Workday HCM Solution Architect

About Meridian Meridian is a minority-owned, 9-Time Inc. 5000 honoree and one of the nation's fastest-growing small businesses. For more than two decades, we've helped organizations modernize and maximize their ERP and Workday investments—delivering solutions that are efficient, scalable, and aligned to each client’s mission. We proudly serve state and local governments, federal agencies, K–12 organizations, and commercial clients, giving our team exposure to meaningful work that directly improves communities and public services nationwide. If you’re looking to grow your career inside a collaborative, supportive, and fast-growing consulting environment, Meridian is the place for you! Workday HCM Solution Architect 🕒 Full-time, salaried position 🌍 100% Remote - must reside within the United States ✈️ Up to 30% domestic travel 📍 Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship, now or in the future The Opportunity Due to continued growth, Meridian Partners is seeking a Workday HCM Solution Architect to lead complex HCM, Time Tracking, and Payroll solutions for large public sector clients. This role is ideal for architects who thrive on solving hard problems, shaping scalable designs, and leading teams through complexity while serving as the trusted face of a workstream to clients and executives. You will guide solution direction, mentor consultants, and ensure that what is designed can scale, perform, and endure. At Meridian, Solution Architects: Lead complex, high‑impact Workday programs Focus on architecture, outcomes, and client confidence not endless configuration Mentor the next generation of Workday talent Operate with clarity, governance, and delivery discipline Help shape how public sector Workday success is defined If you want to be a true architect, not just a senior configurator and want your voice to matter Meridian is the place. Responsibilities Solution Architecture & Design Leadership Own the end-to-end functional solution architecture for one or more Workday workstreams (HCM, Time Tracking, Payroll) across multiple clients Translate complex business and regulatory requirements into cohesive, scalable Workday solution designs Lead architecture and design workshops, guiding clients toward supportable solutions aligned with Workday best practices Anticipate cross module dependencies and downstream impacts across HCM, Absence, Recruiting, Time, Benefits, Compensation, and Payroll Serve as the functional authority and escalation point for complex solution and design decisions Validate that solutions meet business needs while remaining configurable, auditable, and sustainable Public Sector & Compliance Expertise Architect solutions that address public sector and K 12 complexity, including: Union contracts and collective bargaining agreements Retroactive pay, step progressions, and off cycle payrolls Complex time, overtime, premium pay, and leave rules Statutory, regulatory, and audit requirements Partner closely with HR, Payroll, Finance, IT, and governance stakeholders to ensure alignment and compliance Client Advisory & Executive Presence Act as the primary Solution Architect and client‑facing lead for your workstream Build trusted advisor relationships with client executives (CHRO, CFO, CIO) Clearly explain solution designs, tradeoffs, risks, and recommendations in executive‑ready language Support steering committee meetings, executive reviews, and key decision forums Balance client preferences with Workday‑recommended patterns and long‑term supportability Quality, Governance & Risk Management Review and approve key design and delivery artifacts, including design documentation, configuration workbooks, and testing strategies Ensure strong design governance and adherence to Meridian delivery standards Proactively identify and surface risks related to data, compliance, integrations, and downstream processes Support clean, well‑governed transitions to post‑production and support teams Team Leadership & Mentorship Lead and mentor Functional Leads and Consultants across HCM, Time Tracking, and Payroll Coach junior consultants through complex problem‑solving and solution design Provide clear architectural direction while empowering teams to execute effectively Promote collaboration across workstreams delivery is never done in isolation Contribute to reusable accelerators, templates, and intellectual property Growth & Firm Contribution Participate in pre‑sales solutioning, estimates, and client presentations Support interviews, onboarding, and practice growth initiatives Contribute thought leadership related to public sector and K‑12 Workday delivery Help shape how Meridian continues to grow with discipline and intention Minimum Qualifications 10+ years of HRIS or ERP experience, including 5+ years of Workday delivery. Proven experience as a Workday Solution Architect, Functional Architect. Deep functional expertise in one or more of the following: Core HCM (strong) Time Tracking (advanced rules and costing) U.S. Payroll (end to end processing and testing) Absence & Leave Benefits & Compensation Strong public sector implementation experience (state, local government, or K 12) Demonstrated ability to design complex solutions, lead teams, and present confidently to executives Implementer Certifications (minimum two): Workday Core HCM (required) Workday US Payroll Workday Time Tracking Workday Recruiting Workday Learning Pay Transparency Compensation for roles at Meridian varies depending on a wide array of factors including, but not limited to, the specific practice, role, skillset, and level of experience. As required by law, Meridian provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired. Base Salary Range is $170,000 to $220,000 plus bonus is available for this specific role. 💙 Why You’ll Love Working at Meridian 🌟 A collaborative, people-first culture 🌟 Generous time off and flexible remote environment 🌟 401(k) with company match that immediately vests 🌟 Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, caregiver/adoption support, financial coaching, EAP 🌟 Company-paid life insurance All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. No third-party agencies or submissions will be accepted. Applicants have rights under the following Federal Employment Laws: Family Medical Leave Act , U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) .