Workday Data Migration Lead

VirtualResource (VR) is a boutique consultancy supporting companies to optimise their HR and Workday systems. We strive to be the go-to company that partners with businesses to optimise their HR technology landscape.

Our people are our most important asset

• We recognise the need for a committed, skilled and loyal team and strive to create a working environment that is flexible, caring and considerate of all needs.

• We attract the best people and reward them appropriately

• Staff development and upskilling are core to what we do

What is the role about?

We are seeking an experienced Data Lead to take ownership of the end-to-end data strategy, governance, and delivery for large-scale Workday programmes. This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring data is accurate, secure, and fit for purpose throughout the migration lifecycle.

You will act as the primary authority on Workday data, driving migration outcomes while partnering closely with clients and internal teams. Your work will ensure minimal business disruption and establish trusted, high-quality data foundations that support long-term operational success.

Responsibilities will include:

• Lead the end-to-end Workday data migration strategy, including scope, approach, timelines, and risk management

• Define and enforce data governance, quality standards, and success criteria, ensuring data is accurate and fit for purpose

• Oversee legacy data assessment, mapping, and transformation, aligned to Workday data models and business processes

• Govern all phases of migration (extraction, transformation, loading, validation, and reconciliation) with clear quality assurance

• Ensure robust testing across unit, system, UAT, and dress rehearsals, approving outputs ahead of production cutover

• Maintain compliance with GDPR, SOC, SOX, ensuring secure data handling, access controls, and audit readiness

• Act as the primary data lead for stakeholders, communicating progress, risks, and key decisions

• Lead post-go-live stabilisation, reconciliation, and continuous improvement of data practices

What skills are we looking for?

Our roles are remotely based (even pre-Covid), meaning you will be working from your home office, connecting with your client and team on a daily basis.

To be successful in this type of environment, you will need to have the ability to communicate effectively (in English) with cross-functional teams, explain complex concepts in easy, understandable terms, align HR / business knowledge with Workday functionality, and proactively drive process improvements. You will need to be comfortable with video calls and be proactive in keeping communication channels open with your client and team.

Must have Skills Required

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience leading large-scale Workday data migrations

• Deep understanding of Workday data architecture, security model, and integration tooling

• Strong expertise in data governance, data quality, and compliance frameworks

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills

• Proven ability to manage risk and deliver within complex programme environments

• Consulting-based leadership experience

• Attention to detail and the ability to see the big picture, pragmatic problem solver

• Excellent planning, interpersonal and time management skills with a track record of following through on dedications

• Experience in global or multi-country Workday implementations

• Relevant Workday certifications (e.g., Workday Data Migration, Integrations, or HCM)

• Fluent in English (writing, reading, and speaking)

Other Qualifications/Skills that will be beneficial but not mandatory

• College or University Degree in HR or Information Systems

• Human Resource work experience

• Experience leading cross-functional teams across business and technical domains

• Ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders effectively

• Strong balance between strategic thinking and hands-on delivery

As this is a remote role, you can be based anywhere in South Africa, UK or Europe, so long as you are authorised to work in Europe without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.