Workday Compensation Manager

We are seeking an experienced Workday Compensation Manager to lead the configuration, production support, and continuous enhancement of the Workday Compensation platform, with a focus on shipboard employee populations. This role combines hands-on Workday configuration, project leadership, system testing, troubleshooting, and stakeholder management to ensure stable day-to-day operations and successful delivery of compensation-related initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Workday Core Compensation and Advanced Compensation, experience supporting complex compensation structures, and the ability to partner with HR leadership, Payroll, IT, and other functional teams to deliver scalable HR technology solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for Workday Shipboard Compensation, independently leading production support, system configuration, and project implementation activities.
• Lead Workday Compensation configuration and implementation activities for ongoing enhancements and major project initiatives.
• Provide expert guidance to HR Compensation teams, directors, and vice presidents on compensation processes, system functionality, best practices, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with HR Centers of Excellence, IT, Payroll, and other stakeholders to gather business requirements and translate them into scalable Workday solutions.
• Partner with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Benefits, Payroll, and other functional teams to ensure accurate and seamless compensation data integration across systems.
• Lead the design, configuration, testing, and deployment of compensation plans, business processes, and system enhancements.
• Support HRIS implementations, upgrades, integrations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct system audits and data validation to ensure accuracy, compliance with company policies, and alignment with compensation programs.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex Workday Compensation issues, system defects, and production support challenges.
• Troubleshoot configuration issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions to maintain system stability and data integrity.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, testing scenarios, process documentation, and configuration records.
• Provide end-user guidance and support to improve system adoption and ensure effective use of Workday Compensation functionality.
• Provide leadership and guidance to a small team of compensation analysts, as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience configuring and supporting Workday Core Compensation and Advanced Compensation.
• Hands-on experience with Workday Compensation configuration, production support, troubleshooting, and system enhancements.
• Experience leading HRIS implementations, upgrades, enhancements, and integrations.
• Experience supporting complex compensation structures and unionized employee populations.
• Strong understanding of compensation processes and related HR functions, including Talent Acquisition and Talent Development.
• Experience with system testing, defect management, data validation, and deployment activities.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate with technical teams, HR professionals, and senior leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead project activities independently, and resolve complex system issues effectively.