<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.15

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement ("Employment Agreement") dated this 1st day of August,
2000 but effective as of May 1, 2000 (the "Effective Date") is made by and
between J.D. EDWARDS & COMPANY, a Delaware corporation ("J.D. Edwards") and
DAVID E. GIRARD ("Girard").

                                    RECITALS

A.   J.D. Edwards is engaged in the business of developing, marketing and
     supporting enterprise software and supply chain computing solutions.

B.   Girard is currently employed by J.D. Edwards in the position of Executive
     Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and J.D. Edwards wishes to
     retain Girard in the employment of J.D. Edwards for a period of at least
     two (2) years from the Effective Date of this Employment Agreement.

It is agreed between J.D. Edwards and Girard as follows:

1.   EMPLOYMENT. J.D. Edwards hereby agrees to employ Girard to perform the
     duties and responsibilities set forth in the job description attached as
     Attachment A to this Employment Agreement together with such other duties
     and responsibilities as shall be assigned to him from time to time by J.D.
     Edwards senior management which shall be consistent with Girard's job
     description. Girard accepts such employment with J.D. Edwards upon the
     terms and conditions of this Employment Agreement and agrees to perform the
     duties and responsibilities described in this Section in accordance with
     all policies, procedures, rules and regulations adopted by J.D. Edwards
     Board of Directors or senior management. During the term of his employment,
     Girard agrees to devote his full time and attention, skills and efforts to
     the performance of his duties and responsibilities on behalf of J.D.
     Edwards and to maintain and promote the business of J.D. Edwards.

2.   TERM. Subject to the terms of Section 7, Termination, Girard shall be
     employed by J.D. Edwards for a period of not less than two (2) years
     commencing on the Effective Date (the "Initial Employment Term").

3.   COMPENSATION.

     3.1  ANNUAL BASE SALARY AND BONUS. Girard's compensation from the Effective
          Date until April 1, 2001 shall be set at an annual base salary of
          $351,120 with an annual bonus incentive of up to seventy-five percent
          (75%) of such base salary based upon the achievement of those certain
          objectives as determined and approved by the Compensation Committee of
          the Board of Directors of J.D. Edwards. Compensation for subsequent
          periods shall be established by a written addendum to this Employment
          Agreement as approved by the Compensation Committee of J.D. Edwards
          Board of Directors but in no event will be less than the annual base
          salary of $351,120 and annual bonus


                                  Page 1 of 8
<PAGE>   2

          incentive of up to seventy-five percent (75%) of the new base salary
          based upon the achievement of those certain objectives as determined
          and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
          of J.D. Edwards.

     3.2  STAY BONUS. Upon Girard remaining in the employment of J.D. Edwards
          for the full two (2) year period of the Initial Employment Term and
          otherwise complying with the terms hereof or Girard dying during the
          Initial Employment Term, Girard will receive a stay bonus in an amount
          equal to one hundred percent (100%) of his on target earnings (annual
          base salary plus bonus as determined in accordance with Section 3.1,
          Annual Base Salary and Bonus, hereof) for the second year of the
          Initial Employment Term. Such stay bonus will be in addition to the
          annual compensation received for the second year of this Employment
          Agreement.

     3.3  2001 FIRST HALF BONUS. In addition to the stay bonus described in
          Section 3.2 above, upon Girard remaining in the employment of J.D.
          Edwards for the full two (2) year period of the Initial Employment
          Term and otherwise complying with the terms hereof, Girard will
          receive an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of his first
          half fiscal year 2001 bonus determined in accordance with the J.D.
          Edwards Executive Bonus Plan for fiscal year 2001.

     3.4  ADDITIONAL BONUS PAYMENT. Should Girard be terminated by J.D. Edwards
          for any reason other than for Cause, Performance or disability at any
          time during the Initial Employment Term or should Girard resign from
          employment with J.D. Edwards any time after the Initial Employment
          Period, J.D. Edwards will pay to Girard an additional bonus in the
          amount of $60,000. For purposes of this Employment Agreement, "Cause"
          and "Performance" shall be as defined in Section 7 of this Employment
          Agreement.

