EMBL is seeking an experienced and motivated Workday Team Leader to lead the delivery, optimisation, and ongoing support of the Workday platform across the organisation. As EMBL transitions to a full Workday platform by the end of 2026, this role will play a key part in ensuring Workday reliably supports HR, Finance, Payroll, Procurement, and related business processes across EMBLs complex international research environment.
The Workday Team Leader will manage a small team of inhouse functional and technical specialists (currently a team of 4), as well as the relationship with and delivery of external Workday service providers.
The Team Leader will serve as the primary liaison between stakeholders and technical Workday experts, ensure reliable and high-quality service delivery, and collaborate with the ERP Team and its Team Leader on the wider ERP landscape and system integrations.
This is a PAN-EMBL role and will involve regular business travel between EMBLs six operational sites, supporting collaboration and consistency across locations.
Duties & Responsibilities
In this role you will:
Leadership & Team Management
Lead, mentor, and develop the Workday support and implementation team
Set priorities, manage workload, and ensure timely delivery of services and projects
Foster a collaborative, service-oriented, and inclusive team culture
Workday Platform Ownership
Act as the overall owner of the Workday platform at EMBL and, in collaboration with the ERP Integrations and IT teams, oversee the Workday integration components of the broader system landscape
Ensure stable operation, performance and IT security of the Workday application
Oversee configuration, releases, testing, and deployment of Workday updates
Develop, maintain, and execute business continuity plans to manage risk and ensure continuity of critical Workday services
Business Partnership & Stakeholder Management
Work closely with colleagues in HR, Finance, Payroll, and other stakeholders to understand business needs
Translate organisational requirements into effective Workday solutions
Serve as a trusted advisor on Workday best practices and capabilities
Continuously assess Workdays evolving capabilities and shape EMBLs Workday roadmap, advising senior leadership on strategic direction and priorities.
Project & Change Management
Lead Workday-related projects, enhancements, and module implementations
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with EMBL strategy
Support change management activities, including the delivery of user adoption strategies
Vendor & External Partner Management
Manage relationships with Workday and external implementation or support partners
Ensure service quality, contractual compliance, and cost effectiveness
Governance, Compliance & Documentation
Establish and maintain governance, standards, and documentation for Workday
Ensure compliance with data protection, security, and audit requirements
Support EMBL policies related to data privacy and internal controls
You have (Requirements)
University degree in Information Systems, Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field
Workday certifications (e.g. HCM, Financial Management, Integrations)
Several years of hands-on experience working as a project lead in implementing various Workday modules within an international multicultural context
Proven experience leading teams or acting in a senior/lead Workday role for at least 5 years
Strong understanding of business processes in HR and/or Finance
Familiarity with agile or IT service management practices
Experience working in an international and complex organisational environment
Excellent communication skills in English
Key competencies
Leadership and people management
Strategic thinking and problem-solving
Stakeholder engagement and service orientation
Ability to balance operational support with continuous improvement
Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
You might also have (Desirable)
Experience in higher education, research organisations, or non-profit international institutions
Knowledge of integrations, reporting, and security frameworks within Workday
Working knowledge of German and/or French
Other helpful information
Interviews : We plan to hold interviews on WC 20 April 2026.
Apply now! Benefits and Contract Information
Financial incentives: depending on circumstances, monthly family/marriage allowance of £278 monthly child allowance of £336 per child. Non resident allowance up to £717 per month. Annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
Hybrid working arrangements
Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
Generous time off : 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to eight bank holidays
Relocation package including installation grant (as applicable)
Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
Family benefits: On-site nursery, child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
Contract duration: This position is a 5 year contract renewable up to 9 years
Salary: Monthly salary starting at €6,659 after tax but excl. pension & insurances) + benefits (Total package will be dependent on family circumstances)
International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants.
Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL-EBI, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ and individuals from all nationalities.
Job location: This role is based in Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK. You will be required to relocate if you are based overseas and you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.
To apply, please submit a covering letter and CV via our online system. Applications will close on 13/02/2026 .
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