HR Workday Transformation Consultant

Harbor is seeking a HR Workday Transformation Consultant to advise US clients on HR transformation and Workday, helping them plan, select and deliver change that lasts. Our HR and Payroll Transformation practice is growing quickly in the US, and this role is central to that growth. We advise organizations on how to modernize their HR and payroll functions, from the early business case through to system selection, implementation oversight and post go live support. Much of our work is with professional services firms, particularly large law firms, where we have built a strong reputation for independent, practical advice on Workday.

Our US client base has grown rapidly over the past two years. We now need an experienced consultant on the ground who can lead client conversations, shape engagements and help us win new work. This is a remote position that can be worked from anywhere in the US, with preference given to those candidates located in the Eastern Time Zone near a major metropolitan area.

Responsibilities:

The role splits broadly into five areas, with the balance shifting depending on the client work in hand.

HR Transformation Advisory

• Lead discovery and current state reviews of HR, payroll and people processes, and set out clear, costed options for change.

• Build business cases for HR technology investment, including benefits, costs, risks and timelines.

• Design target operating models for HR and HRIS teams, covering roles, governance, service delivery and support.

• Advise senior stakeholders, including CHROs, COOs and CFOs, on transformation strategy and priorities.

Workday Advisory and System Selection

• Run HCM system selection exercises, including Workday against Oracle, SAP SuccessFactors and other platforms.

• Manage systems integrator (SI) procurement: write RFPs, set scoring criteria, run supplier demonstrations and lead evaluation.

• Review SI proposals, statements of work and commercial terms, and help clients negotiate a fair deal.

• Act as the client's independent adviser during implementation, providing quality assurance, design review and challenge to the SI.

Delivery

• Plan and manage engagements to time, budget and quality, with clear reporting to clients and internal leadership.

• Support workstreams such as testing, data migration, change management, training and job architecture.

• Produce high quality client deliverables, including reports, presentations, evaluation packs and operating model designs.

Workday Training for HR Teams

• Assess training needs across HR, payroll and people operations teams, and design a training plan that fits each role.

• Deliver Workday training to HR teams, both in person and online, covering core HCM processes, reporting and day to day administration.

• Create clear training materials, including user guides, quick reference cards, exercises and recorded walkthroughs.

• Prepare HR teams to support themselves after go live, including train the trainer sessions and handover to internal Workday support teams.

• Provide refresher and update training as Workday releases new features twice a year.

Business Development and Practice Growth

• Build and maintain relationships with HR, finance and operations leaders across the US market.

• Identify new opportunities within existing clients and help shape proposals and pricing.

• Contribute to thought leadership, events and the development of our methods and tools.

• Coach and support more junior consultants.

Skills and Experience:

The right person will have at least eight years in HR transformation, with a strong track record on Workday programs.

Essential

• At least eight years' experience in HR transformation, HR technology or HR operations, ideally with some of that time in consulting.

• Hands on involvement in at least two full Workday HCM implementations, either as a client lead, program manager or advisory partner.

• Sound knowledge of Workday HCM and how it fits with payroll, finance and other connected systems.

• Experience of running or supporting HCM system selection and SI procurement.

• Proven experience designing and delivering Workday training to HR teams, with the confidence to run sessions for groups at all levels.

• Good understanding of US HR and payroll practice, including multi state payroll and benefits administration.

• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and presenting to leadership teams.

• Excellent written skills, with the ability to produce clear, well-structured client reports.

Desirable

• Experience in professional services firms, especially law firms, and an understanding of how partner and fee earner roles differ from standard employee models.

• Workday certification in HCM, Payroll, Compensation or Recruiting.

• Knowledge of Workday Payroll or third-party payroll providers such as ADP.

• Experience of global or cross border programs, including work with UK or European teams.

• A background in business development within a consulting firm.

Other Qualities

We want someone clients trust to tell them the truth, and colleagues enjoy working with.

• Independent and confident enough to challenge suppliers and clients when needed.

• Practical and focused on outcomes rather than theory.

• Comfortable working on your own in a growing market, while staying closely connected to a team across the US and UK.

• Curious, organized and able to manage several engagements at once.

• Commercially aware, with a genuine interest in helping the practice grow.