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- Tasks: Lead HR technology strategy and execution for the RAIL sector, focusing on Workday and AI initiatives.
- Company: Join Hitachi, a global leader in digital innovation and social responsibility.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR tech while making a real impact in a critical global sector.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in HR technology with strong Workday experience and leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a pioneering team driving digital transformation in HR.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Company Overview
Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are balanced by bringing IT, OT, and products together through its Social Innovation Business. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi creates value by integrating data, technology, and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges.
What you’ll be doing
Role Overview
The Director Digital HR Technology – RAIL Sector is accountable for leading the HR technology strategy, execution, and adoption for the RAIL sector, aligned with the Global Digital HR (DHR) vision and governance. This role owns Workday as the core HR platform for the sector, oversees complementary HR technologies, and leads AI and automation initiatives that enhance workforce experience and operational effectiveness. The Director manages a small sector HR technology team and serves as the primary point of contact (POC) to Global Digital HR, ensuring seamless alignment between global standards and sector-specific needs.
Key Outcomes of the Role:
- Effective and compliant deployment and adoption of Workday across the RAIL sector.
- Strong alignment between sector HR priorities and global HR technology strategy.
- Measurable business value from AI-enabled HR solutions.
- Clear governance, accountability, and simplification of the HR technology landscape.
The role will also be responsible for:
Sector HR Technology Leadership
- Own the end-to-end HR technology landscape for the RAIL sector.
- Produce and maintain the 3-year HR technology roadmap and budget.
- Act as the senior HR technology advisor to RAIL HR leadership.
- Balance global standardization with sector-specific operational requirements.
- Represent RAIL in global HR technology governance forums.
Workday Platform Ownership (Sector Scope)
- Lead sector-level ownership of Workday in partnership with Global DHR Product Leads.
- Sponsor Rail Sector projects and oversee configuration, enhancements, releases, and prioritization across all Functional Areas: Core HCM, Recruiting & Onboarding, Talent & Performance, Compensation & Advanced Compensation, Security, Learning, Absence, Time Tracking, Reporting and Payroll (where applicable).
- Ensure high-quality data, reporting consistency, and compliance with global standards.
- Drive adoption of Workday best practices and limit non-standard customizations.
- Deploy, manage and evolve the Tier 0, 1 & 2 Workday support model. Primary customer PoC for Tier 3 from Global DHR Delivery team.
Complementary HR Technology & Integrations
- Govern sector usage of complementary HR technologies, including: Payroll and Benefit platforms in conjunction with Sector Countries and HR Shared Services.
- HR Case & Knowledge Management (Workday Help and/or ServiceNow HRSD).
- Talent tools (assessments, interviewing, skills intelligence).
- Learning Management Systems (LMS); Learning Experience (LXP) platforms and integrations with learning content providers.
- Contingent workforce VMS platforms.
- Partner with IT and vendors to ensure: Secure, scalable integrations, Stable operations and release coordination, Cost and vendor rationalization.
AI in HR & Automation (Sector Champion)
- Serve as the sector lead for AI in HR initiatives, aligned with global AI governance.
- Identify, pilot, and scale AI use cases across HR from Hire to Retire.
- Ensure responsible AI practices, including bias mitigation, data privacy, and auditability.
People Leadership & Operating Model
- Lead and develop a sector HR technology team, including: Direct management of sector HR tech resources.
- Governance of Regional Digital HR support teams.
- Coordination with global shared services / support model POCs.
- Define clear roles, ownership boundaries, and escalation paths. Foster a high-performing, globally distributed team culture.
Global Digital HR (DHR) Liaison & Governance
- Act as the primary POC between the RAIL sector and Global Digital HR.
- Translate sector needs into structured, prioritized requirements.
- Ensure sector adherence to: Global HR technology architecture, Data, security, and compliance standards, Release and change governance.
- Monitor and hold Global DHR to account for: Application availability, Service and Project delivery, Cost and efficiency.
- Contribute to global roadmap shaping and strategic discussion. Collaboration and support with other DHR Sector Leads.
Adoption, Change & Value Realization
- Drive adoption and user experience across the RAIL sector.
- Define and track KPIs related to: System engagement; utilization; Employee & Manager self-service, HR operational efficiency, Business value and ROI.
- Develop and promote all technology learning channels and guides.
- Partner with HR Operations, Change, and Communications teams to embed technology into everyday work.
What you bring to the team
We’re looking for a team player, who is motivated by delivering great work and the Hitachi vision. The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and background required:
- 10–15+ years of experience in HR Technology / Digital HR / HRIS.
- Strong, hands-on experience with Workday in complex, global environments.
- Proven people leadership experience (direct and matrixed teams).
- Experience operating in global, federated HR models.
- Strong understanding of HR processes, integrations, and data governance.
- Excellent verbal and written communications – primary business language is English.
Preferred
- Experience leading AI or automation initiatives in HR.
- Exposure to applications in Case Management; Contingent VMS; skills & competencies; learning; payroll and benefits.
- Experience in Rail, Transportation, Infrastructure, or Engineering-led industries.
- Prior experience working across Europe and/or India delivery models.
Our Values
We are proud to say we are an equal opportunity employer and welcome all applicants for employment without consideration of any factor that doesn’t impact your ability to do the job. We are proud of Japanese heritage, with our values expressed through the Hitachi Spirit:
- Wa–Harmony, Trust, Respect
- Makoto–Sincerity, Fairness, Honesty, Integrity
- Kaitakusha-Seishin–Pioneering Spirit, Challenge
This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of HR technology for a critical global sector, working at the intersection of Workday, AI, and large-scale digital transformation, while being deeply connected to a global HR technology community.
Sr Manager/Director Digital HR Technology – RAIL Sector (m/f/d) in Tewkesbury employer: Hitachi Vantara Corporation
Contact Detail:
Hitachi Vantara Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr Manager/Director Digital HR Technology – RAIL Sector (m/f/d) in Tewkesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the RAIL sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with HR technology, especially Workday. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've driven success in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job at Hitachi that catches your eye, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching Hitachi’s values and recent projects in the RAIL sector. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around AI and digital transformation. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
We think you need these skills to ace Sr Manager/Director Digital HR Technology – RAIL Sector (m/f/d) in Tewkesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director Digital HR Technology. Highlight your experience with Workday and any relevant HR technology projects you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs in the RAIL sector!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can help us achieve our goals. Don't forget to mention your experience with AI and automation initiatives in HR.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively. Be sure to include examples of your people leadership experience, especially in global or federated HR models. We want to know how you inspire and manage teams!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Hitachi!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi Vantara Corporation
✨Know Your Workday Inside Out
Since this role revolves around Workday, make sure you’re well-versed in its functionalities and best practices. Brush up on your knowledge of Workday’s Core HCM, Recruiting, and Performance modules, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented or managed these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This position requires strong people leadership experience. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams, manage projects, and drive change. Think about times when you’ve fostered a high-performing team culture or navigated complex HR technology landscapes.
✨Align with Hitachi's Values
Familiarise yourself with Hitachi's core values: Harmony, Sincerity, and Pioneering Spirit. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their vision of a balanced society through technology.
✨Prepare for AI and Automation Discussions
As the role involves leading AI initiatives in HR, be ready to talk about your experience with AI and automation. Have specific examples of how you’ve identified and scaled AI use cases in HR, and be prepared to discuss responsible AI practices, including data privacy and bias mitigation.
