Workday HCM & Absence SME
Location: London, United Kingdom
Type: Permanent, Full-time
Work Pattern: Hybrid (3 days per week onsite)
About the Company Our client is a large enterprise organisation currently investing in the optimisation and maturity of its Workday platform following a complex legacy setup. The business is focused on simplifying processes, improving user experience, and maximising the value of Workday through best-practice configuration and scalable system design.
This role sits within a broader HR systems transformation programme and offers the opportunity to play a key role in shaping how core HCM and Absence processes are delivered across the organisation.
Why This Role Matters
* Lead the optimisation and continuous improvement of Workday HCM and Absence
* Drive standardisation and simplification across HR processes
* Support the organisation’s “adopt rather than adapt” Workday strategy
* Improve automation, user experience, and operational efficiency
* Partner with stakeholders across HR and the wider business to deliver scalable solutions
Key Responsibilities
* Act as the SME for Workday HCM and Absence modules
* Manage system maintenance, enhancements, upgrades, and change requests
* Configure and optimise business processes, security, and module functionality
* Support the delivery of continuous improvement initiatives across Workday
* Develop and maintain the roadmap for HCM and Absence enhancements
* Maximise automation opportunities and reduce off-system processes
* Identify opportunities to simplify or redesign processes to improve user experience
* Facilitate workshops and demonstrations both virtually and onsite
* Gather feedback from end users and stakeholders across the business
* Assess change impacts in line with governance processes and risk controls
* Support testing activities for releases, upgrades, and new functionality
* Manage escalations, incidents, and ticket resolution in line with SLAs
* Configure and maintain HCM and Absence reporting
* Support training materials including user guides, FAQs, demos, and knowledge content
* Utilise Workday Community and Success Plans to remain aligned to best practice and market trends
Who We Are Looking For Essential
* Strong experience supporting and optimising Workday HCM and Absence
* Strong understanding of core HR processes and integrations with payroll and external systems
* Experience configuring Workday business processes and security
* Experience engaging with stakeholders across multiple levels of an organisation
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Experience working within complex or multinational organisations
* Experience supporting large-scale Workday environments and transformation initiatives
* Ability to identify opportunities for simplification and continuous improvement
* Strong communication and stakeholder management capability
Desirable
* Experience supporting organisational change, restructuring, or divestiture activity within Workday
* Experience across multi-business or international Workday deployments
* Exposure to Workday consulting, innovation, or advanced configuration work
* Workday Pro certification in HCM and/or Absence (attained or in progress)
Additional Information
* Hybrid working with 3 days per week onsite in London
* Long-live role, therefore candidates must confirm they have not previously applied
* Right to represent required prior to submission
Hiring Process
* Initial screening conversation
* Interview process with HR Systems and business stakeholders
* Final stage discussions with senior leadership teams