Senior Manager, People Programs & Experience

Overview

Senior Manager, People Programs & Experience Jobs in Greater Seattle Area at Seattle Sounders FC

Title: Senior Manager, People Programs & Experience

Company: Seattle Sounders FC

Location: Greater Seattle Area

TITLE: Senior Manager, People Programs & Experience

CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC & Seattle Reign FC

DEPARTMENT: People & Culture

REPORTS TO: VP, Employee Experience

FLSA: Exempt

ROLE: Individual Contributor

OUR CLUBS

Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC are entering an exciting new era as one soccer family with a shared commitment of excellence and growth on and off the pitch. Each club has independently forged a rich history of performance while connecting deeply with the community. Our clubs are continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible while fostering an inclusive culture- championing causes and building community connections to expand our reach and impact. Each match is an opportunity to bring together our community, celebrating our resilience, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence. United in professional dedication- we are two clubs with one shared vision of progress and greatness.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Manager, People Programs & Experience owns enterprise people programs across Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC and is accountable for their quality, effectiveness, and how employees experience them. This role shapes the strategy and owns delivery of critical people programs, drives strong execution, and continuously improves how those programs support employee experience and organizational performance. The right candidate brings judgment, ownership, and follow-through, and translates priorities into high-quality work. This role is best suited for a strong individual contributor who operates with context, thoughtfulness, and high standards, and who proactively leverages AI, automation, and emerging technologies to improve how people programs are designed, delivered, and scaled.

This role is ideal for someone energized by the opportunity to help build within a growing sports and entertainment enterprise and who is genuinely excited about working in professional soccer. It offers the chance to shape critical people programs in a fast-moving, high-visibility environment where culture, performance, and employee experience directly support the success of two ambitious clubs.

We care deeply about our clubs and the work we do, and that shows up in the energy and pride we bring every day. Whether at the stadium or in the office, we strive to create an environment that’s positive, supportive, and enjoyable to be part of. We bring enthusiasm to our work, celebrate wins, and continuously improve. We are also committed to building a workplace where people can grow, take on new challenges, and advance their careers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Lifecycle Programs

• Own and improve onboarding, offboarding, and role transition programs across the enterprise to deliver a consistent, high-quality employee experience.
• Build and maintain the tools, templates, and workflows needed to run these programs effectively at scale.
• Use feedback, data and operational insights to identify gaps, solve problems, and improve program effectiveness.
• Own and maintain employee policies and related guidance, ensuring they are clear, current, and aligned with internal standards and applicable MLS and NWSL requirements.

Employee Experience & Workplace Programs

• Lead enterprise employee experience programs, culture moments, and key events that strengthen pride, connection, engagement, and organizational performance.
• Manage recognition programs, including milestone and tenure recognition, ensuring they are meaningful and well executed, and aligned with organizational values.
• Manage ad hoc employee events and cultural initiatives that reinforce shared purpose, connection, and a strong employee experience.
• Ensure employee programs and experiences are inclusive, accessible, and designed to strengthen belonging, trust, and connection across the workplace.
• Identify, pilot, and implement opportunities to apply AI and emerging technologies to people programs, improving efficiency, insight generation, and employee experience.
• Partner with the Office Assistant to deliver employee experience initiatives and to create a high-functioning workplace.
• Support administration of MLS and NWSL programs and compliance requirements.

Performance, Development and Internal Mobility

• Manage performance and development programs that strengthen leadership capability, manager effectiveness, employee growth, internal mobility, advancement and overall organizational performance.
• Partner with leaders to identify development needs and build programs, tools, and resources that address business priorities and support growth across the organization.
• Help elevate team performance by coaching and mentoring others, sharing expertise, and reinforcing high standards for execution, thought partnership, and continuous improvement.
• Reinforce a culture of continuous learning and professional growth across teams.

Employee Listening, Insights and Improvement

• Lead employee listening efforts, including surveys, feedback channels, and other methods used to understand employee experience, manager effectiveness, and program impact.
• Build regular feedback and data review into how people programs are managed, using employee input, participation trends, operational metrics, and business results to assess what is working and where change is needed.
• Leverage data to understand trends, uncover insights, and translate them into concrete program improvements, owning execution through to completion. Use technology and automation to improve workflows, reporting, communication, and program results.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven and progressive experience leading and improving people programs with accountability for quality, adoption, and impact.
• Experience operating in a high-growth, evolving environment where strong judgment, adaptability, and follow-through are essential.
• Strong program and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive execution across teams.
• Experience using technology (including AI) and automation to improve workflows, reduce manual work, and strengthen program delivery.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using data and feedback to improve programs and support decisions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and move work forward thoughtfully.
• Demonstrated ability to elevate the work of others through coaching, mentoring, thought partnership, and setting a high bar for execution.
• Eagerness to continue growing as a leader and professional, with the capacity to take on increased scope and impact over time.
• Strong judgment and discretion in handling sensitive employee matters.
• Experience working across departments to drive alignment and consistent execution.
• Working knowledge of employment laws and compliance-related processes.
• Experience in sports and entertainment is preferred.
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living organizational values and the organizational mission: Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify & Uplift Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, partners, vendors, and fans.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This is a hybrid position working from home and from our Headquarters & Training Facility in Renton WA, with the expectation of 4 days a week in the office most weeks.
• This role requires flexibility to support occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays tied to matchdays, events, or business needs.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel. Some out-of-state travel may be required for team-related experiences or conferences.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Responsibilities may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting of up to 20 pounds.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The salary range for this position is $120,000 – $145,000. Positioning within the range at time of offer is based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, internal equity, and current market conditions.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and professional growth, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums, with annual HSA contributions of $1,000 for employee-only coverage and $2,000 for spouse or family coverage. Our leave program includes unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance, paid bereavement leave, paid jury duty leave, and 12–16 weeks of paid parental leave inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML). Additional benefits include 401(k) retirement plan matching, employer-paid long-term disability, life, and AD&D insurance, complimentary match tickets, an employer-funded ORCA transit card, professional development opportunities, and community volunteer programs.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you’d like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing the People & Culture Team.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.