Product Manager, HR Technology (Workday)

Overview Ares is seeking a Product Manager, HR Technology (Workday) to join Corporate Technology, reporting to the Product Lead, HR (Head of Corporate Technology). This role will shape and execute the product strategy, roadmap, and delivery for Total Rewards platforms (Compensation, Benefits, Payroll adjacencies) with Core HR as the foundational system of record within our global HR Technology portfolio. The role sits at the intersection of HR, Technology, and cross-functional operational teams, shaping the long-term evolution of Core HR data models and process automation to support scalable Total Rewards capabilities across Workday HCM and adjacent systems. The ideal candidate combines deep Total Rewards and HR domain expertise with strong product management discipline—translating complex HR and operational needs into scalable technology solutions that enable accurate employee data, consistent global processes, regulatory alignment, and an outstanding employee experience. Strong understanding of Workday HCM functionality, best practices, and data structures is required; configuration experience is beneficial but not required. Additionally, a broad understanding of HR applications and adjacent enterprise systems, including integrations, data flows, APIs, and downstream dependencies within a global technology ecosystem, is important. Primary Functions And Essential Responsibilities Product Strategy & Roadmap Ownership Own roadmap for Total Rewards capabilities, including compensation programs, benefits administration, payroll integrations, and their Core HR dependencies, ensuring alignment with HR and enterprise technology strategy. Translate business objectives into clear product initiatives with defined outcomes, KPIs, and a prioritization framework balancing short-term needs with long-term platform evolution. Serve as the primary product owner for Total Rewards capabilities, ensuring Core HR data, security, and lifecycle events correctly support downstream pay and benefits outcomes. HR Domain Leadership Partner with Total Rewards and HR Operations leaders as the technology enabler, translating program strategy and requirements into scalable, compliant platform capabilities. Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and simplification across HR processes and technical workflows. Act as a thought leader and advocate for change in the implementation and maintenance of HR applications such as Workday HCM, HRSoft, Workday Prism, and analytics tools like Visier. Solution Design & Delivery Collaborate with architecture and integration teams to ensure Core HR platforms integrate reliably with downstream applications (payroll, time, benefits, finance, analytics) and account for downstream dependencies, data quality, and cross-platform integrations. Own end-to-end product lifecycle from discovery and design through implementation, testing, deployment, and post-launch iteration. Drive modern, resilient solution design leveraging Workday configuration best practices and scalable data models. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Ensure consistent execution of testing, training, deployment governance, and support processes. Maintain vendor relationships and evaluate new platform capabilities with Workday and other HR technologies. Coordinate cross-platform dependencies with other HR Technology product owners and platform teams to ensure end-to-end process outcomes. Collaborate with Enterprise Architecture and Information Security to ensure solutions align with architectural standards, resiliency, identity/access controls, privacy, and data governance. Provide executive-ready reporting and decision support: roadmap progress, risks/issues, dependencies, KPIs, and clear recommendations with context. Oversee vendor/consulting resources as needed, ensuring delivery quality, documentation standards, and alignment with Ares’ operating model. Maintain delivery discipline and transparency through strong tool usage, including Jira, Confluence, and Smartsheet for plans, milestones, and RAID status. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computing, HR, Information Systems or related fields Experience Required: 10+ years of progressive experience across HR technology, Total Rewards, or related HRIS domains, with ownership of complex, cross-functional platforms and outcomes (e.g., compensation programs, benefits administration, payroll readiness), grounded in strong Core HR foundations. In-depth knowledge of HR processes with emphasis on Total Rewards, including compensation, benefits, and payroll dependencies, and Core HR data structures. Demonstrated experience as a product owner/manager for enterprise HR technology platforms, ideally Workday HCM. Proven track record delivering technology initiatives end-to-end using modern product development practices (Agile, discovery, iterative delivery). Strong leadership and communication, capable of influencing decisions and fostering collaboration. Analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on results and process improvement. Working knowledge of agile principles and tools such as Jira and Confluence. General Requirements Attention to detail Adaptable, able to manage multiple priorities, organized, and independent Strong communication skills and experience supporting end users Strong documentation skills of process, steps, methodology Strong team player High energy level Familiarity with the alternative manager or investment management industry/CORPORATE HR is a plus Consulting background is a plus Reporting Relationships Product Manager, HRIS Compensation The anticipated base salary range for this position is $170k - $200k. Total compensation may include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Benefits include comprehensive medical/rx, dental and vision, 401(k) with company match, FSA, HSA with company contribution, life insurance, disability coverage, EAP, commuter benefits, and additional programs. There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is closed. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ares Management