Workday HCM Solution Architect

About the role

The Workday HCM Solution Architect role is part of Meridian Partners, a fast-growing company that serves state and local governments, federal agencies, and K–12 organizations. This role requires a 10+ years of HRIS or ERP experience, with a focus on Workday, and includes responsibilities such as leading complex solution architecture, designing scalable solutions, and collaborating with clients and executives.

Responsibilities

• Solution Architecture & Design Leadership
• 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
• 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, retroactive pay, step progressions, and off-cycle payrolls
• 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

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

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.

Why You’ll Love Working at Meridian

• A collaborative, people-first culture rooted in empathy, respect, and shared purpose
• Generous time off and flexible remote environment that supports resilience and balance
• 401(k) with company match that immediately vests
• Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, caregiver/adoption support, financial coaching, EAP
• Company-paid life insurance
• Continuous learning and growth opportunities that fuel innovation and career development

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. No third-party agencies or submissions will be accepted.