Workday HCM Solution Architect

About Meridian Meridian is a 10-time Inc. 5000 honoree and one of the nation's fastest-growing small businesses — and a certified Workday Services Partner and SAP Services Partner. For more than two decades, we've delivered enterprise solutions that are efficient, scalable, and aligned to each client's mission, guided by an unwavering commitment to integrity, excellence, and client-centered service. We proudly serve state and local governments, federal agencies, and K–12 organizations, giving our team exposure to meaningful work that directly improves communities and public services nationwide. We show up with empathy, collaborate as true partners, and bring the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate even the most complex challenges. If you're looking to grow your career inside a team that values learning, innovation, and a genuine collaborative spirit — Meridian is the place for you! Workday HCM Solution Architect Full-time, salaried position 100% Remote - must reside within the United States Up to 30% domestic travel Must  be eligible to work in the United States  without sponsorship, now or in the future The Opportunity Due to continued growth, Meridian Partners is seeking a Workday HCM Solution Architect to lead complex HCM, Time Tracking, and Payroll solutions for large public sector clients. This role is ideal for architects who thrive on solving hard problems, shaping scalable designs, and leading teams through complexity while serving as the trusted face of a workstream to clients and executives. You will guide solution direction, mentor consultants, and ensure that what is designed can scale, perform, and endure. At Meridian, Solution Architects: Lead complex, high‑impact Workday programs Focus on architecture, outcomes, and client confidence not endless configuration Mentor the next generation of Workday talent Operate with clarity, governance, and delivery discipline Help shape how public sector Workday success is defined If you want to be a true architect, not just a senior configurator and want your voice to matter Meridian is the place. Responsibilities Solution Architecture & Design Leadership Own the end-to-end functional solution architecture for one or more Workday workstreams (HCM, Time Tracking, Payroll) across multiple clients 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 Serve as the functional authority and escalation point for complex solution and design decisions 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 and collective bargaining agreements Retroactive pay, step progressions, and off cycle payrolls Complex time, overtime, premium pay, and leave rules Statutory, regulatory, and audit requirements 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 Minimum 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 Transparency Compensation for roles at Meridian varies depending on a wide array of factors including, but not limited to, the specific