Workday HCM Specialist (Security and Architecture)
Location: Bedfordshire | Hybrid (3 days onsite)
Employment Type: Permanent or FTC
Salary: Up to £50,000
Role Overview
We’re working with a leading organisation seeking a Workday HCM Specialist (Security and Architecture) to join their People Systems team. In this strategic role, you’ll oversee the foundational design and governance of critical elements within their HR systems - focusing primarily on Workday.
You’ll be responsible for system architecture areas such as security models, job frameworks, access governance, and organisational structures. This includes ensuring systems are compliant, scalable, and aligned with business needs across multiple European jurisdictions. A key early focus will be supporting a major HR transformation project; contributing to the future-state design of their Workday environment.
You’ll lead a small team driving improvements across position management and system integrity, while working closely with stakeholders in HR, IT, Legal, and Compliance to implement best practices in data security and system controls.
Key Responsibilities
* Own and manage the design of Workday security and architecture frameworks (e.g. roles, permissions, access levels)
* Ensure legal compliance and data integrity across system configurations
* Lead and improve organisational hierarchies, job structures, and foundational data elements
* Collaborate with HR, IT, Legal, and Data teams to ensure alignment with business and regulatory needs
* Support large-scale transformation projects by designing secure and scalable system solutions
* Manage position management processes and enhance control mechanisms across systems
* Implement and uphold audit controls, system compliance frameworks, and data security policies
* Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in the Workday environment and related HR systems
Key Requirements
* Strong hands-on experience with Workday, especially in areas like security, job architecture, and organisation structure
* Proven ability to manage complex system configurations with an understanding of downstream impacts
* Deep knowledge of access control, permissioning, and compliance frameworks in a regulated or unionised environment
* Experience working across HRIS, shared services, or similar operating models
* Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills
* Proactive and structured problem-solver with a high level of accuracy and accountability
* Comfortable working with ambiguity and fast-paced transformation initiatives
* Experience with other people systems (e.g. Taleo, Peakon) is a bonus
* A resilient, detail-focused mindset with a strong understanding of European HR operations