Senior Project Manager - Workday Implementation
Hybrid (3 days per week in office)
$1000 - $1200 p/d
6 month contract

Company Overview
Our client is a leading organisation committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to their customers. They are embarking on a critical multi-year Workday transformation programme to modernise their enterprise systems and drive operational excellence across the organisation.

Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the cutover activities for a Workday implementation programme. This is a highly visible role requiring deep expertise in Workday deployments, cutover planning and execution, and the ability to manage large-scale enterprise transformation initiatives. You will be responsible for orchestrating multiple workstreams, managing cross-functional delivery teams, and ensuring seamless business transition during critical go-live phases.

Key Responsibilities:

Programme Leadership & Delivery

• Lead and manage the complete Workday implementation lifecycle across multiple modules (HCM, Finance, Payroll, or other applicable modules)
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, roadmaps, timelines, and budgets to ensure on-time, within-scope delivery
• Oversee and coordinate delivery teams and Subject Matter Experts
• Provide end-to-end accountability for planning, execution, and reporting across all programme workstreams

Cutover Planning & Execution

• Design and execute detailed cutover plans, including data migration strategies, system cutover runbooks, and business continuity procedures
• Lead cutover readiness assessments and manage go/no-go decision gates with executive stakeholders
• Coordinate cutover activities across technical teams, business operations, and third-party vendors to ensure zero-disruption transitions
• Manage post-cutover hypercare and stabilisation activities, including issue resolution and business support

Stakeholder Management & Governance

• Collaborate closely with C-suite executives including Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and other senior leaders
• Establish and maintain robust programme governance frameworks with clear RACI, decision-making protocols, and escalation procedures
• Monitor and report on programme progress, risks, and issues to executive steering committees and senior stakeholders
• Ensure transparency and alignment with strategic business objectives throughout the delivery lifecycle

Risk & Issue Management

• Proactively identify and manage programme risks, issues, dependencies, and constraints across technical, business, and organisational dimensions
• Implement effective mitigation strategies and contingency plans to protect critical milestones and delivery commitments
• Manage dependencies across BAU operations, ensuring seamless collaboration with operational teams during transition periods

Team Development & Continuous Improvement

• Mentor and coach Project Managers, Business Analysts, and team members to build high-performing delivery capabilities
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and embed best practices in project management methodologies
• Drive adoption of standardised delivery frameworks and tools across the programme

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

Workday Expertise (Critical)

• Minimum 7-10 years of project management experience, with at least 5+ years focused specifically on Workday implementations
• Proven track record of successfully delivering at least 2-3 full lifecycle Workday implementations from design through post-production support
• Deep expertise in Workday deployment methodologies, configuration principles, and integration patterns
• Experience across multiple Workday modules (HCM, Financials, Billing, Payroll, Talent, Recruiting, or others)

Cutover & Go-Live Experience (Critical)

• Extensive experience planning and executing complex system cutovers for enterprise applications
• Demonstrated ability to develop detailed cutover runbooks, coordinate cross-functional cutover teams, and manage high-risk go-live transitions
• Experience with data migration cutover strategies, including validation, reconciliation, and fallback procedures
• Track record of delivering zero-defect cutovers with minimal business disruption

Leadership & Delivery

• Proven ability to lead large, complex transformation programmes within regulated or enterprise environments
• Experience managing programme budgets exceeding $5M+ and teams of 15+ resources including onshore, offshore, and vendor personnel
• Strong understanding of enterprise technology landscapes, system integration patterns, and cloud-based SaaS delivery models
• Experience working with implementation partners (e.g., Accenture, Deloitte, PwC, EY) and managing vendor relationships

Technical & Methodological Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid) and ability to adapt approaches based on context
• Proficiency in project management tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, JIRA, Confluence, or similar platforms
• Understanding of change management principles and organisational readiness for enterprise system transformations

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication, leadership, and influencing skills with ability to engage executive stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and ability to navigate ambiguity in fast-paced environments
• Proven ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels simultaneously
• Resilience under pressure and ability to manage competing priorities in deadline-driven scenarios

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources, or related field
• PMP, Prince2, or Agile/Scrum certifications required
• Workday certifications (HCM, Financials, or other modules) highly desirable
• MBA or advanced professional certifications are a plus

To Apply: Please submit your resume highlighting your Workday implementation experience and cutover delivery track record.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to high volumes of applications, only those shortlisted will be contacted directly.

[email protected] | Tel: +61 2 9063 1144