Role Summary
This role sits within the HR Enablement function, which focuses on building horizontal capabilities such as Process Excellence, HR Technology, Reporting & Analytics, Engagement & Governance, and Shared Services. These capabilities form the foundation of a next-generation HR operating model.
The Workday Functional & Transformation Lead will play a pivotal role in enabling HR service delivery through Workday HCM, Release Management, Solution Governance, and HR Transformation. The role will collaborate with Group and Local HR teams, Functional Leads, and Technology stakeholders to ensure the effective design, deployment, and governance of Workday solutions across the organization.
The ideal candidate has deep functional and technical knowledge of Workday HCM, demonstrated experience in managing large-scale HR technology transformations, and a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Workday Functional Leadership
- Collaborate with HR process owners and stakeholders to gather and analyze business requirements and design scalable Workday solutions.
- Manage end-to-end implementation and configuration of Workday modules including Core HCM, Talent Management, Compensation, Absence, Recruitment, Benefits, and others.
- Provide day-to-day system support and maintenance, aligned with service delivery and governance frameworks.
- Lead enablement sessions, user training, and documentation to ensure adoption of Workday capabilities across the enterprise.
- Stay up to date with Workday releases and industry trends; evaluate and implement new features as part of the continuous improvement roadmap.
2. Solution Excellence & Governance
- Act as a subject matter expert on Workday, driving solution excellence, process standardization, and technology adoption.
- Lead solution enablement and innovation initiatives to enhance Workday capabilities and improve HR outcomes.
- Establish and enforce governance, change control, and compliance processes to ensure high-quality delivery and audit readiness.
- Define and track solution performance metrics and KPIs, ensuring optimization of HR technology investments.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration (HR, IT, Finance, etc.) for seamless integration and maximum impact of HRIS solutions.
3. Release & Cutover Management
- Lead Workday release and cutover planning, execution, and adoption across all updates, internal initiatives, and HR transformation programs.
- Partner with Change Control Boards and delivery teams to manage release timelines, testing cycles, deployments, and post-go-live activities.
- Build detailed cutover schedules, identify risks, manage dependencies, and provide structured reporting on progress and readiness.
- Align release schedules with HR strategy and the broader technology roadmap, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum value.
Skills & Requirements
Workday Expertise
- 3+ years of hands-on Workday functional experience; preferably as a Functional Lead.
- 4 End to end life cycle project implementation, Such as Compensation, Learning, Absence.
- Experience implementing and optimizing multiple Workday modules from design to deployment.
- Strong understanding of the overall Workday landscape including HCM, Absence, Talent, Advanced Compensation, Recruitment, Benefits, and more.
- Workday certifications/accreditations in relevant modules are preferred.
HR Transformation Experience
- 10+ years of experience in HR technology, with 5+ years leading Workday implementations or HR transformation initiatives.
- Proven track record in managing large, complex programs with cross-functional impact.
- Experienced in Agile, Kaizen, or other iterative delivery methodologies.
Governance & Leadership
- Demonstrated experience in leading governance, change control, compliance, and documentation best practices.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with a global and multicultural perspective.
- Ability to drive strategic discussions with senior stakeholders while also delivering hands-on execution.
Other Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
- Ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Commitment to continuous learning and driving team and organizational improvement.
Preferred Certifications
- Workday HCM Core, Compensation, Advanced Compensation, Talent, Absence, and/or Recruiting certifications.
- Agile or project management certifications (e.g., Scrum, PMP) are a plus.
