Workday Functional Lead

Job Description:

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OFFICE OF TRANSFORMATION AND IMPROVEMENT | TE TARI WHAKAUMU ME TE WHAKAPAI AKE
OPERATIONS DIVISION | TE WĀHANGA WHAKAHAERE

The University of Otago is transforming how we support our people.

Our People Pathway (OPP) is a major programme delivering a new Human Resources Information Management (Workday) system across the University. We are seeking a Project Specialist, Workday Functional Lead to support delivery of this high-impact programme.

Te mahi | The role

As the Workday Functional Lead, you will play a key role in shaping the University's future Workday environment. Working alongside functional subject matter experts, business analysts, implementation partners, and other project specialists, you'll use your Workday expertise to design, configure, and optimise Workday solutions that support the University's strategic objectives.

You'll work closely with business teams to understand their needs, translate them into effective Workday solutions, and ensure the platform is configured to deliver the best possible business outcomes.

In this role, you will:
• Lead the design of future-state business processes and Workday solutions in your area of expertise (HCM, Compensation, Benefits, Absence, Recruiting, Learning, Talent and Performance, Time Tracking, etc.).
• Facilitate workshops to gather and define business requirements and future-state processes.
• Oversee data validation, migration accuracy, and business process workflows.
• Guide solution design decisions, ensuring alignment with Workday best practices and minimising customisation.
• Provide strategic advice and expert guidance on Workday capabilities, ensuring solutions align with business needs while making the most of standard Workday functionality.

Kā pūkeka me kā wheako | Your skills and experience

• Proven experience delivering Workday implementations or transformation projects.
• Strong functional expertise across one or more Workday modules.
• Solid understanding of Workday configuration, including business processes and security model.
• Strong understanding of core HR/business processes and how they translate into Workday solution.

Mō te tīma | About our team

Transformation and Improvement support the University’s success through strong programme delivery and business process improvement.

This multi-year programme spans HR, Digital, Finance and the wider University, offering the opportunity to contribute to a complex, high-profile transformation.

Pūroko | Further details

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), fixed-term position for 12 months, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, with the possibility of extension.

We also welcome applications from candidates based elsewhere in New Zealand who are able to work remotely, with occasional travel to Dunedin as required.

We offer a competitive salary, 5 weeks’ annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance. More information regarding employee benefits can be found here.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information regarding the role please contact Stela Pasic, via the below contact details.

Tono | Application

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter), please click on the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2601047 will close on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as submitted and candidates invited for interview. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.
Additional Information

Contact: Stela Pasic

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

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Location: About Dunedin