HR Data Lead

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR Data Lead to join Wickes during a significant HCM transformation programme.

This role is responsible for the end-to-end data journey across our HCM implementation, owning the strategy for extracting, transforming, cleansing, and migrating data from multiple legacy systems into Oracle or SAP. Acting as the critical bridge between our “as-is” environment and the future-state HCM platform, you will ensure data integrity, governance, and compliance throughout the transformation lifecycle.

Working closely with the Tech Data Lead, Systems Integrator partner, Product Owner, and Business Readiness Lead, you will ensure colleague data is accurate, secure, and positioned to deliver meaningful reporting and insight in our new environment.

• Define and own the data migration strategy, including scope, conversion objects, and data cleansing roadmap.
• Establish data ownership, approval levels, and governance standards during migration.

• Map existing reports and analytics to future-state HCM reporting capabilities.
• Represent HR in discussions aligning the new HCM with the Wickes Data Lake.
• Advise on data retention strategy (e.g., historical salary, job, and applicant data).

• Oversee Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes in collaboration with the Tech Data Lead and SI partner.
• Ensure accurate mapping from legacy fields into Oracle/SAP structures (e.g., SAP Infotypes, Oracle Business Objects).

• Lead HR and Payroll teams through data cleansing activities, identifying redundant, outdated, or incomplete data.
• Ensure clear understanding of “Data Readiness” and associated business impacts.

• Oversee creation and maintenance of mapping documentation.
• Ensure historical data (e.g., job history, salary changes) is accurately sequenced and structured for the new platform.

• Manage multiple mock data loads into test environments.
• Oversee reconciliation reporting, resolving load errors and leading key decisions during remediation.

• Ensure reconciliation processes demonstrate full auditability of records during cutover.
• Provide assurance to stakeholders and auditors that all data has been accurately migrated.

• Degree educated or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience managing HR system data and reporting in a BAU environment.
• Proven experience leading data extraction, transformation, and migration for a system implementation.
• At least 3+ years’ experience as a Data Lead or Data Architect within a Tier 1 HCM/ERP implementation.
• Strong understanding of mapping tools used in migrations from legacy HR systems to Tier 1 HCM platforms.
• Advanced SQL and Excel (Power Query, Macros) or ETL tools such as Alteryx or Informatica.
• Strong understanding of HR system functionality and data structures.
• Knowledge of GDPR and its application during system transformation.
• Ability to interpret how role-based permissions impact data structures, reporting, and system security.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, particularly in resolving complex data integrity issues (e.g., mismatched employee IDs, broken hierarchies).
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical data constraints for non-technical HR stakeholders.
• Demonstrable passion for data accuracy, governance, and confidentiality.
• Experience using Oracle HDL / Spreadsheet Loaders or SAP Success Factors Migration Center / Migration Cockpit.
• Functional working knowledge of SAP Success Factors or Oracle Cloud Fusion modules.
• Experience working alongside a specialist HCM implementation partner.

You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us.

We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes:

• Competitive bonus (2027 period)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Colleague discount
• Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme.
• Our widely recognised…