4.   STOCK OPTION GRANT. Girard will be granted 225,000 stock options to
     purchase the common stock of J.D. Edwards pursuant to the terms of J.D.
     Edwards 1997 Equity Incentive Plan, or its successor option plan, if any,
     at the option of price of $13.0625 per option (the "Stock Option Grant").
     The Stock Option Grant shall vest and become exercisable as to one hundred
     percent (100%) of the shares subject to the option on (i) the last day of
     the two-year period of this Employment Agreement, or (ii) should Girard be
     terminated by J.D. Edwards for any reason other than for Cause, Performance
     or disability at any time during the Initial Employment Term.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, however, should Girard be
     terminated for Performance or disability, the Stock Option Grant shall vest
     25% of the grant on May 1, 2001 and 1/16 per month thereafter; any unvested
     options will terminate effective on the date of such termination. Should
     Girard resign from employment with J.D. Edwards or be terminated by J.D.
     Edwards for Cause at any time during the Initial Employment Term, the Stock
     Option Grant will be cancelled effective upon the date of resignation or
     termination for Cause and Girard will have no right to exercise any portion
     of the Stock Option Grant. Girard shall have a period of six (6) months
     commencing upon termination of employment to exercise his vested stock
     option under this Section.

                                  Page 2 of 8
<PAGE>   3

5.   EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Girard will be eligible to participate in all employee
     benefits provided by J.D. Edwards to employees, based upon his position and
     tenure, including the following:

     5.1. HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE. J.D. Edwards agrees to provide to Girard
          (and his spouse and dependents) coverage under J.D. Edwards group
          health and life insurance plan, the coverage, terms and benefits of
          which shall be determined, from time to time, in the sole discretion
          of J.D. Edwards Board of Directors.

     5.2. PAID TIME OFF. Girard shall be entitled to the maximum paid time off
          provided for in J.D. Edwards paid time off policy in effect from time
          to time.

     5.3. QUALIFIED/NON-QUALIFIED PLAN(s). Girard shall be entitled to
          participate in any qualified or non-qualified plan(s) adopted by J.D.
          Edwards Board of Directors and Girard fulfills all eligibility
          requirements under the terms and conditions of such plan. The J.D.
          Edwards Board of Directors reserves the sole right and discretion to
          adopt or terminate a plan and to establish all eligibility
          requirements and other terms and conditions of such plan.

6.   SEVERANCE PAY. If Girard is terminated by J.D. Edwards for Performance or
     disability, Girard shall be entitled to receive severance pay in accordance
     with the standard J.D. Edwards severance pay policy for an employee of
     Girard's position and time of service in the amount of one year's then
     current base salary. If Girard is terminated by J.D. Edwards for other than
     Cause, Performance or disability, Girard shall be entitled to receive, in
     addition to all other compensation and benefits described herein to the
     extent not already paid, severance pay in accordance with the standard J.D.
     Edwards severance pay policy for an employee of Girard's position and time
     of service of one year's then current on target earning (annual base salary
     plus bonus). This severance payment would be made in a one-time, lump sum
     payment subject to appropriate tax withholding. Notwithstanding the
     foregoing, however, no severance allowance shall be paid if termination is
     for Cause or if Girard voluntarily terminates employment within the Initial
     Employment Term.

     6.1. COBRA MEDICAL INSURANCE. If Girard's employment is terminated without
          Cause, in addition to the severance payment in accordance with Section
          6, Girard and his dependents will be eligible for medical insurance
          (for himself and his spouse and dependant(s)) under COBRA commencing
          on the date of his termination for a period of one (1) year in
          accordance with the standard J.D. Edwards policy at J.D. Edwards sole
          expense. Girard and his dependents will be eligible to continue
          coverage at his cost beyond such date if he should so elect as
          provided by applicable law.

     6.2  MANAGEMENT CHANGE IN CONTROL PLAN. The J.D. Edwards & Company
          Management Change in Control Plan Girard accepted on September 8, 1999
          (the "Plan") will remain in full force and effect for the term of this
          Employment Agreement and will continue thereafter only so long as
          Girard remains an employee of J.D. Edwards. Therefore, the J.D.
          Edwards Board of Directors agrees that it waives all rights under the
          Plan to remove Girard as a participant in the Plan, terminate the Plan
          with respect to Girard, amend or

                                  Page 3 of 8
<PAGE>   4
          otherwise modify the Plan in any manner that would be detrimental to
          Girard or serve to reduce the Severance Benefits payable to Girard
          under the Plan.

