Workday Reward SME

VirtualResource (VR) is a boutique consultancy supporting companies to optimise their HR systems and Workday. We strive to be the go-to company that partners with businesses to optimise their HR technology landscape.

Our people are our most important asset

• We recognise the need for a committed, skilled and loyal team and strive to create a working environment that is flexible, caring and considerate of all needs.

• We attract the best people and reward them appropriately

• Staff development and upskilling are core to what we do

What is the role about?

We are seeking an experienced Workday Reward Subject Matter Expert (SME) to  act as a trusted advisor to clients, helping them design, implement, optimise, and support Workday Compensation and Advanced Compensation solutions. You will work closely with various stakeholders to translate business requirements into scalable Workday configurations that drive effective compensation and reward strategies.

As a key member of project delivery teams, you will provide functional expertise across the full project lifecycle, including discovery, design, configuration, testing, deployment, and post-go-live support.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and configuration of Workday Compensation and Advanced Compensation solutions.

• Facilitate client workshops to gather, analyse, and document reward and compensation requirements.

• Provide subject matter expertise on compensation cycles, merit increases, bonus planning, stock awards, allowances, and reward frameworks.

• Translate business requirements into Workday solution designs and configuration specifications.

• Support end-to-end Workday implementation projects, enhancement initiatives, and optimisation programmes.

• Configure compensation plans, eligibility rules, compensation grades, compensation packages, and related business processes.

• Collaborate with cross-functional Workday teams including Core HCM, Talent, Payroll, Benefits, and Reporting.

• Develop and execute testing strategies, including unit testing, system integration testing, and user acceptance testing.

• Support data validation, security reviews, and deployment activities.

• Provide client training, knowledge transfer, and post-go-live support.

• Stay current with Workday releases and advise clients on new features, functionality, and best practices.

• Contribute to solution development, pre-sales activities, proposals, and practice growth initiatives.

Only experienced Workday Consultants to apply please.

As a VR consultant, you will have the flexibility to manage your own day, as long as you meet your set objectives and client demands. Often your team will be a mix of on-site and remote based members who will connect using IM, video calls and an online ticketing system. Good communication skills and time management is essential for this role.

What skills are we looking for?

Our roles are remotely based (even pre-Covid), meaning you will be working from your home office, connecting with your client and team on a daily basis.

To be successful in this type of environment, you will need to have the ability to communicate effectively (in English) with cross-functional teams, explain complex concepts in easy, understandable terms, align HR / business knowledge with Workday functionality, and proactively drive process improvements. You will need to be comfortable with video calls and be proactive in keeping communication channels open with your client and team.

Must have Skills Required

• Proven experience implementing and supporting Workday Compensation and Advanced Compensation solutions.

• Strong understanding of reward, compensation, and total rewards business processes.

• Experience leading client-facing workshops and requirements-gathering sessions.

• Hands-on experience configuring compensation plans, compensation grades, merit processes, bonus planning, and compensation business processes.

• Strong knowledge of Workday Core HCM and its integration with Compensation.

• Experience supporting testing, deployment, and production support activities.

• Ability to translate complex business requirements into practical Workday solutions.

• Excellent stakeholder management and consulting skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience working within consulting, professional services, or client-facing project environments.

• Workday Certification

Other Qualifications/Skills that will be beneficial but not mandatory

• Experience with Workday Benefits, Payroll, Talent, or Absence Management.

• Knowledge of global compensation and reward practices.

• Experience in large-scale global Workday transformation programmes.

• Exposure to Agile project delivery methodologies.

As this is a remote role, you can be based anywhere in the UK or Europe, so long as you are authorised to work in the UK or Europe without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.