Workday Functional Lead

About the role

The University of Otago is in the midst of a large-scale transformation to improve how its people are supported. As part of the People Pathway programme, the university is rolling out a new Workday-based Human Resources Information Management system and is looking for a Project Specialist to serve as a Workday Functional Lead.

In this position, you will help define the university’s future Workday setup by working with subject matter experts, business analysts, implementation partners, and other project specialists. Your focus will be on turning business needs into practical Workday solutions that align with the university’s strategic goals and deliver strong outcomes.

Key responsibilities

You will lead functional design and solution shaping in your area of Workday expertise, which may include HCM, Compensation, Benefits, Absence, Recruiting, Learning, Talent and Performance, Time Tracking, and related modules.

You will run workshops to capture business requirements and map future-state processes, support data validation and migration checks, and review business process workflows to ensure they function correctly.

You will also help steer design choices, keeping solutions aligned with Workday best practices and reducing unnecessary customisation. In addition, you will provide informed guidance on Workday capabilities so the final setup balances business needs with standard platform features.

Skills and experience

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with Workday implementation or transformation initiatives, along with strong functional knowledge in one or more Workday modules.

You should understand Workday configuration well, including business processes and the security model, and have a solid grasp of core HR and business processes and how they translate into Workday.

About the team

The Transformation and Improvement function supports the university’s goals through effective programme delivery and continuous business process improvement. This is a large, multi-year initiative covering HR, Digital, Finance, and wider university operations, offering the chance to contribute to a complex and visible change programme.

Work arrangement and term

This is a fixed-term role for 12 months, working full-time at 37.5 hours per week. The role is based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, and may be extended.

Applications are also welcome from candidates elsewhere in New Zealand who can work remotely and travel to Dunedin from time to time when needed.

Pay and benefits

The university offers a competitive salary, 5 weeks of annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation contribution, and the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance. Additional employee benefits are available through the university.

Eligibility

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Application process

Please submit a CV and cover letter with your application. Reference number 2601047 is required. Applications close on Wednesday, 22 July 2026. Shortlisting may begin before the closing date, and the university may close the vacancy earlier if required.

Contact

For more information about the position, please contact Stela Pasic using the contact details provided by the employer.