Toyota Research Institute · 2 months ago
Senior Program Manager, Employee Experience
Los Altos, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$148K/yr - $222K/yr
6+ years expToyota Research Institute (TRI) is on a mission to improve the quality of human life through innovative tools and capabilities. The Senior Program Manager, Employee Experience will shape the employee experience at TRI by leading initiatives that ensure employees feel connected, supported, and engaged throughout their journey with the organization.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)AutomotiveConsumer ResearchMachine LearningProduct Research
Responsibilities
Design the TRI Employee Experience Framework: Develop a unifying strategy that defines what it means to work at TRI, shaped by our values and inclusive culture. Use this framework to align and elevate key touchpoints across the employee journey, from recruiting to onboarding to offboarding
Lead Signature Engagement Programs: Oversee initiatives such as the Food for Thought series, employee recognition, and community-building efforts. Ensure these programs reflect diverse perspectives and connect to broader cultural goals
Shape Key Lifecycle Moments: Partner with People and Internal Comms to co-create meaningful experiences throughout the employee journey, including onboarding, contractor conversions, offboarding, and alumni engagement
Develop Transformational Learning Experiences: Go beyond training to create learning and development programs rooted in organizational needs and intrinsic motivation. Support leadership growth, peer learning, and community knowledge sharing
Use Data to Drive Continuous Improvement: Leverage engagement surveys, listening sessions, and people metrics to identify experience gaps, set priorities, and measure impact over time
Influence Across the Organization: Represent employee experience in executive forums, strategy discussions, and internal communications. Present insights, progress, and impact to senior leaders with clarity and conviction
Collaborate Cross-Functionally and Globally: Build strong partnerships with People, Comms, ERGs, and leaders across TRI’s global footprint. Design programs that respect and reflect diverse workstyles, geographies, and perspectives
Manage Vendors and Tools Thoughtfully: Select and oversee external partners and platforms that support engagement, learning, and feedback, ensuring they align with TRI’s values and deliver meaningful outcomes
Own End-to-End Program Execution: Lead employee experience initiatives from discovery and design through change management, implementation, and measurement
Qualification
Required
BA/BS degree with 6–10+ years of experience in employee experience, organizational development, learning and development, or a related strategic people function
Proven ability to lead programs end-to-end, from ideation and stakeholder engagement through change management, implementation, and evaluation
A systems thinker and listener with a strategic mindset, skilled in designing people-centered programs rooted in organizational context
Strong communication and storytelling skills with the ability to synthesize insights, surface themes, and convey program impact to senior leaders
Demonstrated ability to build trust and influence across functions in matrixed or evolving organizations
Experience working in fast-paced, research-driven, or cross-cultural environments where trust, adaptability, and clarity are essential
Comfort using qualitative and quantitative data to uncover root causes, inform priorities, and advocate for people-centered solutions
Ability to travel domestically on a quarterly basis, with occasional international travel as needed
Benefits
401(k) eligibility
Various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave
Annual cash bonus structure
Company
Toyota Research Institute
Toyota Research Institute is an R&D enterprise with an initial focus on artificial intelligence and robotics.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Gill Pratt
CEO
Phillip Zackler
Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel
Recent News
2025-12-18
Company data provided by crunchbase