Senior Director, Release Operations & Change Management

Senior Director, Release Operations & Change Management

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.

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 include:

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

• 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 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 click.appcast.io. 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.