Senior Manager, People Programs- PMO

About Tekion:

Positively disrupting an industry that has not seen any innovation in over 50 years, Tekion has challenged the paradigm with the first and fastest cloud-native automotive platform that includes the revolutionary Automotive Retail Cloud (ARC) for retailers, Automotive Enterprise Cloud (AEC) for manufacturers and other large automotive enterprises and Automotive Partner Cloud (APC) for technology and industry partners. Tekion connects the entire spectrum of the automotive retail ecosystem through one seamless platform. The transformative platform uses cutting-edge technology, big data, machine learning, and AI to seamlessly bring together OEMs, retailers/dealers and consumers. With its highly configurable integration and greater customer engagement capabilities, Tekion is enabling the best automotive retail experiences ever. Tekion employs close to 3,000 people across North America, Asia and Europe.

Job Description

This role will be based in office in Pleasanton, California

Tekion is seeking a Sr. Manager, People Team – Program Management Office (PMO) to be a strategic execution partner for our Chief People Officer (CPO) and global People Leadership Team (PLT). In this role, you will help architect and operationalize high-impact people programs, establishing an operating rhythm that allows Tekion’s People to function effectively as we continue growing in a fast-paced, pre-IPO environment. 

This is a critical, execution-heavy role. You will drive the planning, implementation, tracking, and reporting of strategic HR programs; act as a force multiplier for People leadership; and ensure flawless cross-functional execution across global teams. You'll need a combination of program management acumen, analytical strength, and the ability to communicate and drive alignment at all levels. 

Key Responsibilities

People Program Management Office (PMO)

• Establish and lead a Program Management Office (PMO) to track and drive accountability for key people programs and initiatives. 
• Lead end-to-end project management for cyclical people programs (performance, talent reviews, compensation, onboarding, engagement surveys, and more).  
• Develop and maintain PMO tools, templates, milestone tracking, and standard reporting cadences. 
• Serve as the operational hub and facilitator for cross-functional People projects, ensuring momentum and measurable progress—sometimes serving as the program’s lead—and infusing innovating ideas to engage employees and drive program adoption. 
• Lead and mentor a small team; build strong relationships across the People Team as well as business stakeholders. 
• Facilitate and/or serve on key project committees, including the company’s cross-functional AI Committee. 

 Planning, Budget, & Operations 

• Partner with People leadership and Finance to manage People team budgets and headcount forecasts. 
• Translate business and HR strategy into detailed operating plans aligned to team goals. 
• Monitor and report on key people operating metrics to inform strategy and leadership decisions. 

Strategic Initiatives & Operating Rhythm 

• Drive the execution of strategic People programs from concept to implementation, managing timelines and stakeholder engagement. 
• Coordinate the People team’s annual and quarterly planning, operating, and goal-setting processes. 
• Prepare executive-ready artifacts (dashboards, presentations, progress reports) on People operations. 

Internal Communication & Change Management 

• Build and run a comms engine for the People org—ensuring clarity, consistency, and engagement across distributed teams. 
• Enable successful rollout and sustained adoption of new programs and technology, partnering across regions. 
• Facilitate alignment between US and India teams on priorities and project updates. 
• Spearhead planning and execution of PLT and team offsites to foster alignment, collaboration and bonding.  

Executive Support & Strategic Enablement 

• Provide strategic thought partnership to the CPO and PLT, ensuring alignment on the most critical people and business priorities. 
• Prepare internal communications, briefing materials, and project updates for People leadership and company-wide programs. 
• Bring structure to complex cross-functional initiatives, supporting seamless execution across time zones. 
• Maintain a pulse on organizational feedback, surfacing risks or blockers to leadership with proactive recommendations. 
• Leverage data and analytics to measure progress, drive accountability, and suppor