Workday Certified Payroll Manager

At Kognitiv Inc., we’re redefining what it means to be a Workday partner. As one of the fastest-growing companies in the ecosystem, we bring deep expertise, innovative thinking, and a people-first mindset to everything we do. We’re not just building better Workday solutions—we’re building a company where talented people thrive. Ready to do your best work? Join us. Are you a proven leader and Workday Payroll expert ready to drive maximum client value through strategic oversight and intentional team development? We are seeking an experienced Workday Payroll Consulting Manager to lead our consulting efforts, ensuring our global clients not only maximize their Workday investment but also benefit from the highest quality service delivery executed by a well-mentored team. This role requires an entrepreneurial spirit, balancing deep Workday knowledge with the ability to scale and motivate a high‑performing consulting practice. What You’ll Own (50% Team/Client Leadership) Strategic Client Partnership: Act as the trusted advisor to key global clients. Oversee client relationships, manage delivery expectations, identify strategic upsell opportunities, and ensure overall client satisfaction. Practice Development & Mentorship: Dedicate significant time (approx. 50%) to actively coaching, mentoring, and developing a team of Workday Consultants. Perform rigorous quality assurance and review of junior team deliverables, fostering technical depth and consulting excellence across the practice. Talent Management: Participate in resource planning, performance reviews, career pathing, and interviewing for the growth of the team. Process Governance: Lead the standardization of implementation methodologies, knowledge sharing, and best practices across the firm to improve efficiency and reduce delivery risk. Commercial Oversight: Manage team utilization targets and project profitability, ensuring a healthy balance between service quality and commercial objectives. What You’ll Drive (50% Billable & Project Oversight) Solution Architecture & Design: Conduct and lead advanced working sessions, translating complex, cross‑functional business requirements into elegant, best‑in‑class Workday architectural solutions. You are the final authority on configuration and solution design. Quality Assurance & Risk Mitigation: Oversee the final design, configuration, and testing phases, ensuring deployment readiness, data integrity, and compliance with global payroll and labor laws. Escalation Management: Serve as the final point of escalation for critical production issues, leading root cause analysis and implementing effective, well‑researched corrective measures. What You’ll Bring Experience: 4+ years in a Workday ecosystem, with 2+ years in a formal leadership/management role overseeing a team of consultants. Expertise: Expert‑level, deep knowledge of Workday Payroll in any SKU. Leadership & Prioritization: Demonstrated success managing competing priorities, balancing billable demands with team development needs, and maintaining executive composure under pressure. Consultative & Influencing Skills: Exceptional communication (verbal and written) and a proven ability to influence high‑level stakeholders, guiding internal teams and clients toward strategic solution agreement. Technical Acumen: Advanced Microsoft Excel and proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., scoping, resource allocation). Environment: Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and lead through complexity and change. Travel: Willingness to meet minimal travel requirements (