Workday Talent Principal Consultant

The Workday Talent Principal Consultant is a Workday subject matter expert responsible for leading the design, configuration, and delivery of Workday Talent solutions. Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, this individual provides strategic guidance across Talent Management processes while driving successful implementation outcomes. The Principal Consultant combines deep functional expertise with delivery leadership, pre-sales support, and mentoring responsibilities. They serve as a solution lead on complex engagements, support business development activities, and help develop the next generation of Workday consultants. Responsibilities Serve as a Workday Talent subject matter expert across areas including Talent, Performance, Succession, Career Development, Goals, Skills Cloud, and Talent Marketplace. Lead client workshops and design sessions to gather requirements and define Workday Talent solutions aligned to business objectives and best practices. Own the design, configuration, testing, and deployment of Workday Talent solutions. Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to clients on talent management processes and transformation initiatives. Lead Talent workstreams on medium to large Workday implementations, managing solution decisions, risks, and dependencies. Partner with Recruiting, HCM, Learning, Reporting, Security, Integrations, and Change Management teams to deliver integrated solutions. Support testing, cutover, deployment, and knowledge transfer activities. Mentor consultants and analysts, providing coaching, quality reviews, and functional guidance. Support sales and business development activities, including solutioning, estimations, proposals, demonstrations, and client presentations. Contribute to practice development through knowledge sharing, methodology improvements, and internal training initiatives. Maintain expertise in Workday Talent functionality, emerging trends, and product innovations. Skills & Requirements Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Active Workday Talent Certification required. 5+ years of Workday implementation experience. Proven experience leading Talent workstreams on end-to-end Workday implementations. Experience gathering requirements, leading workshops, solution design, configuration, testing, and deployment. Experience supporting pre-sales activities Strong leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder management skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills, including engagement with senior business stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment. 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. Minimal travel required, but must be willing to travel on-site as needed. #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.