Workday Hcm, Compensation & Advanced Compensation / Talent, Principal Consultant

Cognizant; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Principal Consultant skilled in Workday HCM to lead complex intersystem solutions in an Australia-based engagement. The role bridges business and IT teams across transformation, implementation, and operations phases.

You will guide design, configuration, testing, and implementation, mentor colleagues, and drive successful delivery while managing client expectations and timelines. Strong communication and Office Suite proficiency are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent.
• Certification in Workday HCM, Core Compensation, and Advanced Compensation or Talent.
• 5+ years of Workday HCM functional implementation experience required.
• 5 years HR, Payroll, or Financial software experience, required.
• 5 years implementing functional solutions with ERP or SaaS software, highly desired.
• Experience gathering business requirements, designing and prototyping, testing and implementing practical business solutions under multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrated functional experience in Human Resources, Payroll, or Financials Management.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint programs.

Responsibilities

• Bridge business and technical teams during Workday HCM implementation.
• Guide clients through design sessions, configuration, testing, and implementation.
• Lead and mentor project consultants; participate as a Workday Product Partner Lead if needed.
• Support clients through all project phases from legacy systems to Workday HCM solution.
• Communicate progress and changes to clients, project team, and Engagement Manager.

Skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Workday HCM Certification (Core/Advanced/ Talent)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Principal Consultant will “bridge the gap” between the business and technical teams by solving complex Workday intersystem problems. They will guide clients through the transformation, implementation, and operation phases of a Workday HCM implementation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Become a Workday HCM, Compensation, and Advanced Compensation or Talent product expert with knowledge of design, configuration, testing, and implementation.
• Leverage your expertise to recommend the best solution based on the client’s requirements, budget, and timeframe; with the flexibility to adapt the scope as additional needs are identified.
• Guide the customer through facilitated design sessions and configuration decisions based on best practices and an understanding of the customer’s unique business requirements at all stages of the project.
• Regularly engage and support the client through all phases of the project, ensuring a smooth transfer from legacy systems to the Workday HCM solution.
• Perform multiple tasks under limited direction, while regularly keeping the client, your project team and your Engagement Manager abreast of changes or progress related to the project.
• Leads, mentors, and oversees the work of other Consultants within the projects, and willingness to take a leadership position as a Collaborative or WorkdayProduct Partner Lead.
• Display your hands‑on expertise of the software, including loadingcustomer data, moving configuration from tenant to tenant, and configuring business processes and security.

Skills & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent.
• Certification in Workday HCM, Core Compensation, and Advanced Compensation or Talent.
• 5+ years of Workday HCM functional implementation experience required.
• 5 years Human Resources, Payroll, or Financial software experience, required.
• 5 years implementing functional solutions with ERP or SaaS software, highly desired.
• Experience gathering business requirements, designing and prototyping, testing and implementing practical business solutions under multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrated functional experience in Human Resources, Payroll, or Financials Management.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively manage customer expectations.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint programs.

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.