At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Workday HCM implementations and provide strategic guidance to clients.
- Company: Join Cognizant, a global leader in tech solutions with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, learning opportunities, and community outreach programs.
- Other info: Minimal travel needed; thrive in a fast-paced consulting environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving HR transformation and mentoring future leaders.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of Workday experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 69750 - 85250 £ per year.
The Workday HCM Senior Principal Consultant is a senior functional leader responsible for driving the design, delivery, and overall success of Workday HCM implementations. Acting as a trusted advisor to clients and project teams, this individual provides strategic guidance across Core HCM and related functional areas while ensuring solutions align to business objectives and Workday leading practices. The Senior Principal Consultant combines deep Workday expertise with delivery leadership, pre-sales support, and people development responsibilities. They lead complex solution discussions, guide implementation teams, support business development activities, and play a key role in growing the Workday practice through mentoring and knowledge sharing.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a senior Workday HCM subject matter expert across Core HCM and related areas including Compensation, Benefits, Absence, Time Tracking, Talent, Performance, Recruiting, and Learning.
- Lead client workshops, discovery sessions, and design discussions to define scalable Workday solutions aligned to business requirements and best practices.
- Own solution design and provide oversight across configuration, testing, deployment, and post-go-live transition activities.
- Act as the functional lead for medium to large Workday HCM implementations, managing key solution decisions, risks, and dependencies.
- Provide strategic guidance to clients on HR transformation, workforce processes, and Workday adoption.
- Collaborate with Reporting, Security, Integrations, Payroll, Change Management, and Project Management teams to ensure successful delivery.
- Support testing, data conversion, cutover, and deployment activities throughout the project lifecycle.
- Mentor and coach consultants and senior consultants, providing quality reviews and functional leadership.
- Support business development activities including solutioning, estimations, proposals, demonstrations, and customer presentations.
- Contribute to practice development through methodology improvements, internal training, asset creation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Maintain expertise in Workday product innovations and emerging HR technology trends.
Skills & Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
- Active Workday HCM Certification required.
- Additional certifications in Compensation, Benefits, Absence, Time Tracking, Talent, Recruiting, or Learning are desirable.
- 5+ years of Workday implementation experience, including multiple end-to-end Workday HCM deployments.
- Proven experience leading HCM workstreams or functional teams on large and complex implementations.
- Deep functional expertise in Core HCM and broader HR business processes.
- Experience gathering requirements, facilitating workshops, solution design, configuration, testing, and deployment.
- Experience supporting pre-sales activities, including estimations, proposals, and solution presentations.
- Strong leadership, mentoring, stakeholder management, and consulting skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, including engagement with executive-level stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced consulting environment.
- Eligible for SC Clearance - you must have been a UK resident for the last five years and be legally entitled to work in the UK.
- Minimal travel required, but must be willing to travel on-site as needed.
Why choose Cognizant:
- Entrepreneurial environment that welcomes your ideas.
- Opportunity to do great work.
- Outreach programs that support communities and tap into your volunteer spirit.
- Learning opportunities to help current needs and advancement.
- Global operations, with opportunities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
- An abundance of Affinity groups to meet your needs.
Cognizant Core Values:
- Work as One: We think beyond roles, relying on each other’s strengths to win as a team.
- Raise the Bar: We always aim for excellence in how we work and what we deliver.
- Dare to Innovate: We push boundaries and take chances to reimagine what’s possible.
- Do the Right Thing: We all lead with integrity and always make the ethical choice.
- Own It: We own the outcomes for our company, colleagues, and community.
Summary:
- Location: GBR - United Kingdom - Remote; GBR - United Kingdom - London
- Type: Full time
Workday Core HCM Senior Principal Consultant employer: Cognizant
Cognizant is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the UK Public Sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, including training in cutting-edge AI technologies, while contributing to meaningful projects that impact government services. With a commitment to quality and excellence, Cognizant provides a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Workday Core HCM Senior Principal Consultant
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Cognizant!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Cognizant.
We think you need these skills to ace Workday Core HCM Senior Principal Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Cognizant. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Cognizant and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Cognizant. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Cognizant's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognizant
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Cognizant.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Cognizant will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Cognizant and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.