     6.3  INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT. The parties executed the J.D. Edwards &
          Company Indemnification Agreement on August 19, 1997 (the
          "Indemnification Agreement"). The parties recognize that the scope of
          the indemnification offered to Girard under the Indemnification
          Agreement is insufficient. The parties, therefore, agree to work in
          good faith together to modify the Indemnification Agreement to expand
          the definition of a "Covered Event", provide for payment of all
          "Expenses" on an as occurred basis by J.D. Edwards, allow Girard to
          retain his own counsel at the expense of J.D. Edwards, and in
          accordance with the provisions of a letter dated July 31, 2000 from
          the Law Firm of Ogborn, Summerlin & Ogborn, L.L.C. to Pete Moison,
          Esq., a copy of which is attached as Exhibit B to this Agreement. The
          parties agree to complete the agreed to modifications on or before
          October 1, 2000. In the event the parties cannot agree by such date as
          to the required changes to the Indemnification Agreement, then the
          parties shall submit the dispute to a mutually acceptable mediation in
          the City and County of Denver, Colorado.

     6.3  CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-SOLICITATION. Girard acknowledges that he has
          signed the J.D. Edwards Employee Nondisclosure Agreement effective
          June 1, 1994 and confirms that he will continue to abide by the
          obligations contained therein. However, any violation of the
          Nondisclosure Agreement by Girard shall not affect Girard's rights or
          J.D. Edwards obligations under this Agreement. J.D. Edwards agrees not
          to withhold or otherwise set off any sums or benefits due to Girard
          under this Agreement in the event of a breach of the Nondisclosure
          Agreement by Girard.

7.   TERMINATION. J.D. Edwards shall have the right to terminate this Employment
     Agreement prior to its expiration only for "Cause" or "Performance" as set
     forth below:

     7.1. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. For the purposes of this Employment Agreement,
          "Cause" means the following:

          (a)  the willful and material breach of duty by Girard in the course
               of his employment;
          (b)  the habitual neglect by Girard of his employment duties;
          (c)  the continued incapacity, whether physical or mental, of Girard
               to perform his duties, unless waived by J.D. Edwards; or
          (d)  Girard's gross misconduct resulting in material damage to J.D.
               Edwards.

     7.2. TERMINATION FOR PERFORMANCE. For the purposes of this Employment
          Agreement, termination for "Performance" shall be as determined by the
          J.D. Edwards Board of Directors in the good faith exercise of their
          business judgment.


                                  Page 4 of 8
<PAGE>   5

     7.3  DISPUTE RESOLUTION. Should Girard dispute whether J.D. Edwards has
          been reasonable in interpreting "Cause," or "Performance" then in such
          event Girard may submit the matter to arbitration. The arbitration
          proceeding shall be conducted under the applicable rules of the
          American Arbitration Association and shall be located in Denver,
          Colorado. If such organization ceases to exist, the arbitration shall
          be conducted by its successor, or by a similar arbitration
          organization, at the time a demand for arbitration is made. The
          decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on both parties.
          Each party shall be responsible for its or his own expenses for the
          arbitrator's fee, attorney's fees, expert testimony, and for other
          expenses of presenting its or his case. Other arbitration costs,
          including fees for records or transcripts, shall be borne equally by
          the parties.

     7.4  COMPENSATION EARNED PRIOR TO TERMINATION. In the event that J.D.
          Edwards terminates Girard for Cause during the Initial Employment Term
          or any renewal periods, Girard shall be entitled to the compensation
          earned prior to the date of termination as provided for in this
          Employment Agreement computed pro rata up to and including that date
          including any prorata bonuses accrued or payable for the fiscal year
          in which Girard is so terminated and all benefits set forth in Article
          5 of this Agreement. Girard shall be entitled to no further
          compensation as of the date of termination.

