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Workforce Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a Workforce Planning PM, you'll own the processes, governance, and analytics that keep Fleet Operations staffed, financially aligned, and ready to scale. You'll be the connective tissue between ...

As a Workforce Planning PM, you'll own the processes, governance, and analytics that keep Fleet Operations staffed, financially aligned, and ready to scale. You'll be the connective tissue between ...

As a Workforce Planning PM, you'll own the processes, governance, and analytics that keep Fleet Operations staffed, financially aligned, and ready to scale. You'll be the connective tissue between ...

The Workforce Analyst is responsible for labor planning, scheduling strategy, and workforce analytics across Palisades Tahoe Resort. In partnership with operational leaders, this role optimizes labor ...

Workforce Planning Lead

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Own headcount, OKR, and budget planning rituals on a quarterly basis, tying our market goals to workforce plans to cost reality. * compensation analytics: benchmarking, budgeting out of reviews, and ...

Workforce Director

Ontario, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Strategic Workforce Planning * Develop multi year staffing plans for store operations and micro fulfillment, with KPIs for productivity, service levels, and labor-to-sales targets; brief Senior ...

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Showing results 1-20

Workforce Planner information

See California salary details

$31.1K

$73.1K

$143.1K

How much do workforce planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce planner in California is $73,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,300.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Workforce Planner vs Workforce Analyst?

AspectWorkforce PlannerWorkforce Analyst
Primary FocusStrategic staffing and long-term workforce planningData analysis and reporting on workforce metrics
Required SkillsForecasting, planning, project managementData analysis, Excel, reporting tools
Work EnvironmentHR departments, strategic planning teamsHR, operations, analytics teams
CertificationsHR certifications, workforce planning coursesData analysis certifications, Excel expertise

While both roles support workforce management, Workforce Planners focus on strategic staffing and future planning, whereas Workforce Analysts analyze current workforce data to inform decisions. The roles often collaborate but serve different functions within HR and operations teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Workforce Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Workforce Planner, you need strong analytical abilities, knowledge of workforce management principles, and typically a degree in business, HR, or a related field. Proficiency with workforce management software (like Kronos or SAP SuccessFactors), Excel, and data analysis tools is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure optimal staffing, cost efficiency, and alignment of labor resources with organizational goals.

What is a workforce planning job?

A workforce planning job involves analyzing an organization’s current and future staffing needs to ensure the right number of employees with the appropriate skills are available. It includes tasks such as forecasting labor demand, developing staffing strategies, and using tools like spreadsheets or workforce management software. Strong analytical skills and understanding of business operations are essential for success in this role.

How does a Workforce Planner typically collaborate with department managers to forecast staffing needs?

Workforce Planners regularly meet with department managers to analyze current workforce data, discuss upcoming projects, and identify potential gaps in staffing. They use a combination of historical data, business goals, and predictive analytics to develop accurate forecasts. This collaboration ensures that staffing strategies align with organizational objectives, and helps managers prepare for seasonal fluctuations, expansions, or other changes. Effective communication and relationship-building are key, as Workforce Planners must balance both immediate and long-term staffing requirements.

What is the 3 month rule for jobs?

The 3 month rule for jobs often refers to a probationary period of three months during which an employee's performance is evaluated before confirming permanent employment. For workforce planners, understanding this period helps in scheduling onboarding, training, and performance reviews to ensure smooth integration and compliance with company policies.

Is WFM a good career?

Workforce planning and management (WFM) is a growing field that involves forecasting staffing needs, scheduling, and optimizing employee productivity. It requires skills in data analysis, communication, and familiarity with tools like workforce management software. WFM roles can offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement in various industries such as customer service, healthcare, and retail.

What is a Workforce Planner?

A Workforce Planner is a professional responsible for analyzing, forecasting, and planning workforce supply and demand to ensure an organization has the right number of employees with the right skills at the right time. They use data and strategic planning to align staffing needs with business goals, often collaborating with HR and management teams. Their work helps organizations optimize productivity, control labor costs, and adapt to changing market conditions. Workforce Planners play a crucial role in talent management, succession planning, and organizational development.

What does a workforce planner do?

A workforce planner analyzes an organization’s staffing needs and develops strategies to ensure the right number of employees with appropriate skills are available. They use data, forecasting tools, and labor market trends to optimize workforce size, skills, and deployment, often collaborating with HR and management. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of workforce management software are essential for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Workforce Planner jobs in California? For Workforce Planner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Workforce Planner jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Workforce Planner jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Workforce Planner jobs? Cities in California with the most Workforce Planner job openings:
Infographic showing various Workforce Planner job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,105 per year, or $35.1 per hour.
Director, Workforce Planning

Director, Workforce Planning

Panda Restaurant Group

Rosemead, CA • Hybrid

$161K - $226K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Panda Express rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 731 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 104 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Summary of Job Description:

The Director, Workforce Planning is responsible for advancing Panda’s labor strategy through data-driven planning, performance insights, and operational partnership. This role enables enterprise workforce efficiency by developing scalable labor models, providing actionable analytics, and supporting innovation across scheduling, deployment, and workforce systems.


Job Responsibilities:

  • Develops and refines labor scheduling and deployment models to improve accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with business priorities in partnership with Operations, Finance, and HR.
  • Analyzes labor utilization and performance trends to assess deployment effectiveness, identify improvement opportunities, and provide actionable insights to Operations.
  • Partners with other teams to develop innovations in automation, analytics, scheduling strategies, deployment models, process improvements, and scalable workforce solutions to enhance labor efficiency.
  • Evaluates labor implications of menu, product, process, design, and equipment changes, translating impacts into labor hours, deployment needs, and labor cost considerations.
  • Partners with Finance to forecast labor costs, build scenario-based workforce plans, identify savings opportunities, and establish labor efficiency targets.
  • Leads change management strategies and training plans to support adoption and optimization of workforce planning systems, tools, and labor efficiency initiatives.
  • Leads benchmarking efforts to compare against industry standards, best practices, and emerging trends to inform innovation in scheduling, deployment, and efficiency.
  • Enhances workforce planning systems, tools, and models by partnering with IS teams to implement improvements that strengthen labor planning, scheduling, analytics, and decision making.


Work Environment:

  • Office conditions; travel up to 20% to domestic stores 


How we reward you:

  • Hybrid work schedule
  • 401K with company match
  • Yearly bonus opportunity*
  • Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *
  • On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
  • Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
  • Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*
  • Continuous education assistance and scholarships*
  • Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*
  • Bereavement leave*

*Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates


Your background and experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • 10+ years of experience in workforce planning, labor analytics, operations finance, or related field, .with increasing management responsibility; experience working cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, HR, and Technology teams and familiarity with workforce systems, scheduling tools, and data platforms
  • Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
  • Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.


Pay Range: M4: $161,000 - $226,000 / Annual

* Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-TS2 

Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You’re wanted here:

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com.

 #LI-TS2   




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About Panda Express

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panda Express is a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, specializing in American Chinese cuisine. It was established in 1983 in Glendale, California by Andrew and Peggy Cherng and has grown to become the largest Asian segment restaurant chain in the United States, with in excess of 2,200 locations. Its headquarters are located in Rosemead, California. The eatery offers a variety of menu items, including their signature dish, Orange Chicken, along with other favorites like Kung Pao Chicken and Beef and Broccoli. Guided by their mission to "deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences," Panda Express is beloved by many for its convenience, consistently high quality, and innovative twists on traditional Chinese dishes.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rosemead, CA, US