Senior Specialist, HR Technology

Merck Merck · Pharma · San Jose, CA, Costa Rica

This role focuses on the configuration and support of HR Technology solutions, specifically Global Talent Acquisition and Talent Management systems like Workday, Phenom People, and Ajinga. It involves system configuration, vendor management, demand management, and technical troubleshooting within a complex HRIS environment. While it mentions familiarity with AI-powered recruitment tools as a preferred qualification, the core responsibilities do not involve building or directly managing AI/ML models or systems.

What you'd actually do

  1. System Configuration: Execute heavy configuration within the Workday application, specifically focusing on Recruiting and Talent modules.
  2. Vendor Management: Support and configure third-party talent acquisition systems, including Phenom People and Ajinga.
  3. Demand Management: Support, assess, and manage new business requests, recommending alternative technical solutions to improve HR/HR Information System processes.
  4. Collaboration: Partner closely with HR Technology Process and Solutions leads, Global Centers of Excellence (COEs), and Operations Teams.
  5. Technical Troubleshooting: Apply technical expertise to resolve complex business problems independently and collaboratively.

Skills

Required

  • Business Process Analysis
  • Change Management
  • Communication
  • Demand Management
  • English Writing
  • Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
  • Human Resources (HR) Data
  • Process Improvements
  • Project Experience
  • Project Leadership
  • Requirements Engineering
  • Talent Management
  • Vendor Management
  • Vendor Management Systems (VMS)
  • Workday Recruiting
  • Workday Software
  • Workday Talent Management

Nice to have

  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Advanced Configuration: Experience in advanced Workday Talent Management configuration (e.g., Performance Cycles, Goal Setting).
  • Cross-Functional Knowledge: Understanding of related Workday modules, including HCM, Compensation, and Security
  • Recruiting Ecosystems: Experience/General Knowledge of Phenom People and/or AJINGA platforms.
  • Reporting: Knowledge of Workday report writing.
  • Regional Privacy: Knowledge of China's PIPL laws.
  • Advanced Talent Processes: Experience with core Job Applications, Assessments, and Background Checks.
  • AI Familiarity: Familiarity with HiredScore or other AI-powered recruitment tools.
  • Change Management: Experience acting as a change agent and leading others through organizational or system changes.

What the JD emphasized

  • Minimum 4 years of experience in HRIS, IT, or HR Operations with a Bachelor's degree, OR minimum 6 years of experience with a High School diploma.
  • Minimum 2 years hands-on experience in Workday Global Talent Acquisition/Recruiting or 2 years hands-on experience in Workday Talent.
  • Minimum 2 years leading or executing technology User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and end-to-end system testing.
  • Demonstrated understanding of data privacy principles and practices.