At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the data journey for our HR transformation, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Company: Join Wickes, a fun and inclusive home improvement retailer with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, a contributory pension, and a range of wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data integrity while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR data management and strong analytical skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, blending remote and office work.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR Data Lead to join Wickes during a significant HCM transformation programme. This role is responsible for the end-to-end data journey across our HCM implementation, owning the strategy for extracting, transforming, cleansing, and migrating data from multiple legacy systems into Oracle or SAP. Acting as the critical bridge between our “as-is” environment and the future-state HCM platform, you will ensure data integrity, governance, and compliance throughout the transformation lifecycle. Working closely with the Tech Data Lead, Systems Integrator partner, Product Owner, and Business Readiness Lead, you will ensure colleague data is accurate, secure, and positioned to deliver meaningful reporting and insight in our new environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Data Migration & Governance: Define and own the data migration strategy, including scope, conversion objects, and data cleansing roadmap. Establish data ownership, approval levels, and governance standards during migration.
- Future Data & Reporting Strategy: Map existing reports and analytics to future-state HCM reporting capabilities. Represent HR in discussions aligning the new HCM with the Wickes Data Lake. Advise on data retention strategy (e.g., historical salary, job, and applicant data).
- ETL Management: Oversee Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes in collaboration with the Tech Data Lead and SI partner. Ensure accurate mapping from legacy fields into Oracle/SAP structures (e.g., SAP Infotypes, Oracle Business Objects).
- Data Cleansing & Readiness: Lead HR and Payroll teams through data cleansing activities, identifying redundant, outdated, or incomplete data. Ensure clear understanding of “Data Readiness” and associated business impacts.
- Mapping & Transformation: Oversee creation and maintenance of mapping documentation. Ensure historical data (e.g., job history, salary changes) is accurately sequenced and structured for the new platform.
- Trial Conversions & Testing: Manage multiple mock data loads into test environments. Oversee reconciliation reporting, resolving load errors and leading key decisions during remediation.
- Validation & Cutover Assurance: Ensure reconciliation processes demonstrate full auditability of records during cutover. Provide assurance to stakeholders and auditors that all data has been accurately migrated.
What are we looking for?
- Degree educated or equivalent experience.
- Extensive experience managing HR system data and reporting in a BAU environment.
- Proven experience leading data extraction, transformation, and migration for a system implementation.
- At least 3+ years’ experience as a Data Lead or Data Architect within a Tier 1 HCM/ERP implementation.
- Strong understanding of mapping tools used in migrations from legacy HR systems to Tier 1 HCM platforms.
- Advanced SQL and Excel (Power Query, Macros) or ETL tools such as Alteryx or Informatica.
- Strong understanding of HR system functionality and data structures.
- Knowledge of GDPR and its application during system transformation.
- Ability to interpret how role-based permissions impact data structures, reporting, and system security.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, particularly in resolving complex data integrity issues (e.g., mismatched employee IDs, broken hierarchies).
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical data constraints for non-technical HR stakeholders.
- Demonstrable passion for data accuracy, governance, and confidentiality.
- Experience using Oracle HDL / Spreadsheet Loaders or SAP SuccessFactors Migration Center / Migration Cockpit.
- Functional working knowledge of SAP SuccessFactors or Oracle Cloud Fusion modules.
- Experience working alongside a specialist HCM implementation partner.
What can we offer you?
You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us. We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes:
- Competitive bonus (2027 period)
- Contributory pension scheme
- Colleague discount
- Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme.
Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support. We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture. We are also encouraging our teams to work flexibly, with a blend of remote / office working.
About Us
Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 40 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.3Bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues. But it is the Wickes’ culture that we are really proud of as it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.
Please contact us here if you require any adjustments within the application process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage you will have an opportunity to inform us when we invite you to interview. Please note, this link is only for reasonable adjustments required - general enquiries, or direct CV applications cannot be accepted via this form.
Closing Date: Sunday 1st March 2026
HR Data Lead in England employer: Wickes
Contact Detail:
Wickes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Data Lead in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR and data fields. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can confidently discuss data migration strategies and ETL processes, as these will likely come up in conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for data accuracy and governance during interviews. Share examples of how you've tackled data integrity issues in the past—this will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Data Lead in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Data Lead role. Highlight your experience with data migration, governance, and any relevant tools like SQL or ETL software. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data accuracy and governance. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical skills! If you’ve worked with Oracle or SAP, or have experience with data mapping tools, make sure these stand out. We love seeing candidates who can bridge the gap between tech and HR.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wickes
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As an HR Data Lead, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of data migration strategies and governance. Brush up on your knowledge of ETL processes and be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed data integrity in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your experience with SQL, Excel, and any ETL tools like Alteryx or Informatica. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've used these tools to solve complex data issues, as this will show your technical prowess and problem-solving capabilities.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll be acting as a bridge between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, so practice explaining complex data concepts in simple terms. This will help demonstrate your excellent communication skills, which are crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-world data challenges. Think of specific examples from your experience where you’ve led data cleansing activities or managed mock data loads, and be ready to discuss the outcomes and lessons learned.