Project Manager (Workday HCM Transformation) at Primark, Reading/Remote, 6 Months initial, £Day Rate

Project Manager - Workday Transformation (Germany & Austria)

Location: Reading or Dublin (Hybrid working)

Duration: Initial 6 Months Contract with view to extend

Contract Type: Day Rate (Inside IR35)

We're seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead a major Workday implementation across Germany and Austria, delivering a complex HR transformation programme spanning multiple functional workstreams and stakeholder groups.

This is a high-profile leadership role requiring a seasoned Project Manager with deep Workday implementation experience, strong governance capabilities, and expertise managing delivery through Systems Integrators in highly regulated environments. A key aspect of the role will be navigating and managing Works Council engagement across both countries whilst ensuring successful programme delivery across HR, Technology, Data, and Change teams.

There is also the opportunity to support a subsequent ATS implementation, making experience with SmartRecruiters or similar platforms highly advantageous.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of a Workday implementation across Germany and Austria.
• Oversee delivery across multiple workstreams including:
• HCM
• Compensation
• Talent Management
• Performance Management
• Data Migration
• Integrations
• Testing
• Release Management (Cutover & Hypercare)
• Service Transition
• Change Management
• Manage project scope, budgets, timelines, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder engagement.
• Drive Works Council engagement, approvals, and communications across both countries.
• Partner closely with HR, Technology, Business, and external delivery teams to ensure successful deployment and adoption.
• Lead project governance, reporting, and decision-making in line with complex global delivery frameworks.
• Manage Systems Integrators and third-party vendors, ensuring delivery quality and accountability.
• Oversee testing, cutover planning, hypercare, and transition into BAU support structures.
• Provide executive updates and steer project performance through governance forums and steering committees.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience leading Workday implementations.
• Strong delivery experience across Workday HCM, Compensation, Talent, and Performance modules.
• Experience managing Data Migration, Integrations, Testing, and Release Management workstreams.
• Experience overseeing Cutover, Hypercare, Service Transition, and Change Management activities.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience engaging with Germany and Austria Works Councils.
• Extensive senior-level Project Management experience within large-scale HR transformation programmes.
• Experience managing and delivering through Systems Integrators and third-party partners.
• Strong understanding of complex global programme governance and delivery frameworks.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, including Executive and C-Suite engagement.

Highly Desirable

• Experience implementing SmartRecruiters or another Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
• Experience leading multi-country HR technology transformations.
• German language skills
• Exposure to enterprise-scale change and adoption programmes.
• Experience working within complex international and matrixed organisations.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a strategically important HR transformation project, driving delivery across two key European markets. You'll play a critical role in shaping the future HR technology landscape while working with senior stakeholders, Works Councils, global delivery teams, and Systems Integrators to deliver lasting business value.