Sr. Manager - People Enterprise Applications

About Us

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.

The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.

Role Summary

Our Enterprise IT team operates as the internal technology backbone — keeping the engineering org running so they can focus on building great vehicles.

RV Tech Enterprise IT is building the internal technology foundation for a fast-moving Rivian-Volkswagen joint venture. The Senior Manager, People Systems and Technology will own the strategy, architecture, delivery, and operations of our People technology ecosystem. One of your first priorities will be helping define and execute our future-state HR technology architecture and operating model, including how we leverage shared enterprise platforms while maintaining the autonomy, integrations, data access, and service levels RV Tech needs to operate at speed.

You will partner directly with HR and Enterprise IT leadership to translate our People strategy into scalable technology solutions and then own bringing that strategy to life. This includes HRIS, recruiting technology, integrations, employee services, automation, and the broader ecosystem connecting People systems with Finance, Identity, IT, and other enterprise platforms.

You will help define what the next generation of People technology looks like at RV Tech — and then own making it real.

Success means creating a technology architecture and operating model that gives employees and managers a simple, modern experience while giving RV Tech the speed, autonomy, data, integrations, and operational reliability it needs to scale.

You won't inherit a finished blueprint. You'll help create it.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone equally comfortable shaping strategy, challenging established approaches, and driving detailed execution. This role is located in our Palo Alto, CA or Irvine, CA office, flex 3 days a week in office.

Responsibilities

• Own the strategy, architecture, roadmap, and lifecycle of RV Tech's People technology ecosystem

• Help define and execute our future-state HRIS architecture and operating model, including the appropriate use of shared and RV Tech-owned capabilities

• Lead major People technology implementations and transformations from architecture and design through deployment and operations

• Partner closely with HR leadership to translate workforce strategy and business processes into scalable technology solutions

• Own the integration architecture between People systems and Finance, Identity, IT provisioning, recruiting, and other enterprise platforms

• Establish effective governance, data ownership, SLAs, and operating boundaries across internal teams, shared-service partners, and vendors

• Build a modern employee technology experience that uses automation and AI to simplify how employees and managers interact with People services

• Partner with HR to build a strong HR Service Desk experience integrated into our broader enterprise support model

• Own vendor and implementation-partner relationships, including SOWs, delivery quality, roadmap alignment, and service levels

• Ensure the integrity, privacy, security, and compliance of People data and platforms

• Own operational excellence and L2/L3 support for the People Systems and Technology portfolio

• Continuously challenge legacy processes and technology patterns, identifying opportunities to simplify, automate, and improve the employee experience

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in enterprise HR technology, People Systems, HRIS architecture, or technology transformation

• Deep hands-on experience with a major enterprise HRIS platform; Workday experience is strongly preferred

• Demonstrated experience owning complex HR technology transformations from strategy and architecture through implementation and operations

• Strong understanding of HR technology architecture, integrations, APIs, identity lifecycle, and enterprise data flows

• Ability to evaluate technology and operating-model tradeoffs rather than simply implement predetermined requirements

• Experience working across shared technology environments or complex organizational boundaries is strongly preferred

• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders, establish effective governance, and hold partners accountable while maintaining productive relationships

• Experience managing implementation partners, technology vendors, SOWs, SLAs, and complex cross-functional programs

• Working knowledge of HR data privacy, security, and regulatory requirements

• Experience with integration platforms such as MuleSoft, Boomi, Workato, or comparable technologies is a plus

• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building capabilities where the playbook has not yet been written

Total Rewards

We build the exceptional — and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program.

Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements.

In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees — including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country. Learn more about our global benefit programs .

External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site ( https://rivianvw.tech/#careers ). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board .

Equal Opportunity