Overview

Job Location:
United States – California – Foster City

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.
 

Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.
 

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

Job Description
 

Sr. Director People Technology

About the Company  

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company founded in 1987. Together we deliver life-saving therapies to patients in need. With the commitment and drive you bring to the workplace every day, you will be part of a team that is changing the world and helping millions of people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Our worldwide staff is a close community where you can see the tangible results of your contributions, where every individual matters, and everyone has a chance to enhance their skills through ongoing development. Our scientific focus has resulted in marketed products that are benefiting hundreds of thousands of people, a pipeline of late-stage drug candidates, and unmatched patient access programs to ensure medications are available to those who could otherwise not afford them. By joining Gilead, you will further our mission to address unmet medical needs and improve life by advancing the care of patients with life-threatening diseases. For more information, please visit www.gilead.com 

About the Role

As the Senior Director, People Technology, you will lead the strategy, development, and evolution of Gilead’s global HR technology ecosystem. Sitting within the HR Shared Services organization, you’ll be responsible for delivering scalable, secure, and user-centered solutions that support our employee experience, enable strategic initiatives, and advance how we operate as a HR function. 
 
You will lead a high-performing team responsible for core HR platforms including Workday HCM and Payroll and partner closely with IT, People Analytics, HRSS and COE teams to drive innovation, automation, and value creation. This role will also play a key part in shaping how AI, data, and modern platforms enable Gilead’s next-generation HR service delivery model. 
 
With a mindset grounded in operational excellence, product thinking, and a deep care for employee experience, you’ll ensure the delivery of technology that truly works for the people who use it our employees, managers, and HR alike.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Lead the development of a long-term, strategic roadmap for HR technology platforms aligned to Gilead’s global HR strategy and enterprise architecture. 

  • Translate complex business needs into intuitive and scalable experiences across core platforms (e.g., Core HRIS, Recruiting, Payroll, Learning). 

  • Partner with IT and People Analytics on the identification and implementation of AI-enabled capabilities that support automation, personalization, and insights in HR processes. 

  • Embed product management practices into the People tech team to drive user adoption, measurable impact, and continuous delivery. 

  • Partner with HR Shared Services and COEs to improve service delivery, balancing both end-user experience and the operation’s needs. 

  • Strengthen platform governance and portfolio management to ensure transparency, prioritization, and value realization. 

  • Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and platform health to ensure reliability, innovation, and alignment with Gilead’s strategic goals. 

  • Serve as the functional owner of Workday HCM and Payroll; stay current with vendor roadmaps and drive value from ongoing platform investments. 

  • Safeguard the integrity, security, and privacy of employee data through robust governance, controls, and compliance practices. 

  • Build and lead a high-performing team with a focus on growth, collaboration, and delivering with excellence. 

Knowledge, Skills & Behaviors

Basic Requirements

  • 14+ Years with BS/BA​ or 12+ Years with MS/MA or MBA

  • Deep expertise in HR platforms including Workday HCM (Core, Payroll) and associated systems. 

  • Demonstrated experience in HR digital transformation, service delivery enablement, and employee experience. 

  • Strong understanding of emerging HR technologies, including AI, automation, and analytics. 

  • Proven track record in managing vendor relationships, contracts, and budgets. 

  • Experience working across IT, People Analytics, and COE teams to shape and execute technology strategies. 

  • Skilled in communicating technical concepts to HR and business stakeholders; able to build trust and influence at all levels and work with confidential and sensitive information  

  • Experience leading in agile, matrixed, and hybrid teams, including offshore delivery models. 

  • Passion for building scalable, inclusive, and intuitive employee-facing solutions. 

 

Preferred: 

  • 7+ years of leadership in a global, complex environment ​

  • Workday HCM and Payroll certifications 

  • Experience with EX platforms (e.g., ServiceNow HRSD, LXP) 

  • Agile, Lean, or Six Sigma certification 

  • Background in consulting or fast-paced innovation environments 

 

The salary range for this position is: $243,100.00 – $314,600.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

For additional benefits information, visit:

https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

For jobs in the United States:

Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.

NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION

Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.

Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.

For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.