Workday HCM Solution Architect

Full-time, salaried position
100% Remote - must reside within the United States
Up to 30% domestic travel
Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship, now or in the future

The Opportunity

Due to continued growth, Meridian Partners is seeking a Workday HCM Solution Architect to lead complex HCM, Time Tracking, and Payroll solutions for large public sector clients.

This role is ideal for architects who thrive on solving hard problems, shaping scalable designs, and leading teams through complexity while serving as the trusted face of a workstream to clients and executives. You will guide solution direction, mentor consultants, and ensure that what is designed can scale, perform, and endure.

At Meridian, Solution Architects:

• Lead complex, high‑impact Workday programs
• Focus on architecture, outcomes, and client confidence not endless configuration
• Mentor the next generation of Workday talent
• Operate with clarity, governance, and delivery discipline
• Help shape how public sector Workday success is defined
• If you want to be a true architect, not just a senior configurator and want your voice to matter Meridian is the place.

Responsibilities

Solution Architecture & Design Leadership

• Own the end-to-end functional solution architecture for one or more Workday workstreams (HCM, Time Tracking, Payroll) across multiple clients
• Translate complex business and regulatory requirements into cohesive, scalable Workday solution designs
• Lead architecture and design workshops, guiding clients toward supportable solutions aligned with Workday best practices
• Anticipate cross module dependencies and downstream impacts across HCM, Absence, Recruiting, Time, Benefits, Compensation, and Payroll
• Serve as the functional authority and escalation point for complex solution and design decisions
• Validate that solutions meet business needs while remaining configurable, auditable, and sustainable

Public Sector & Compliance Expertise

• Architect solutions that address public sector and K 12 complexity, including:
  • Union contracts and collective bargaining agreements
  • Retroactive pay, step progressions, and off cycle payrolls
  • Complex time, overtime, premium pay, and leave rules
  • Statutory, regulatory, and audit requirements
• Partner closely with HR, Payroll, Finance, IT, and governance stakeholders to ensure alignment and compliance
  

Client Advisory & Executive Presence

• Act as the primary Solution Architect and client‑facing lead for your workstream
• Build trusted advisor relationships with client executives (CHRO, CFO, CIO)
• Clearly explain solution designs, tradeoffs, risks, and recommendations in executive‑ready language
• Support steering committee meetings, executive reviews, and key decision forums
• Balance client preferences with Workday‑recommended patterns and long‑term supportability

Quality, Governance & Risk Management

• Review and approve key design and delivery artifacts, including design documentation, configuration workbooks, and testing strategies
• Ensure strong design governance and adherence to Meridian delivery standards
• Proactively identify and surface risks related to data, compliance, integrations, and downstream processes
• Support clean, well‑governed transitions to post‑production and support teams

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead and mentor Functional Leads and Consultants across HCM, Time Tracking, and Payroll
• Coach junior consultants through complex problem‑solving and solution design
• Provide clear architectural direction while empowering teams to execute effectively
• Promote collaboration across workstreams delivery is never done in isolation
• Contribute to reusable accelerators, templates, and intellectual property

Growth & Firm Contribution

• Participate in pre‑sales solutioning, estimates, and client presentations
• Support interviews, onboarding, and practice growth initiatives
• Contribute thought leadership related to public sector and K‑12 Workday delivery
• Help shape how Meridian continues to grow with discipline and intention

Minimum Qualifications 

• 10+ years of HRIS or ERP experience, including 5+ years of Workday delivery.
• Proven experience as a Workday Solution Architect, Functional Architect.
• Deep functional expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Core HCM (strong)
  • Time Tracking (advanced rules and costing)
  • U.S. Payroll (end to end processing and testing)
  • Absence & Leave
  • Benefits & Compensation
• Strong public sector implementation experience (state, local government, or K 12)
• Demonstrated ability to design complex solutions, lead teams, and present confidently to executives
  
• Implementer Certifications (minimum two):
  • Workday Core HCM (required)
  • Workday US Payroll
  • Workday Time Tracking
  • Workday Recruiting
  • Workday Learning

Pay Transparency

Compensation for roles at Meridian varies depending on a wide array of factors including, but not limited to, the specific practice, role, skillset, and level of experience. As required by law, Meridian provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired.

Base Salary Range is $170,000 to $220,000 plus bonus is available for this specific role.