Program Manager, HR Technology

City

Irvine

State

California

Job Location

Irvine Regional Office (Derian)

Position Type

Regular

The Program Manager, HR Technology will lead the implementation, optimization, and ongoing management of HR Technology supporting Essex’s real estate operations.
Reporting to the Director, HR Technology, this role will manage projects across corporate functions and property-level operations. Working with HR, IT, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure HR Technology supports the unique staffing, multi-entity, and geographically distributed (California & Washington) nature of the business.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Lead end-to-end Workday implementation and enhancement projects across HCM, Payroll, Learning, Talent, Recruiting, Compensation and Time & Absence modules, tailored to support corporate, and operations staff.
• Serve as primary liaison between HR, Payroll, Finance, Operations, and IT stakeholders, plus third-party implementation partners.
• Coordinate HR system support for property acquisitions, dispositions, and portfolio changes — including new entity setup, employee transfers, and org restructuring as the portfolio evolves.
• Project manage and oversee integrations between HR systems (i.e., Workday) and third-party vendors.
• Develop and maintain project plans, budgets, timelines, and status reports; facilitate steering committee updates for executive/ownership stakeholders.
• Manage bi-annual Workday releases and assess impact on operations and corporate business processes.
• Lead UAT cycles with stakeholders and end users, accounting for varying levels of system access and technical proficiency.
• Maintain vendor relationships and projects.
• Identify opportunities to streamline HR and Payroll processes across the organization through HR Technology solutions.
• Support change management for HR Technology initiatives. Partner with COEs on communication planning and adoption strategy, and coordinating training delivery with the technical team to support end users across the organization.
• Maintain the HR Technology-related communications and documentation on the HR intranet page, ensuring content stays current and easily accessible to end users.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university (B.A./B.S.) is required.
• 5+ years of project/program management experience, with 3+ years managing HRIS- specific projects.
• Experience supporting multi-entity, multi-state organizations with decentralized or field-based workforces (real estate, hospitality, retail, or similar preferred)
• Strong understanding of Workday's organizational structure, security model, business process framework, and reporting/Prism tools
• Experience with PM methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid) and tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, Jira, Asana)
• Strong business acumen with the ability to understand how HR technology supports organizational goals.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with attention to detail.
• Ability to build strong partnerships with HR, Payroll, IT, and business stakeholders.
• Drive for continuous improvement and innovation in HR systems and processes.

WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES:

• Ability to work Monday through Friday. Role may be hybrid or remote based on proximity to an Essex corporate office; candidates must reside in California or Washington. In-person work may be required at corporate offices in Woodland Hills, Irvine, Bellevue, or San Mateo, in accordance with Essex’s hybrid policy, which may change at the company’s discretion.
• Work involves extended periods at a desk using standard office equipment (e.g., computer, phone, printer), with minimal physical exertion.
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, or conferences.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Ability to manage multiple, time sensitive HR system projects throughout the year, based on current priorities.
• A strategic mindset to leverage HR Technology to meet the needs/requirements of our corporate and property management operations.
• Effective and proactive communication to drive trust and confidence within HR technology.
• Ability to identify risks and re-prioritize projects as needed to meet agreed upon timelines.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-AA1

All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our 12 paid holidays and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%.

Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose-driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career.

New hires generally start between $107,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs.

This role is also eligible to participate in Essex’s discretionary Annual Bonus program that is commensurate with the level of the position.