Workday & People Systems Lead

We are seeking a highly experienced Workday & People Systems Lead to join our People team as a senior individual contributor. This role serves as the primary owner and subject matter expert for Workday and related people systems, responsible for hands-on configuration, maintenance, enhancements, and releases.

This is a deeply technical and operational role with high ownership and autonomy. It requires strong cross-functional leadership, influencing stakeholders, and driving scalable system solutions across the organization.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all Workday-related configuration, maintenance, and support
• Lead system design, configuration, and optimization across Workday modules (e.g., Core HCM, Compensation, Benefits, Payroll, etc.)
• Manage Workday releases, including impact analysis, testing, and deployment of new features and functionality
• Partner closely with People, Finance, IT, and other stakeholders to translate business needs into scalable system solutions
• Ensure data integrity, security, compliance, and audit readiness across all people systems
• Oversee integrations between Workday and other internal/external systems
• Develop and maintain documentation, processes, and governance standards for system usage and changes
• Drive reporting and analytics capabilities within Workday to support business insights and decision-making
• Manage vendors, consultants, and external partners as needed
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior HRIS or People Systems team members without formal people management responsibility
• Evaluate and leverage emerging capabilities (including AI and automation) within Workday and the broader people systems ecosystem to improve efficiency, data insights, and user experience

WHAT YOU BRING ALONG:

• 8+ years of experience in HRIS / People Systems roles, with deep expertise in Workday
• Proven experience leading or heavily contributing to at least one full-cycle Workday implementation
• Strong hands-on experience with Workday configuration across multiple modules
• Experience managing Workday releases and system upgrades
• Deep understanding of HR processes and data structures
• Experience with system integrations, APIs, and data architecture
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Experience working in cross-functional, fast-paced environments

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Workday certifications (e.g., HCM, Recruiting, Integrations, etc.)
• Experience scaling Workday in high-growth or enterprise environments
• Familiarity with reporting tools and people analytics
• Experience with additional HR systems (e.g., Ashby, CultureAmp, etc.)
• Interest in applying AI and automation to HR systems, reporting, and operational workflows

SCOPE & IMPACT

• Acts as the end-to-end owner of the company’s people systems ecosystem from a technical and operational standpoint
• Influences cross-functional stakeholders and drives system-related decision-making without direct authority
• Operates with a high degree of autonomy in prioritizing and executing on system improvements
• Ensures systems enable efficient, compliant, and scalable people operations