HRIS Manager (Workday)

Frontier Economics is an economics consultancy that tackles the big questions facing governments, businesses and society. We help our clients to analyse and understand their markets and to formulate strategies based on sound economics. The methods and models we use are often complex, but our advice is always succinct, clear and honest. 

The company has grown rapidly since it was founded almost 27 years ago and currently has around 500 staff working across nine European offices (Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Cologne, Dublin, London, Madrid, Paris and Prague). The company is employee-owned and has a strong culture of openness and employee engagement.

The People Team works closely with leaders and colleagues across the business, covering areas including Recruitment and Onboarding, HR Business Partnership, Learning and Development, Reward and People Operations.

London | 18-24 month fixed-term contract | Potential permanent opportunity

The Role:

We are looking for an experienced HRIS Manager (Workday) to take functional ownership of Workday across the People Team and help us get much more value from the platform.

This is an opportunity to combine hands-on Workday expertise with process improvement, project delivery and systems thinking. You will shape our Workday roadmap, improve how the system works for our teams, simplify People processes, strengthen data and reporting, and make better use of functionality we already have.

You will work closely with colleagues across People, IT and Finance, as well as external specialists, acting as Frontier's main functional point of contact for Workday. The role will also help build capability within the wider People Team and create a more sustainable approach to managing our People systems.

This position is offered as an 18-24 month fixed-term contract, with the potential to become permanent depending on the future People systems operating model.

Key Responsibilities:

Workday Ownership and Roadmap:

• Take functional ownership of Workday and develop a clear, prioritised roadmap aligned with our People strategy.

• Assess how we use Workday today and identify opportunities to improve configuration, processes and functionality.

• Evaluate new Workday functionality and build clear business cases for future changes and investment.

Configuration and Process Improvement:

• Configure and improve Workday business processes, workflows, fields, notifications and related functionality.

• Simplify and standardise People processes, reducing manual workarounds, duplication and unnecessary use of spreadsheets or other systems.

• Identify recurring issues and address root causes rather than relying on temporary fixes.

Project and Change Management:

• Lead Workday improvement projects from requirements and design through to configuration, testing and implementation.

• Manage plans, milestones, stakeholders, testing and change control, keeping progress, risks and decisions clear.

People Data, Reporting and Integrations:

• Improve the quality, governance and reporting of People data, helping colleagues access reliable information with less manual intervention.

• Work with IT, Finance, payroll providers and other partners to improve integrations and data flows across our People systems.

Supplier Management and User Experience:

• Manage relationships with Workday and external consultants, ensuring support is focused, well managed and delivers value.

• Improve the experience of employees, managers and People Team users through better guidance, training and processes.

• Build internal capability so the wider People Team can operate Workday effectively and confidently.

Governance, Security and Compliance:

• Maintain appropriate governance over People systems, including security roles, permissions, documentation and audit trails.

• Support compliance with data protection and information security requirements.

What we are looking for:

You'll have strong practical Workday HCM experience and be comfortable moving between detailed system configuration and wider business needs.

You will also be supported to use generative AI where it can improve processes, communication and access to information, while applying your own judgement and reviewing outputs carefully.

• Experience configuring and improving Workday business processes and functionality.

• Good knowledge of core HR processes and the employee lifecycle, with experience across areas such as Recruitment, Onboarding, Talent, Performance or Compensation.

• Strong project and change management experience, with the ability to translate business requirements into practical solutions.

• Experience working with Workday consultants or other external suppliers.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience with Workday reporting, People data and data governance, plus an understanding of systems integrations and data flows.

• The ability to explain technical issues clearly and challenge existing processes constructively.

• A practical approach to process improvement and automation, with the confidence to identify better ways of working.

At Frontier, we use AI to help our Business Management Teams work more efficiently and provide high-quality support across the business. You will be expected and supported to use generative AI tools where they can improve processes, communication and the use of information, while applying your own professional judgement and expertise. You will remain responsible for the quality and accuracy of your work, including reviewing AI-generated content carefully and using it as a helpful starting point rather than relying on it without review.

At Frontier Economics, we are entirely employee-owned, meaning every team member has a voice in shaping the company’s future. Our collaborative culture encourages innovation, open dialogue, and shared success. Our stimulating and thought-provoking projects are complemented by a supportive and dynamic work environment, designed to help you thrive and grow. We also offer:

• Hybrid Working: Employees are expected to work in the office at least two days a week, with flexibility for remote work.

• Holiday Entitlement: 28 days of annual leave, plus public holidays, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days of holiday per year.

• Parental Pay: Enhanced pay of 26 weeks full pay for primary carers and 10 weeks full pay for partners.

• Learning & Development: Extensive L&D opportunities, including Career Development Reviews with support from a dedicated Mentor.

• Private Health Insurance: Bupa health insurance with optional family coverage (taxes paid by the employees and add on for partners & children at an additional cost). Additional cover (e.g., optical, dental) can be added at the employee's expense.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Free, confidential support for work-life balance, health, family issues, or job-related challenges, available for you and your immediate family members.

• Income Protection Insurance – All employees are covered by Frontier’s Group Income Protection Scheme for long-term illness or disability.

• Life Insurance – Company-funded Group Life Assurance Scheme, covering all permanent employees from their start date.

• Cross-Office Travel & Secondments – Opportunities for secondments to different offices or practices to expand skills and experience

If you have any questions or would like any additional information please email recruitment@frontier-economics.com. 

We are looking forward to receiving your application!  

Frontier Economics is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. We are determined that everyone has an equal chance to join us and progress their career with Frontier. We care about creating an inclusive atmosphere and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all its forms. Read more about our incentives here.