operations function that supports 2,500+ employees across 64 countries through hands-on implementation of standardized processes, advanced technology enablement, and regional service delivery excellence.
As an execution-focused leader in our People Operations organization, you will be responsible for implementing and operationalizing our core operating philosophy: We are the operating backbone of the People organization – delivering consistent, scalable, and tech-enabled experiences that support every team member across the employee lifecycle. With a standardization-first, automation-first, and empathy-driven approach, we simplify complexity, reduce friction, and ensure our services are reliable, intuitive, and continuously improving. You will translate strategic vision into tactical execution, designing with the end user in mind – anticipating needs, honoring context, and making it easy to get support when and where it's needed. Working closely with leadership, you will implement intelligent, AI-powered self-service solutions, freeing our team to focus on moments that require deeper support, care, and judgment.
What You’ll Do
Operational Leadership
Execute day-to-day operations of the Global People Operations team across multiple regions, including team development, succession planning, and complex escalation resolution
Implement and maintain global HR policies and procedures with regional adaptations, coordinating between service centers for consistency and knowledge sharing
Monitor service delivery metrics, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and lead special projects related to HR operations and process improvements
Process Excellence & Automation
Execute process optimization, system efficiency initiatives, and business process analysis using structured methodologies across the global organization
Implement automation initiatives using Workday, ServiceNow, AI, and RPA technologies while building and maintaining standard operating procedures and governance frameworks
Execute routine auditing practices to monitor process and data integrity, implement corrections, and ensure enterprise-wide process standardization with regional customization
Implement change management strategies and coordinate training for HR Centers of Excellence on system and process changes
Technology & Platform Management
Execute optimization and maturation of Workday and ServiceNow platforms, including data governance, self-service enhancement, end-to-end consolidation, and system integration projects
Implement standardization and emerging technology adoption (AI, RPA) for operational efficiency
Service Delivery & Stakeholder Management
Execute seamless service integration with HR Centers of Excellence and implement process automation opportunities across all service areas
Build stakeholder relationships, prepare and present operational performance metrics to senior leadership, and execute consistent global service delivery with regional flexibility
What You’ll Bring
Core Experience
7-10 years of HR operations experience with 3+ years in senior management roles
Extensive experience building scalable people operations functions in global organizations
Proven track record managing teams and driving results in complex, multi-regional environments
Experience in global HR shared services or similar service delivery environments
Technology & Process Expertise
Workday: Extensive experience optimizing Workday as core employee process platform, including data governance, self-service optimization, consolidation, standardization, automation, and workflow optimization
ServiceNow: Deep experience implementing ServiceNow for HR service delivery, including case management, workflow automation, knowledge management, Workday integration, and service catalog management
Process Automation: Experience implementing AI and RPA technologies for HR process automation, workflow optimization, digital transformation initiatives, and measuring ROI and impact of automation investments
Education & Certifications
Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field
Professional HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) strongly preferred
Process improvement certifications (Lean, Six Sigma) highly valued
About the team
The Senior Manager will execute and operationalize our five core operating principles under strategic guidance:
Standardized Processes, Continuously Optimized. Implement global processes that are consistent, efficient, and built for scale – then execute continuous refinement based on data, feedback, and business evolution.
Consistent Service, Anywhere. Execute delivery of a unified People experience – ensuring that every team member, regardless of location or role, receives timely, accurate, and equitable support through hands-on operational management.
Technology-Enabled, Human-Backed. Build and maintain systems that resolve routine needs through intuitive, AI-enhanced self-service, spanning portals, mobile, chatbot, and voice. Execute seamless escalation processes with full context to eliminate friction and reduce effort.
Governance and Service, Clearly Defined. Implement the separation of policy ownership from execution, ensuring that decision-making, compliance, and service delivery operate in harmony without confusion or redundancy.
Scalable by Design. Build and implement processes and systems that scale with the business – executing automation, integration, and low-effort solutions that reduce manual work, increase accuracy, and enable focus on high-value work.
How GitLab will support you
Home office support
Please note that we welcome interest from candidates with varying levels of experience; many successful candidates do not meet every single requirement. Additionally, studies have shown that people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every single qualification. If you're excited about this role, please apply and allow our recruiters to assess your application.
Remote-Global
The base salary range for this role’s listed level is currently for residents of listed locations only. Grade level and salary ranges are determined through interviews and a review of education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities of the applicant, equity with other team members, and alignment with market data. See more information on our benefits and equity. Sales roles are also eligible for incentive pay targeted at up to 100% of the offered base salary.
California/Colorado/Hawaii/New Jersey/New York/Washington/DC/Illinois/Minnesota pay range
$100,800—$216,000 USD