Principal Business Process Analyst

This position is designated as a hybrid role based out of our headquarters near Portland, Oregon. The current expectation is for employees to work onsite four days per week, subject to change based on business needs. This in-office requirement may be adjusted at the discretion of the company.

Principal Business Process Analyst

ABOUT THE POSITION

The HR Shared Services organization is focused on transforming the employee experience through operational excellence, process optimization, automation, and innovative technology solutions. As we continue investing in enterprise-wide HR transformation, we are seeking a Principal Business Process Analyst to lead strategic initiatives that improve scalability, efficiency, and service delivery across our global HR operations.

In this highly visible role, you will partner with Shared Services Leadership, HR Centers of Excellence, HR Technology teams, and stakeholders across the business to identify opportunities for improvement and drive meaningful change. You will help shape the future of HR operations through continuous improvement methodologies, automation strategies, and AI-enabled solutions that deliver measurable business impact.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Lead strategic HR business process transformation initiatives across global operations.
• Identify, prioritize, and execute high-impact process optimization opportunities.
• Drive automation, workflow enhancement, and AI-enabled operational improvements.
• Partner with HR leaders, technology teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to align priorities and implementation plans.
• Facilitate process design workshops, requirements gathering sessions, and agile ceremonies.
• Develop and maintain roadmaps supporting continuous improvement and transformation objectives.
• Establish standards for process governance, operational effectiveness, and scalable solutions.
• Mentor team members and help strengthen continuous improvement capabilities across the organization.

YOU ARE

• A strategic thinker who enjoys solving complex business challenges.
• Comfortable working through ambiguity while creating structure and direction.
• An influential communicator who can engage effectively with senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Passionate about continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Collaborative and relationship-oriented across functions, teams, and regions.
• Motivated by building new capabilities and driving organizational change.

YOU HAVE

• Extensive experience leading HR process transformation and operational excellence initiatives.
• Strong expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, Design Thinking, or related continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven experience implementing automation, workflow improvements, and AI-enabled business solutions.
• Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional projects using Agile methodologies.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, influencing, and executive communication skills.
• Experience with HR technology platforms, analytics, process mining, data visualization, or related technologies preferred.

WHY JOIN US

This is a rare opportunity to help define the future of HR operations. You'll work alongside leaders committed to transformation while shaping foundational processes, influencing enterprise-wide decisions, and developing innovative solutions that improve how HR services are delivered globally.

What makes this role especially compelling is that the team is still building its future state. You will have the opportunity to help establish operating practices, shape process excellence standards, and influence how automation and AI are leveraged across HR. Rather than stepping into a fully mature organization, you'll play a key role in creating structure, driving innovation, and building scalable solutions that will support the business for years to come.

For professionals who thrive in ambiguity, enjoy solving complex challenges, and want the opportunity to leave a visible legacy, this role offers exceptional impact, visibility, and growth potential.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company. 

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.

At Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.

If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.