Workday Adaptive Planning Lead, EMEA

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

As the Workday Adaptive Planning Lead, EMEA, you will be accountable for developing and leading the practice, setting its strategic direction and ensuring operational and delivery excellence across EMEA.

You will focus on building a high-performing practice, strengthening client outcomes, developing capability and collaborating across the organisation to ensure alignment and success.

Success in this role requires deep Workday ecosystem expertise, strong executive presence, excellent people leadership and the ability to influence across functions and regions. This is an entrepreneurial leadership role that requires a hands-on, “do what needs to be done” mindset.

Practice Growth & Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute strategies to scale the Adaptive Planning practice.
• Define measurable goals for team growth, capability and service excellence.
• Partner with Kainos leadership teams to define and execute strategic practice objectives.
• Evolve services, methodologies and processes to continually improve and differentiate our offering.
• Build and maintain strong senior client relationships.
• Manage practice financials, resourcing and profitability.
• Identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness, capability and scalability of the practice.

Global Practice Alignment

• Collaborate with North America and APAC Adaptive Planning leaders to align strategies, share best practice and support global initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative, cross-regional culture.
• