Ld HR Specialist

Lead HR Operations Analyst

The Lead HR Operations Analyst position is responsible for supporting the HR division as part of the HR Operations Team. This position is also responsible for reporting and works with all CME workers to assist them with inquiries providing first level support and escalating to COEs as needed.

• Drive Operational Effectiveness: Provide first tier support and serve as the primary escalation point for second tier AskHR tickets. Meet service level agreements (SLAs), and handle complex, sensitive, and confidential requests and employee inquiries.
• Support Data Integrity: Act as a key resource for Workday HCM by performing mass EIB loads, overseeing detailed data changes and organizational updates, and ensuring the accuracy of our central data repository.
• Contribute to Team Growth: Elevate the team by guiding and providing feedback to more junior team members, identifying development opportunities, and setting a positive example within a performance-oriented culture.
• Improve the Employee Journey: Support key processes throughout the employee lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding. Identify areas for improvement and implement automated solutions to enhance the employee experience.
• Ensure Compliance: Lead thorough audits and testing for Workday releases while ensuring adherence to global labor laws and managing necessary regulatory reporting.
• Provide Insightful Support: Collaborate with HR Tech to develop advanced dashboards and deliver key metrics that support leadership decision-making.
• Lifecycle & Benefits Support: Oversee specific benefits (family leave, sickness) and manage offboarding/exit processes in partnership with Employee Relations.

• HRIS Expertise: Strong proficiency in enterprise HRIS / HCM (Workday preferred), including strong knowledge of business processes, EIBs, reporting, audits, and data maintenance processes.
• Operational Experience and Excellence: Proven ability to serve as an expert within the HR service center, manage high-volume tickets within a ticketing system (such as JIRA), and meet global SLAs. Strong attention to detail with the ability to execute with a high level of accuracy and acumen.
• Technical Capability: Experience in data quality assurance, auditing, and comprehensive system testing. Analytical mindset with experience leveraging AI tools to drive operational efficiency.
• Project Leadership: The ability to manage confidential, high-stakes HR projects from start to finish.
• Communication & Discretion: Excellent judgment in handling sensitive Employee Relations matters and navigating UK benefits and statutory leaves.
• Development Focus: A commitment to supporting talent growth and helping build a collaborative, effective HR Operations team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience) is desired.
• A CIPD qualification is desired but not essential.
• Demonstrable experience in a Lead or Senior role within HR Operations, HR Shared Service function, or a similar environment.
• Demonstrated problem solving, conflict resolution, networking, continuous improvement, and technical aptitude skills are required.
• A background in financial or professional services is ideal.
• Strong knowledge of legislation & governance.
• HCM/Workday Experience is essential.
• Experience with Google Workspace, Jira or a ticketing system.

At CME Group, we embrace our employees’ unique experiences and skills to ensure that everyone’s perspectives are acknowledged and valued. As an equal‑opportunity employer, we consider all potential employees without regard to any protected characteristic.