Forward Deployed Partner Architect

HR Tech Job; United States; Hybrid; USD 162,200 - 243,200; Full time

Job summary

Workday is seeking a Forward Deployed Partner Architect to bridge our platform with strategic SIs and Frontier AI model providers. You will translate AI solutions into measurable business outcomes for executives, architect bespoke pilot-to-production solutions, and showcase our data model, security framework, and governance with Agent System of Record.

You will lead rapid prototyping across 4‑week and 8‑week cycles, help shape consumption models, and ensure security and privacy compliance across

Qualifications

• 7+ years of technology solution design, enterprise software implementations, or digital transformation.
• 7+ years presenting to technical, business, and executive audiences, in-person or virtual.
• 5+ years of Workday experience.
• 4+ years working with GSIs or Frontier AI labs / model providers.

Responsibilities

• Architectural co-innovation with SIs or frontier AI model providers to design customer-specific AI roadmaps.
• Lead 4–8 week pilot-to-production builds in pre-production environments.
• Support Workday’s shift to agentic-based consumption models and forecast long-term AI needs.
• Navigate complex global security, compliance, and data privacy requirements.

Skills

Solution design

Executive communication

Workday experience

GSIs / Frontier AI labs

Architectural co-innovation

Pilot-to-production prototyping

Security & compliance

Data governance

Tools

MCP

A2A orchestration

LLMs / AI models

Job description

Your work days are brighter here.

We’re obsessed with making hard work pay off, for our people, our customers, and the world around us. As a Fortune 500 company and a leading AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, we’re shaping the future of work so teams can reach their potential and focus on what matters most. The minute you join, you’ll feel it. Not just in the products we build, but in how we show up for each other. Our culture is rooted in integrity, empathy, and shared enthusiasm. We’re in this together, tackling big challenges with bold ideas and genuine care. We look for curious minds and courageous collaborators who bring sun-drenched optimism and drive. Whether you're building smarter solutions, supporting customers, or creating a space where everyone belongs, you’ll do meaningful work with Workmates who’ve got your back. In return, we’ll give you the trust to take risks, the tools to grow, the skills to develop and the support of a company invested in you for the long haul. So, if you want to inspire a brighter work day for everyone, including yourself, you’ve found a match in Workday, and we hope to be a match for you too.

About the Team

The Forward Deployed (FD) team is an elite, multi-disciplinary unit designed to bridge the gap between "the possible" and "the practical." We don’t just slide-ware our vision; we build it. As part of the North America Solution Consulting organization, we sit at the high-velocity intersection of AI Strategy, Product Engineering, and the agentic ecosystem. Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of Workday’s AI Human Capital and Financial management solutions by co-innovating with our most strategic partners and customers.

About the Role

As a Forward Deployed Partner Architect, you are the technical bridge between our platform and our most strategic System Integrators (SIs) and Frontier AI Model Providers. Your job is to make "agentic AI" real for the enterprise. You will empower partners to drive joint consumption by architecting bespoke pilot-to-production solutions and leading agentic architectures that showcase our unique data model, security framework, and governance with Agent System of Record. You are capable of translating AI solutions into clear business outcomes for CXOs, while maintaining deep technical credibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architectural Co‑Innovation: Partner with SIs or Frontier AI Model Providers to design customer‑specific AI roadmaps that quantify the business value of Workday AI, moving beyond buzzwords to measurable outcomes. Collaborating with the Workday Partner Managers will be critical.
• Rapid Agentic Prototyping: Lead 4‑week and 8‑week "Pilot to Production" builds in pre‑production/sandbox environments for our partner’s customers to bridge the gap between AI roadmap promises and technical reality.
• Consumption Strategy: Support Workday’s shift to agentic‑based consumption models. You will analyze technical usage patterns and help customers forecast their long‑term AI and platform needs.
• Technical Diplomacy: Navigate complex global security, compliance, and data privacy requirements. You are the trusted advisor who ensures Workday AI fits seamlessly into a customer’s broader IT ecosystem.
• The Feedback Loop: Act as a critical sensor for Product & Technology teams, funneling real‑world SI and customer challenges back into the development roadmap to ensure our AI remains "built for business."
• Ecosystem Integration: Design and recommend seamless data flows and integration strategies (including MCP and A2A) within complex, multi‑cloud enterprise landscapes.
• Measurable Impact: Responsible for demonstrating impact and measurable value within your industry or domain expertise.

About You

Basic Qualifications:

Principal, FDE Partner Architect:

• 7+ years of experience in technology solution design, enterprise software implementations, or digital transformation
• 7+ years' experience presenting to technical, business, and executive audiences both in‑person and virtually
• 5+ years of Workday experience
• 4+ years of experience working directly within or alongside Global System Integrators (GSIs) or leading Frontier AI Labs / Model Providers.

Senior, FDE Partner Architect:

• 5+ years of extensive human resource, financials or IT domain expertise
• 5+ years of experience in technology solution design, enterprise software implementations, or digital transformation
• 4+ years' experience presenting to technical, business, and executive audiences both in‑person and virtual
• 2+ years of experience working directly within or alongside Global System Integrators (GSIs) or leading Frontier AI Labs / Model Providers.

Other Qualifications:

• AI Evangelist & Architect: Driven by a passion for the edge of AI innovation—from Agentic workflows and MCP to A2A orchestration, RAG, and foundational LLMs. You go beyond high‑level concepts to design production‑ready, secure AI agents & frameworks.
• The "Forward Deployed" Mindset: You are comfortable with ambiguity and thrive when "building the plane while flying it."
• Consultative Rigor: Expert‑level skills in creating architectural diagrams, technology roadmaps, and data‑backed business cases.
• Partner Centric: Strong understanding of SI’s GTM dynamics and how to turn bespoke proof‑of‑concepts into scalable, repeatable partner practice blueprints.
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 40% to engage with SIs and customers on‑site.

Workday Pay Transparency Statement

The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. Workday pay ranges vary based on work location. As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role‑specific commission/bonus, as well as annual refresh stock grants. Recruiters can share more detail during the hiring process. Each candidate’s compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, skills, job duties, and business need, among other things.

Primary Location: USA.CA.Home Office Primary Location Base Pay Range: $162,200 USD - $243,200 USD Additional US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $162,200 USD - $243,200 USD

Additional Considerations:

If performed in Colorado, the pay range for this job is $162,200 USD - $243,200 USD based on min and max pay range for that role if performed in CO.

The application deadline for this role is the same as the posting end date stated as below:

09/28/2026

Our Approach to Flexible Work

With Flex Work, we’re combining the best of both worlds: in‑person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in‑office each week, we simply spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you'll have the freedom to create a flexible schedule that caters to your business, team, and personal needs, while being intentional to make the most of time spent together. Those in our remote "home office" roles also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for important moments that matter.

Pursuant to applicable Fair Chance law, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Workday is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

At Workday, we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive hiring experience where all candidates can fully demonstrate their skills. If you require assistance or an accommodation at any point, please email [e-mail].