Director - Onboarding (San Mateo)

Organizations everywhere struggle under the crushing costs and complexities of solutions that promise to simplify their lives. To create a better experience for their customers and employees. To help them grow. Software is a choice that can make or break a business. Create better or worse experiences. Propel or throttle growth. Business software has become a blocker instead of ways to get work done.

Theres another option. Freshworks. With a fresh vision for how the world works.

At Freshworks, we build uncomplicated service software that delivers exceptional customer and employee experiences. Our enterprise-grade solutions are powerful, yet easy to use, and quick to deliver results. Our people-first approach to AI eliminates friction, making employees more effective and organizations more productive. Over 72,000 companies, including Bridgestone, New Balance, Nucor, S&P Global, and Sony Music, trust Freshworks customer experience (CX) and employee experience (EX) software to fuel customer loyalty and service efficiency. And, over 4,500 Freshworks employees make this possible, all around the world.

Fresh vision. Real impact. Come build it with us.

Job Description

The Director of Onboarding is responsible for creating and executing a world-class and highly differentiated onboarding experience that accelerates new hire productivity, strengthens engagement, and fosters near- and long-term retention. This leader will own the end-to-end onboarding lifecyclefrom pre-boarding (T-30 days) to the first 90 daysensuring a consistent, inclusive, and scalable process for all roles and regions. They will partner cross-functionally with HR, Talent Acquisition, IT, Facilities, and all business leaders to deliver a seamless new hire journey that reflects the organizations values and culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute a global onboarding strategy that aligns with company values, culture, and business goals.
• Define success metrics (e.g., time-to-productivity, early attrition) and continuously improve programs based on data and feedback.

Program Development & Execution

• Design and manage structured onboarding programs tailored to different roles, levels, and geographies.
• Oversee pre-boarding communications, orientation sessions, role-specific ramp-up plans, and integration touchpoints.

Stakeholder Partnership

• Partner with Talent Acquisition to ensure a smooth transition from candidate to employee.
• Collaborate with HRBPs, managers, and department leaders to create role-relevant onboarding experiences.
• Coordinate with IT, Facilities, and Procurement for seamless technology, workspace, and resource setup.

Employee Experience & Engagement

• Ensure onboarding programs reflect diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles.
• Implement activities and tools that foster connection to colleagues, leadership, and company mission.
• Leverage HRIS, LMS, AI agents, collaboration platforms, and other tools to streamline processes and enhance engagement.
• Partner with HR Technology teams to automate workflows and improve onboarding touchpoints.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing onboarding team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coach facilitators, managers, and our Global Leadership Team on best practices for welcoming and integrating new hires.
• Use data analytics, surveys, and stakeholder feedback to assess onboarding effectiveness.
• Pilot and scale new initiatives to improve time-to-productivity, retention, and engagement scores.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in HR, Talent Management, or Learning & Development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role that scales to Director-readiness within this domain
• A strong point of view on use of AI tools to support curriculum design, development and delivery, engagement
• Proven experience designing and scaling onboarding programs in a multi-location or global environment
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills
• Familiarity with change management practices and global workforce considerations
• Demonstrated success in definition actions and interventions to improve onboarding outcomes such as shortened ramp time and reduction of early attrition
• Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Additional Information

The annual base salary range for this position is $188,000 to $270,250 USD.

Compensation is based on a variety of factors including but not limited to location, experience, job-related skills, and level. Bonus/equity may be available.

Please note this is a hybrid role that requires an in-office presence 3 days / week (Tue-Thur) in San Mateo, CA.

Freshworks offers multiple options for dental, medical, vision, disability and life insurances. Equity + ESPP, flexible PTO, flexible spending, commuter benefits and wellness benefits are also offered. Freshworks also offers adoption and parental leave benefits.

At Freshworks, we are creating a global workplace that enables everyone to find their true potential, purpose, and passion irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all and believe that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer work environment that advances the goals of our employees, communities and the business.