Workday HCM Global Data Lead

Why we're hiring:

WPP is embarking on a major 3-year transformation to simplify, modernise, and unify its technology platforms across the group. This change is critical to:

• Enable cost-effective transformation and operational efficiency
• Accelerate adoption of AI, data, and digital platforms
• Ensure consistent delivery of value and benefits across all agencies and markets
• Minimise disruption and maximise engagement during large-scale change

Workday is a cornerstone of this transformation, providing a single, modern system of record for people data and for driving efficiency through our operations and finance functions. By standardising core processes, improving data quality and enabling better insights, Workday supports consistent ways of working, stronger governance and future‑ready capabilities, while creating the foundation for scalable change, automation and AI‑enabled decision making across WPP.

The Workday HCM Global Data Lead is a key leadership role responsible for orchestrating and executing the data strategy to support the successful implementation of Workday. This position requires collaboration with teams across Enterprise Technology, the People Teams, and third-party partners.

What you'll be doing:

Ownership of the Program

• Take full accountability for the successful execution of the Workday HCM program data activities.
• Establish and maintain governance structures to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
• Partner with the Enterprise Data team to define and enforce data ownership and stewardship.
• Implement and own extraction and data quality for the People Technology programmes.
• Drive, design and agree with respective teams on a delivery and maintenance model to ensure tools and processes can be re-used for other projects. Once agreed, document and implement the model.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor the team who are focused on Workday HCM data transformation, ensuring proficiency on data conversion processes and associated high risk areas
• Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and guidance to the team on program priorities and strategy implementation.

Business Process Design

• Collaborate with stakeholders to design and optimize business processes related to People Data.
• Identify and address root cause issues in data management and reporting.

Technology Implementation

• Work closely with Enterprise Technology teams to deliver data solutions to meet business needs.
• Ensure technology aligns with the program's goals and supports data integrity and security.
• Actively participate on the Data Migration RFP and other RFPs where required.

Alignment with Job Architecture

• Collaborate with the Job Architecture Lead to ensure alignment between People Data and job-related data attributes.
• Enhance reporting capabilities related to critical data attributes.
• Co-develop end-user change and adoption strategies to ensure agencies understand process and interdependencies of HR processes related to JA (Payroll, CareerPathways, etc)

What you'll need:

Significant proven relevant work experience in influencing and leading HR Transformation – specifically:

• Leading complex data solutions in a large-scale, tech-enabled global programs
• Excellent understanding of data conversion processes
• Ability to work with end users and to explain design decisions effectively
• Ability to operate both as manager and strategic thinker, with a hands on approach
• Ability to build effective relationships within the Operating Companies
• Excellence with technology solutions for data management and reporting
• Creativity to deliver from a complex & fragmented set of legacy systems and data sets
• Preference for Workday HCM experience
• Understanding of data governance principles and best practices.
• Proficiency in business process design and improvement.
• High degree of cultural awareness and appreciation for our diversity which makes WPP a truly special and unique company
• Proven experience and knowledge of transformation management principles, methodologies, and tools; PROSCI or other certifications preferred
• Adept in communication and able to synthesize and frame information for different audiences in actionable ways
• Active listening skills with the ability to articulate stakeholder positioning in actionable ways
• Demonstrated mastery of leading and influencing others to move toward a common vision and ambitions goals

Who you are:

You're open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: we are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?