Workday HCM Manager - AMS (Application Managed Services)

The Workday HCM Manager - AMS is responsible for leading the delivery of Workday Application Managed Services (AMS) for a portfolio of clients. Acting as a trusted advisor, the role combines Workday functional expertise, customer relationship management, operational leadership, and people management to ensure exceptional service delivery and customer success. The Manager partners with Service Delivery Managers, Client Partners, Engagement Managers, and consulting teams to deliver ongoing support, enhancements, optimisation initiatives, and strategic guidance while driving operational excellence and team development. Key Responsibilities: Service Delivery & Customer Management Lead the successful delivery of Workday HCM AMS services across multiple clients. Act as an escalation point for complex functional issues, critical incidents, and customer concerns. Build strong client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor on Workday best practices and product adoption. Lead governance meetings, service reviews, and roadmap discussions. Ensure delivery against SLAs, KPIs, and customer expectations. Functional Leadership Provide expert guidance across Workday HCM and related functional areas. Review and validate solution designs, enhancements, and configuration recommendations. Support customers through Workday releases, optimisation initiatives, and business process improvements. Drive solution quality and adherence to Workday best practices. Team Leadership & Operations Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Workday consultants. Manage resource planning, utilisation, forecasting, and workload allocation. Promote knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and a high-performance culture. Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and career development activities. Business Development Support account growth opportunities within existing customers. Contribute to proposals, Statements of Work (SOWs), estimations, and solution discussions. Collaborate with sales and account teams to expand AMS services and customer value. Skills & Experience: 7+ years of Workday HCM consulting, implementation, or AMS experience. 3+ years of team leadership or people management experience. Active Workday HCM certification required. Strong expertise in Workday HCM and at least one additional functional area. Experience managing customer relationships within a managed services environment. Strong stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, customers, and consultants simultaneously. Experience identifying and mitigating delivery, operational, and customer risks. Minimal travel required, but must be willing to travel on‑site as needed Eligible for SC Clearance - you must have been a UK resident for the last five years and be legally entitled to work in the UK #LI-Remote Why choose Cognizant: Entrepreneurial environment that welcomes your ideas Opportunity to do great work Outreach programs that support communities and tap into your volunteer spirit Learning opportunities to help current needs and advancement Global operations, with opportunities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific An abundance of Affinity groups to meet your needs Cognizant Core Values: Work as One: We think beyond roles, relying on each other’s strengths to win as a team. Raise the Bar: We always aim for excellence in how we work and what we deliver. Dare to Innovate: We push boundaries and take chances to reimagine what’s possible. Do the Right Thing: We all lead with integrity and always make the ethical choice. Own It: We own the outcomes for our company, colleagues, and community.