Senior Director, Release Operations & Change Management

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Paylocity is an award-winning provider of cloud-based HR and payroll software solutions, offering the most complete platform for the modern workforce. The company has become one of the fastest-growing HCM software providers worldwide by offering an intuitive, easy-to-use product suite that helps businesses automate and streamline HR and payroll processes, attract and retain talent, and build a strong workplace culture.

While traditional HR and payroll providers automate basic HR processes such as payroll and benefits administration, Paylocity goes further by developing tools that HR and businesses need to compete for talent and deliver against the expectations of the modern workforce.

We give our employees what they need to succeed, including great benefits and perks! We offer medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and a 401(k) match, as well as perks that support you, your family, and your finances. And if it’s career development you desire, we provide that, too! At Paylocity, people matter most and have always been at the heart of our business.

Help our award-winning technology company run effectively as you take on big challenges and find solutions with a position in Operations.

Use your problem-solving skills to shape the way others see Paylocity. Launch your career with us!

Remote (U.S. Only): This is a remote position, allowing you to work from home or location of record within the U.S. with no in-office requirements, however, our preference is to be based near one of our office locations in Schaumburg, IL, Meridian, ID, Rochester, NY, or Lake Mary, FL. You must be available five days per week during designated work hours. The work arrangement for this role is subject to change based on business needs and individual performance. This may include adjustments to on-site requirements or schedule expectations, as necessary.

Position Overview

This Senior Director, Release Operations & Change Management drives disciplined execution across the product lifecycle within a high-growth HCM SaaS organization. This role connects product strategy to delivery excellence, client and Service team readiness, change management, and sustained client retention.

This leader develops and implements operational strategies to ensure software innovation is delivered in scalable, client-centered way – actively managing change impact and protecting long-term retention. By aligning Product, Engineering, and Client-facing teams, the role establishes governance and operating rigor that drives predictable releases, strong adoption, and sustained revenue performance.

Responsibilities

Operational Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement operational strategies that support product growth, scalability, and retention.
• Establish governance frameworks, operating playbooks, and prioritization standards across the product portfolio to ensure high volume software changes are managed effectively.
• Translate product strategy into clear execution plans for the Service team tied to revenue, adoption, and client impact.

Delivery Excellence & Change Management

• Ensure predictable, high-quality product releases through structured release planning and readiness processes.
• Proactively manage client-impacting change, minimizing disruption and strengthening long-term retention.
• Partner to align delivery timelines with system performance and stability.
• Drive post-releases analysis and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Alignment

• Lead and develop a high-performing Product Operations team.
• Service as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on product execution health and operational risk.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships across clients, partners, and internal teams.

Process, Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Optimize product lifecycle tools, documentation standards, and operational workflows.
• Identify automation and process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce risk.
• Manage budget and resources to ensure disciplined investment and operational effectiveness.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s Degree Required

· 10+ years’ experience with a proven leadership track in Product Operations, Product Management, or Technical Operations

· 7+ years in a people leadership role with direct experience managing teams

· Experience within HCM or enterprise SaaS platforms strongly preferred

· Proven ability to scale product delivery while protecting client experience and retention

· Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and influencing executive stakeholders

· Exceptional analytical, operational, and communication skills

Leadership Profile

· Strategic thinker with operational discipline

· Decisive, data-driven, and client-focused

· Skilled at managing complexity and organizational change

· Strong executive presence and cross-functional influence

Physical requirements

· Ability to sit for extended periods: The role requires sitting at a desk or workstation for long periods, typically 7-8 hours a day.

· Use of computer and phone systems: The employee must be able to operate a computer, use phone systems, and type. This includes using multiple software programs and inquiries simultaneously.

Paylocity is an equal-opportunity employer. Paylocity is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. At Paylocity, we believe diversity makes us better.

We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, culture, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. We actively cultivate these differences through our employee resource groups (ERGs), employee experiences, perspectives, talents, and approaches to drive innovation in the software and services we provide our customers.

We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the job application or interview process, please contact LeaveBene?View email address on ziprecruiter.com. This email address is exclusively designated for such requests, aligning with federal and state disability laws. Please do not send resumes to this email address, as they will be removed.

The base pay range for this position is $175,000 - $250,000/yr; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This position is eligible for an annual bonus and restricted stock unit grant based on individual performance in addition to a full range of benefits outlined here. This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via

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