Workday Adaptive Planning Practice Lead, EMEA

Kainos; Budock Water; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kainos is seeking a Workday Adaptive Planning Practice Lead to drive the growth and operational excellence of our Adaptive Planning practice. This role requires strong leadership and the ability to influence cross‑functional teams while ensuring client success.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated record in both commercial and technical aspects, possess excellent team management skills, and be passionate about fostering inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Significant demonstrable success in a leadership role.
• Experience in both commercial and technical aspects of technology.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a fast‑growing team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies for Adaptive Planning practice.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing consulting team.
• Manage client relationships to enhance collaboration and drive value.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial awareness

Negotiating prowess

Team motivation

Time management

Job description

Join Kainos and Shape the Future

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators—driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting‑edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people‑first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

Position Overview

As the Workday Adaptive Planning Practice Lead, EMEA at Kainos, you will be accountable for developing and leading the practice. You will drive the growth, strategic direction, and operational excellence of our EMEA Adaptive Planning practice. This role is expected to expand our market presence, strengthen client outcomes, and collaborate across organisations to ensure alignment and success. Success requires deep Workday ecosystem expertise, strong executive presence, and the ability to influence cross‑functional teams. This position is entrepreneurial and requires a results‑oriented approach.

Growth Objectives

• Develop and execute strategies to scale the Adaptive Planning practice into a high‑performing business unit.
• Define measurable goals for team growth, client acquisition, and service excellence.

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Partner with Kainos Sales, Marketing, and Delivery leaders to define and execute strategic and market objectives.
• Evolve services, methodologies, and processes to differentiate competitively.
• Build strong client relationships to drive bookings, revenue, and value‑based opportunities.
• Expand business within existing accounts and support sales‑to‑service transitions.
• Manage practice financials and profitability.

Global Practice Alignment

• Collaborate with North America and APAC Kainos Adaptive Planning leaders to align strategies, share best practices, and support unified global initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative, cross‑regional culture.

Sales Leadership Responsibilities

• Strengthen relationships with Workday Sales representatives to enhance collaboration and visibility.
• Deliver expert presales support, clearly articulating solution value.
• Lead deal cycles from early engagement through contract execution.
• Drive Workday‑focused GTM efforts, including campaigns, events, and field enablement.
• Align Kainos and Workday field teams across segments.
• Own and exceed revenue targets while maintaining accurate forecasting and pipeline management.
• Maintain sales documentation and opportunity tracking in Microsoft Dynamics.
• Collaborate across Marketing, Sales, Product, and Customer Success to support partnership success.
• Oversee onboarding and ongoing engagement for Sales resources.

Consulting Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing consulting team.
• Oversee hiring, training, and ongoing skill development.
• Ensure that the Delivery team is meeting or exceeding utilization targets.
• In Year One, participate in growth of Consulting revenue and Delivery leadership with personal billable time of up to 400 hours.
• Stay current with Workday releases to maintain service competitiveness.

Service Delivery Excellence

• Act as executive sponsor for complex client issues.
• Manage escalations effectively to ensure outstanding client satisfaction.
• Serve as a strategic advisor, promoting Kainos offerings and client roadmaps.
• Implement continuous improvement based on performance metrics and feedback.
• Ensure seamless transitions between implementation and support.
• Maintain strong relationships with Workday, Kainos business partners, and client stakeholders.

What We Are Looking For

• Significant demonstrable success in a leadership role.
• Experience spanning both commercial and technical technology aspects.
• Ability to foster and develop senior relationships.
• Ability to make sensible decisions under pressure, taking a balanced view of all demands.
• Strong time‑management across areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a dynamic, fast‑growing team.
• Evidence of innovation and initiatives to continually grow capabilities.
• Strong commercial awareness and negotiating prowess.
• Excellent team player capable of delivering results in less than perfect circumstances.
• Experience in growing and motivating effective teams.
• People‑oriented and able to read and adapt approach to each individual.
• Passionate about developing others and sharing in their success.
• Independent decision maker who creates shared buy‑in.
• Adaptable and open communicator both internally and externally.
• Positive persona who coaches, mentors, and leads by example to all Kainos people.

Embracing Our Differences

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. Every candidate deserves a level playing field.

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out. We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.