Director, People Operational Excellence & AI Careers at Rivian - Palo Alto, California

Role Overview

Join Rivian, the pioneering EV manufacturer redefining electric adventure vehicles, as Director, People Operational Excellence & AI in Palo Alto, California. This high-impact leadership role sits at the crossroads of HR operations, process design, digital enablement, and AI innovation. You'll lead a small, elite team to simplify, standardize, and modernize People processes, enabling Rivian's rapid scaling while maintaining clarity and quality.

As Rivian accelerates its mission to keep the world adventurous forever with emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles, this role is pivotal. You'll design the People Operating System, unlock capacity through AI and automation, and bridge People, IT, and systems like Workday, ServiceNow, and iCIMS. If you thrive in unknown territories and love driving HR transformation in dynamic, scaling organizations, this is your opportunity to shape Rivian's future.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

As Director, People Operational Excellence & AI, you'll deliver measurable impact through these core responsibilities:

• Lead team leadership & management: Build and coach a high-performing team with clear goals, diagnostics, pilots, and scaled rollouts.
• Drive People transformation: Realign work across COEs, Shared Services, and People Partners for optimal scale and experience.
• Own continuous improvement: Redesign end-to-end processes for onboarding, job changes, performance, and rewards.
• Embed AI & automation: Identify opportunities to apply AI, workflows, and knowledge management to boost capacity.
• Connect platforms: Translate needs into requirements for Workday, ServiceNow, iCIMS, and emerging AI tools.
• Lead change adoption: Execute strategies for transitions, partnering with leaders to embed new ways of working.
• Standardize processes: Create documentation, training, and handoffs to reduce variability and friction.
• Partner cross-functionally: Collaborate with IT, Data, and People teams for a unified, data-driven ecosystem.
• Measure impact: Track improvements in throughput, experience, and strategic focus.

This role demands a strategic thinker who can execute at scale, turning complex challenges into streamlined solutions.

Qualifications & Requirements

Rivian seeks proven leaders with:

• 10+ years in People Operations, HR transformation, or operational excellence in scaling organizations.
• Demonstrated success leading process redesign and high-impact teams.
• Expertise in AI for HR, automation, and platforms like Workday, ServiceNow, iCIMS.
• Strong change management and stakeholder influence skills.
• Experience evolving People operating models in global, high-growth environments.
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity, partnering across IT and People functions.

Bonus: Passion for the outdoors and Rivian's mission to protect it through sustainable EVs.

Salary & Benefits

Earn $161,900 - $231,300 USD yearly (disclosed) in this director-level role at Rivian. Total compensation includes equity, making it highly competitive for Palo Alto HR leadership jobs.

Top-tier benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage.
• 401(k) with matching.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Rivian stock options.
• EV discounts.
• Wellness programs, fitness center.
• Professional growth stipend.
• Relocation support to Palo Alto, CA.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building electric vehicles; we're pioneering adventure-ready EVs that accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility. Our diverse team shares a love for the outdoors and innovation. In this Director role, you'll:

• Work at the forefront of AI in HR during Rivian's explosive growth.
• Collaborate in our vibrant Palo Alto headquarters.
• Impact global scaling as we expand our footprint.
• Join a culture that challenges the status quo and reframes problems.

With Rivian's recent production milestones and market buzz, this is prime time for HR operations careers in EVs.

How to Apply

Ready to transform People operations at Rivian? Apply now for the Director, People Operational Excellence & AI position in Palo Alto, California. Submit your resume highlighting HR AI experience and Workday expertise. Don't miss this chance to lead at a top EV manufacturer—positions like this fill fast!

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