VP - People Systems, Strategy, & Innovation (Chicago)

Job TitleVP - People Systems, Strategy, & InnovationJob Description SummaryCushman & Wakefield is seeking a global Vice President, People Technology, Strategy, & Innovation to serve as the senior technology executive accountable for the company’s People technology strategy, digital transformation agenda, and operational performance across a complex global HR ecosystem. Reporting to the SVP & CIO, Enterprise Technology, this leader will partner directly with the Chief People Officer, HR Leadership Team, and regional HR Operations leaders to shape the future of HR technology, workforce data, employee experience, and AI-enabled People capabilities for approximately 50,000 employees across 60+ countries.This is a strategic enterprise leadership role, not a traditional systems administration position. The successful candidate will bring the credibility and executive presence to advise CHRO-level stakeholders, the delivery discipline to lead large-scale global HR technology programs, and the innovation mindset to advance Cushman & Wakefield’s People AI agenda responsibly and at scale. The role will own a multi-year roadmap spanning Workday HCM, global payroll, ServiceNow HR, workforce analytics, People Data Lake capabilities, and a 45+ application portfolio, while balancing modernization, governance, cost optimization, and business continuity.Job DescriptionKey ResponsibilitiesPeople Technology Vision & PlanningDevelop and maintain a compelling, multi-year People Systems roadmap aligned to CWK's data architecture, Workday HCM strategy, and corporate AI agendaOwn the strategic response to critical platform milestones including the Workday Financial Data Model redesign (January 2027), People Data Lake deployment on Databricks, and JDE Optimization.Lead investment prioritization across the ~45+ application People portfolio — balancing innovation, compliance requirements, employee experience, and operational continuity across a globally distributed workforcePartner with Enterprise Data, Governance & Risk function to ensure People technology decisions align to Cushman & Wakefield’s broader platform standards, data governance, and privacy requirementsDrive rationalization and consolidation of the People system portfolio — with particular focus on the multi-payroll landscape (30+ payroll systems globally)AI & InnovationLead identification, validation, and delivery of AI use cases across the People function — including workforce analytics, talent acquisition intelligence, attrition modeling, skills mapping, HR service delivery automation, and manager insightsDrive embedded AI capability within core People platforms including Workday HCM, ServiceNow HR, and the People Data Lake (Databricks), governed through appropriate intake and risk frameworksServe as a thought partner to HR leadership on how AI reshapes HR operating models — advancing how the function operates, not merely adding toolsChampion responsible, governance-aligned AI adoption in partnership with the Enterprise AI Governance Council and CWK's AI ethics and compliance frameworkPartner with Databricks Professional Services and internal Data Engineers on the People Data Lake buildout — ensuring structured data readiness for workforce analytics and AI use casesCHRO & Senior Stakeholder EngagementServe as the primary technology relationship owner for the Chief People Officer(CPO), HR Operations leadership, Global Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and Learning & Development — operating as a trusted advisor and peerPresent People technology strategy, investment cases, and program status in clear, business-framed narratives that include cross functional dependencies and wholistic enterprise outcomes appropriate for CPO and other C-suite forumsDrive consensus across competing HR functional priorities with directness and transparency, ensuring People technology resources are allocated to highest-impact workRepresent Enterprise Technology in HR-led governance forums, steering committees, and People AI Council meetingsBuild stakeholder trust through consistent delivery credibility, proactive communication, and genuine understanding of People strategy and workforce prioritiesTeam Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentLead, develop, and scale a high-performing global team of People Systems professionals spanning business analysis, platform management, delivery, Workday HCM configuration, payroll technology, and AI strategyOperate within a bimodal organizational model — maintaining and developing delivery capability while simultaneously building strategic and innovation capacity within the teamFoster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning — setting high performance standards while investing in team growth and AI literacyPartner with the VP, Finance Systems to ensure data model alignment and seamless integration across Workday HCM and Finance platformsBuild and maintain a talent pipeline for critical People technology roles; invest in succession planning and upskilling — particularly across Workday HCM, payroll technology, and AI domainsDelivery Governance & Operational ExcellenceOversee program delivery across all People technology initiatives — from Workday HCM enhancements and payroll technology programs to AI use case launches — ensuring governance, risk management, and milestone disciplineEnsure data privacy, security, and compliance across all People systems — including GDPR, regional data residency requirements, and HR data governance standardsManage all People technology vendor relationships including Workday, UKG (CW Services Time Tracking), JDE (CW Services HR), GEMS, Humanly, and 30+ global payroll providers — negotiating value, driving accountability, and ensuring contractual performanceEnsure system reliability, data integrity, and operational continuity across the full ~45+ application People portfolio serving approximately 50,000 employees globally across 60+ countriesDefine and achieve Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators across all People technology platforms; drive continuous service improvement proactivelyFinancial ManagementOwn the People Systems technology budget — opex and capex — ensuring disciplined financial governance and maximum return on investmentDevelop annual budget plans and multi-year financial forecasts in partnership with the Enterprise CIO and CPO, clearly articulating investment cases and expected outcomesDrive cost optimization through vendor consolidation, payroll platform rationalization, and operating model efficiency across the People technology portfolioRequired Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, or a related field; Master's degree or MBA preferred15+ years of progressive technology leadership experience with a minimum of 5 years in senior HR technology or HCM platform leadership roles at global enterprise scaleDeep experience with Workday HCM — including functional knowledge across Core HR, Recruiting, Talent, Payroll, Absence, and Learning modules; Workday implementation leadership experience strongly preferredDemonstrated experience managing complex, multi-vendor HR technology ecosystems including global payroll, applicant tracking, and employee experience platformsProven track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder HR technology transformation programs on time and within budget across a global, geographically distributed workforceDemonstrated ability to manage and influence CHRO-level and C-suite stakeholders with credibility, gravitas, and genuine understanding of People strategyExperience driving AI adoption within HR functions — including familiarity with workforce analytics, skills intelligence, AI-enabled talent acquisition, and responsible AI practicesStrong understanding of HR processes across the full employee lifecycle — from hire-to-retire, talent management, total rewards, and learning; ability to speak the language of HR leadershipWorking knowledge of HR data privacy requirements including GDPR and regional data residency obligations across a global workforceStrong financial acumen with experience managing multi-million-dollar HR technology budgets across opex and capexCushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.The compensation for the position is: $ 212,500.00 - $250,000.00Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at View phone number on apply.placed-app.com or email View email address on apply.placed-app.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”SummaryLocation: Chicag