Workday HCM Global Data Lead

WPP; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WPP is seeking a Workday HCM Global Data Lead to orchestrate data strategy and governance across Enterprise Technology, People teams, and partners. You will drive data ownership, data quality, and transformation programs to enable a unified, scalable HR data platform.

The role emphasizes leadership and hands-on delivery while collaborating with global teams to ensure secure, compliant data management and successful Workday implementation milestones.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex data transformations in large-scale programs.
• Strong data governance and data quality focus across multiple data domains.
• Ability to translate technical concepts for diverse business audiences.
• Preference for Workday HCM experience.

Responsibilities

• Own the Workday HCM data program delivery and governance.
• Collaborate with Enterprise Technology and People Teams to align data strategy.
• Define data ownership and stewardship, and enforce data quality standards.
• Ensure data integrity, security, and readiness for migrations and RFPs.

Skills

Data governance

Workday HCM

Stakeholder mgmt

Data conversion

Leadership

Transformation mgmt

Effective communication

Job description

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands.

We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.

We work with the world's most valuable brands and have global reach across 100+ markets, with deep local expertise.

Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow.

For more information, visit WPP.com.

WPP is embarking on a major 3-year transformation to simplify, modernise, and unify its technology platforms across the group. This change is critical to:

• Enable cost-effective transformation and operational efficiency
• Accelerate adoption of AI, data, and digital platforms
• Ensure consistent delivery of value and benefits across all agencies and markets

Workday is a cornerstone of this transformation, providing a single, modern system of record for people data and for driving efficiency through our operations and finance functions. By standardising core processes, improving data quality and enabling better insights, Workday supports consistent ways of working, stronger governance and future‑ready capabilities, while creating the foundation for scalable change, automation and AI‑enabled decision making across WPP.

The Workday HCM Global Data Lead is a key leadership role responsible for orchestrating and executing the data strategy to support the successful implementation of Workday. This position requires collaboration with teams across Enterprise Technology, the People Teams, and third‑party partners.

What you'll be doing:

Ownership of the Program

• Take full accountability for the successful execution of the Workday HCM program data activities.
• Establish and maintain governance structures to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
• Partner with the Enterprise Data team to define and enforce data ownership and stewardship.
• Implement and own extraction and data quality for the People Technology programmes.
• Drive, design and agree with respective teams on a delivery and maintenance model to ensure tools and processes can be re-used for other projects. Once agreed, document and implement the model.
• Supervise and mentor the team who are focused on Workday HCM data transformation, ensuring proficiency on data conversion processes and associated high risk areas
• Provide hands‑on leadership, coaching, and guidance to the team on program priorities and strategy implementation.

Business Process Design

• Collaborate with stakeholders to design and optimize business processes related to People Data.
• Identify and address root cause issues in data management and reporting.
• Work closely with Enterprise Technology teams to deliver data solutions to meet business needs.
• Ensure technology aligns with the program's goals and supports data integrity and security.
• Actively participate on the Data Migration RFP and other RFPs where required.

Alignment with Job Architecture

• Collaborate with the Job Architecture Lead to ensure alignment between People Data and job-related data attributes.
• Enhance reporting capabilities related to critical data attributes.
• Co‑develop end‑user change and adoption strategies to ensure agencies understand process and interdependencies of HR processes related to JA (Payroll, CareerPathways, etc)

What you'll need:

• Leading complex data solutions in a large-scale, tech-enabled global programs
• Excellent understanding of data conversion processes
• Ability to work with end users and to explain design decisions effectively
• Ability to operate both as manager and strategic thinker, with a hands on approach
• Ability to build effective relationships within the Operating Companies
• Excellence with technology solutions for data management and reporting
• Creativity to deliver from a complex & fragmented set of legacy systems and data sets
• Preference for Workday HCM experience
• Understanding of data governance principles and best practices.
• Proficiency in business process design and improvement.
• High degree of cultural awareness and appreciation for our diversity which makes WPP a truly special and unique company
• Proven experience and knowledge of transformation management principles, methodologies, and tools; PROSCI or other certifications preferred
• Adept in communication and able to synthesize and frame information for different audiences in actionable ways
• Active listening skills with the ability to articulate stakeholder positioning in actionable ways
• Demonstrated mastery of leading and influencing others to move toward a common vision and ambitions goals

Who you are:

You're open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures for our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: we are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

What we'll give you:

• Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work.
• Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.
• Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

#LI-Hybrid #LI-DNP

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.