     7.5  RENEWAL. This Employment Agreement shall be deemed automatically
          renewed for successive one (1) year periods without any further act of
          the J.D. Edwards, unless, not later than thirty (30) days prior to the
          end of any period, either party provides the other with written notice
          of intent not to renew; notwithstanding the foregoing, however,
          Section 4, Stock Option Grant of this Employment Agreement shall not
          apply to any such renewal periods after the initial two (2) year
          period.

     7.6  NON-RENEWAL. Any non-renewal of this Employment Agreement shall be
          treated as a termination of Girard without Cause and be governed by
          the provisions of this Employment Agreement applicable to terminations
          without Cause, including, but not limited, to the payments and
          benefits due to Girard under Sections 3, 5 and 6 of this Employment
          Agreement.

8.   WAIVER AND RELEASE. Girard acknowledges and agrees that he is aware of his
     legal rights concerning his employment with J.D. Edwards. Girard (for
     himself and his heirs, legal representatives and assigns) hereby waives,
     and generally releases J.D. Edwards and all affiliates, officers,
     directors, employees and agents of J.D. Edwards from, and agrees not to sue
     J.D. Edwards for, any claims or causes of action, whether known or unknown,
     which Girard has or may have against J.D. Edwards. This includes, but is
     not limited to, any claims or causes of action arising under any federal,
     state or local laws dealing with employment discrimination (including, but
     not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the
     Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended; the Older Workers
     Benefit Protection Act; the American with Disabilities Act of 1990; the
     National Labor Relations Act, as amended; the Family Medical Leave Act; and
     any applicable state or local discrimination provisions) and any claims or
     causes of action for wrongful discharge relating to Girard's employment and
     termination of employment other than


                                  Page 5 of 8
<PAGE>   6
     for termination for Cause or for Performance which, if any dispute arises
     between the parties, will be subject to the terms of Section 7.3, Dispute
     Resolution, above.

9.   COOPERATION. The parties hereto agree that, at all times during Girard's
     employment, and following termination of his employment, each party shall
     avoid making any remarks about the other party, which for J.D. Edwards
     shall include its affiliates, officers, directors, employees and agents
     that would tend to disparage or injure the reputation of the other party.

10.  MISCELLANEOUS.

     10.1. ASSIGNMENT. Neither J.D. Edwards nor Girard may assign this
           Employment Agreement or any of their respective obligations
           hereunder.

     10.2. NOTICES. Any notice or other communication provided for or required
           by this Employment Agreement shall be given within (i) three (3)
           business days after mailing by registered or certified mail, postage
           prepaid, return receipt requested, (ii) one (1) business day after
           deposit with a recognized overnight courier (such as Federal Express)
           or (iii) upon delivery if sent by facsimile transmission or in person
           in each case to the following address:

           TO J.D. EDWARDS:

           J.D. Edwards & Company
           One Technology Way
           Denver, Colorado 80237
           Attn:  Vice President, General Counsel

           TO GIRARD:

           David E. Girard
           XXXX XXXXX XXXXX XX
           XXXXXXXXX, CO  XXXXX

           or at such other address or addresses as the J.D. Edwards or Girard
           may designate.

     10.3. GOVERNING LAW. This Employment Agreement and each term thereof shall
           be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Colorado.

     10.4. SEVERABILITY. If any portion of this Employment Agreement shall be,
           for any reason, invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portion or
           portions shall nevertheless be valid, enforceable and effective
           unless to do so would clearly violate the present legal and valid
           intention of the parties hereto.

     10.5. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Employment Agreement constitutes the entire
           agreement between the parties and contains all of the agreements
           between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This
           Employment Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either
           oral or written, between the parties hereto with respect to the
           subject matter hereof.


                                  Page 6 of 8
<PAGE>   7

     10.6. AMENDMENT. No change or modification of this Employment Agreement
           shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by
           Girard and a duly authorized officer of J.D. Edwards. No waiver of
           any provision of this Employment Agreement shall be valid unless in
           writing and signed by the party or party to be charged.

     10.7  BENEFIT. This Employment Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
           the benefit of J.D. Edwards and Girard and their respective
           successors, heirs, legal representatives and permitted assigns. This
           Employment Agreement is hereby executed as of the date set forth
           above.

