Sr. Director AI Automation Operations

Sr. Director AI Automation Operations at Paylocity

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!

This is a fully remote position, allowing you to work from home or location of record within the U.S. with no in-office requirements. 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.

Role Overview

The Sr. Director AI Automation Operations is a strategic and technically adept leader, driving the development, deployment, and governance of AI and Automation capabilities across our internal operations and customer-facing solutions, including contact center operations. This role will lead high-performing teams focused on delivering scalable, intelligent, and user-centric AI/ML solutions that enhance operational efficiency and elevate client interactions - across channels such as email, chat, and phone - within our Human Capital Management (HCM) ecosystem. The Sr. Director AI Automation Operations will collaborate closely with Product & Technology and Operations teams to ensure alignment with business goals and deliver measurable outcomes through automation and data science innovation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Define and drive the AI, Data Science, and Automation roadmap aligned with business objectives and emerging technology trends.
• Establish governance, success metrics, business analysis and prioritization frameworks for AI and automation initiatives.
• Translate strategic goals into actionable plans that deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Lead the implementation of operational AI use cases to streamline internal workflows and enhance client-facing interactions across email, chat, and phone.
• Deliver intelligent automation solutions for customer support, ticket routing, and predictive engagement.
• Partner with the Knowledge Management team to integrate curated knowledge assets (e.g., articles, FAQs, help content) into AI/ML models and automation workflows to improve accuracy, relevance, and customer experience.
• Ensure successful adoption of AI/ML capabilities across operations teams to improve service delivery and reduce manual effort.
• Oversee the development of scalable, secure, and compliant SaaS AI/ML solutions.
• Ensure quality, reliability, and timely delivery of complex software projects.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging AI/ML technologies to enhance product capabilities and development efficiency.
• Partner with Product, Technology, Data Engineering, Security, Finance, GTM, HR, and Knowledge Management teams to align initiatives with company KPIs.
• Collaborate on go-to-market strategies to support successful product launches and client adoption of AI-powered features.
• Manage, mentor, and grow high-performing teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Optimize resource planning, budgeting, and procurement to support efficient talent allocation and technology investments.
• Ensure adherence to Paylocity’s security standards, compliance frameworks, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote responsible AI practices including model governance, fairness, transparency, and ethical use.
• Champion a customer-first mindset focused on delivering AI solutions that enhance user experience and create measurable value.

Qualifications And Experience

• BS degree or higher in Data Science, Computer Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in the SaaS data science space, with expertise in cloud infrastructure and AI/ML technologies.
• 5+ years of experience leading multiple data science teams in high-growth or enterprise-scale environments.
• Proven ability to drive innovation and deliver impactful AI solutions in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with tools such as Salesforce / Agentforce, Power BI, or similar platforms.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with a focus on talent development and inclusive team culture.
• Demonstrated success in translating business strategy into technical execution and delivering profitable growth.
• Hands-on experience with cloud-based machine learning solutions, agile engineering practices, and accelerating technologies (e.g., mobile, big data, open source).
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present to executive leadership and translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.

Key skills/competency

• Artificial Intelligence
• Automation
• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Cloud Infrastructure
• SaaS
• Strategic Leadership
• Project Management
• Operational Efficiency
• Human Capital Management (HCM)