Workday Engagement Manager (Government)

Cognizant's Workday Practice is looking for an experienced Engagement Manager to join our growing Government Team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully leading medium to large-scale ERP implementations in a consulting environment. In this role, you will be the primary point of contact for Workday implementations, driving projects from initiation through to completion for our government clients.

As the Engagement Manager, you will be overseeing the full project lifecycle, managing budget and resource constraints, and ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction. You will be accountable for project success, profitability, and delivering outcomes that align with our client's objectives. Your leadership skills will be key, as you will manage and mentor teams while fostering strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.

The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment, enjoys driving results, and is passionate about guiding teams toward collective success. If you are a proactive leader with a focus on customer, team, and organizational achievement, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage 1-2 large-scale Workday product implementations in the Project Manager role.
• Master and apply Cognizant's Cynergy (Workday) Implementation Methodology across all engagements, demonstrating expertise in the Workday product suite (HCM, Payroll, Financials).
• Ensure effective project planning, staffing, and alignment with the Statement of Work (SOW).
• Deliver projects on time and within the budget outlined in the SOW.
• Track project issues and risks, provide regular status updates, and escalate concerns as needed. Collaborate with the client's project manager to resolve any issues impacting scope or timelines.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering collaboration and growth.
• Present change orders for scope, timeline, or cost adjustments, ensuring alignment with the SOW.
• Represent the project at Executive Steering Committee meetings, providing updates and addressing concerns.
• Ensure compliance with Workday's Delivery Assurance checkpoints throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support the transition of the client from professional services to product support upon project completion.
• Ensure client satisfaction and secure client referenceability at project completion. Identify opportunities for additional service offerings.
• Participate in the sales cycle, collaborating on requirements gathering, delivery approach formulation, and proposal/SOW development.

Skills and Requirements:

• Proven project management experience leading medium to large ERP implementations, preferably in a consulting environment.
• Previous Workday experience strongly preferred, but not required.
• Experience working with state and local government clients is a plus.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, particularly in HCM, Finance, and Payroll.
• A background in HR, Finance, or Payroll is an advantage.
• PMP certification is a plus.
• Willingness to travel on-site as required (minimal travel).

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Why choose Cognizant:

• Entrepreneurial environment that welcomes your ideas
• Opportunity to do great work
• Outreach programs that support communities and tap into your volunteer spirit
• Learning opportunities to help current needs and advancement
• Global operations, with opportunities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific
• An abundance of Affinity groups to meet your needs

Cognizant Core Values:

• Work as One: We think beyond roles, relying on each other's strengths to win as a team.
• Raise the Bar: We always aim for excellence in how we work and what we deliver.
• Dare to Innovate: We push boundaries and take chances to reimagine what's possible.
• Do the Right Thing: We all lead with integrity and always make the ethical choice.
• Own It: We own the outcomes for our company, colleagues, and community.