J.D. EDWARDS & COMPANY                     GIRARD


By:  /s/ C. Edward McVaney                 By:  /s/ David E. Girard
   ------------------------------------       --------------------------------
           (Authorized Signature)                   David E. Girard

           C. Edward McVaney
   ------------------------------------
           Chairman and CEO

                                  Page 7 of 8
<PAGE>   8


                             SCHEDULE OF ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A - JOB DESCRIPTION




                                  Page 8 of 8



<PAGE>   9
SOFTWARE INDUSTRY:  JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Chief Operating Officer (0010)                      DIVISION:  Executive
REPORTS TO (TITLE): Chief Executive Officer (005)   DEPARTMENT: N/A
UPDATED:  12/31/00                                  This job is [ ] EXEMPT
                                                                [ ] NON-EXEMPT

BASIC PURPOSE: Directs and coordinates corporate support activities to plan,
develop and implement policies, programs and practices that support the
operating functions of the company. Evaluates progress of departments in meeting
their performance goals. Provides counsel to other executives and managers
through specialized service departments, including finance, human resources,
legal, business development, and administrative services. May also be
responsible for internal MIS/data processing function. Member of senior
management of company; may also be CFO.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                     Percent (%)
                                                                                                                      of Monthly
                                                                                                                       Working
 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:                                                                                  Time
                                                                                                                     ------------
<S>                                                                                                                  <C>
 1. Directs and administers the line operating units of the business, usually involving product development,             40%
    marketing, customer and product support, and field operations:

    o Develops and maintains a sound plan of corporate organization.

    o Prescribes limits of authority among subordinates regarding policies, expenditures and personnel actions.

    o Analyzes operating results of business and its units versus approved plans and objectives.

    o Takes adequate steps to correct shortfalls in performance.

    o Resolves conflicts between operating units and line/staff departments.

 2. Assists CEO in development of corporate strategies and strategic objectives and the operating policies and           20%
    procedures to assure attainment of these corporate objectives:

    o Insures that plans and policies are understood and administered by the management team.

    o Uses strategic objectives as basis for establishing performance management and incentive programs for
      management team.

 3. Directs acquisition, retention and continuing development of key human resources throughout operating units:         20%
    o Assures establishment of recruiting, training and development programs, performance management and
      reward systems to attain the highest level of productivity for long-range success; systems to include
      provisions to meet all government laws and regulations.

    o Establishes and maintains effective systems of communications with employees.

 4. Represents company in relations with major customers, suppliers, government agencies, etc.                           10%

 5. Serves as key member of executive team, usually requiring membership on the board.  Assumes other special            10%
    projects/assignments as directed by the CEO.  May act for CEO in his/her absence.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job.  They are not          100%
intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, and indeed additional responsibilities may be assigned, as required,
by management.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
Education/Training/Work Experience:
    Bachelor's degree in business, or accounting/finance; advanced degree in
    business, or its equivalent, or CPA helpful. Minimum 15+ years in finance
    and/or administrative functions, with 10 to 12+ years management experience.

Specialized Knowledge & Skills:
    Excellent planning and organizing skills with ability to effectively direct
    the company's support divisions to assist operating divisions attain
    corporate objectives. In-depth knowledge of financial legal principles and
    practices. Excellent time management, communications, decision making,
    presentation, and organization skills.

Type Equipment Used:
    PC and various software languages.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:
    General office environment. High levels of stress often occur. No special
    physical demands required.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-6                                     (C) Culpepper and Associates, Inc. 1996


<PAGE>   10

Chief Executive Officer (0005), Continued


ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
Education/Training/Work Experience
    Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, sales or marketing; advanced
    degree in business or its equivalent is helpful. Minimum 20+ years in high
    technology business functions, including 15+ years management experience.

Specialized Knowledge & Skills:
    Excellent planning and organizing skills with ability to effectively direct
    the company's overall operations in order to maximize revenues and profits.
    In-depth knowledge of financial and legal principles and practices. Able to
    deal effectively with high level executives outside the company, government
    and financial officials, etc. Excellent time management, communications,
    decision making, presentation and organizations skills.

Type Equipment Used:
    PC and various software languages.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:
    General office environment. High levels of stress often occur, including
    those associated with frequent travel. No other special physical demands,
    required.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(C) Culpepper and Associates, Inc. 1996                                     3-5