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.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

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.

Benefits

Columbia Sportswear is 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.

• 401k plan with a generous company match to help protect your family’s financial future and save money.
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings account.
• Assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services).
• Free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services through EAP+.
• Extensive wellness benefits and employee discounts.
• Generous time off program.

Schedule

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.