Workday HCM Specialist - Absence & HCM Core in London

For the past 20 years, ProPharma has improved the health and wellness of patients by providing advice and expertise that empowers biotech, med device, and pharmaceutical organizations of all sizes to confidently advance scientific breakthroughs and introduce new therapies. ProPharma partners with its clients through an advise-build-operate model across the complete product lifecycle. With deep domain expertise in regulatory sciences, clinical research solutions, quality & compliance, pharmacovigilance, medical information, and R&D technology, ProPharma offers an end-to-end suite of fully customizable consulting solutions that de-risk and accelerate our partners' most high-profile drug and device programs.

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Workday HCM Specialist with primary responsibility for managing the administration and ongoing optimization of the Workday Absence module. This role will serve as the subject matter expert for absence management within Workday HCM, ensuring accurate configuration, compliance, reporting, and user support across multiple regions. The position works closely with Global HR, Payroll, Finance, IT, Workday FDM Support, and external vendors to ensure seamless absence processes and system integrity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Workday Absence Module Ownership
  • Act as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for the Workday Absence module.
  • Manage absence plans, accruals, eligibility rules, leave types, carryover rules, and country-specific configurations.
  • Ensure absence processes align with internal policies and applicable employment legislation.
  • Maintain and update configurations to reflect policy or regulatory changes.
  • Perform regular audits to ensure data accuracy, compliance, and system integrity.
• System Support and Administration
  • Serve as the main point of contact for Workday HCM support, with emphasis on absence-related queries.
  • Manage and resolve support tickets in a timely and professional manner.
  • Troubleshoot issues, conduct root cause analysis, and coordinate with IT and external vendors as needed.
  • Support system testing, enhancements, upgrades, and releases to ensure minimal disruption.
  • Maintain documentation of configurations, workflows, and standard operating procedures.
• Reporting and Data Management
  • Generate standard and custom reports, dashboards, and metrics related to absence and workforce data.
  • Conduct data validation and maintenance activities to ensure data integrity.
  • Support HR and leadership with insights to inform workforce planning and compliance tracking.
• Training and Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Deliver user training and create clear, accessible documentation and user guides.
  • Partner with HR, Payroll, Finance, and Operational teams to improve processes and identify automation opportunities.
  • Provide clear, user-friendly explanations of technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Compliance and Data Protection
  • Ensure compliance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations, including GDPR and CCPA where relevant.
  • Maintain appropriate system access controls and security protocols.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a Workday HCM Administrator capacity.
• Minimum 1 year of hands-on experience administering the Workday Absence module (multi-country experience strongly preferred).
• 1–3 years' experience in HRIS support, systems administration, or technical support roles preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Workday HCM configuration, particularly Absence.
• Solid understanding of HR processes and absence/leave management practices.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Clear communication skills and a customer-focused mindset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

ProPharma supports flexible and remote working arrangements. We also recognize the value of in-person collaboration. Employees who live within a reasonable commuting distance of a ProPharma office may be encouraged to work on a hybrid basis, in alignment with their manager. All applications are considered on their individual merit. Proximity to an office location will not advantage or disadvantage any candidate.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every employee can bring their authentic self to work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, ProPharma makes employment decisions without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate our differences and strive to create a workplace where each person can be their authentic self. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employees are encouraged to unleash their innovative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial spirits. With a holistic approach as an Equal Opportunity Employer, we provide a safe space where all employees feel empowered to succeed.

All applications to roles at ProPharma are personally reviewed by a member of our recruitment team. We do not rely on AI screening tools to support our hiring process. You will always receive an outcome to your application so that you have an answer from us - whether you're successful or not.

Whilst ProPharma supports remote working, we also recognise the value that comes from in person collaboration. As such, we encourage any new hires that are based within a reasonably short commute of one of our offices to work on a hybrid basis and spend some time working from that office location, as agreed with your manager. All applications will be treated on their own merit and candidates will not be at any advantage or disadvantage based on their proximity to an office.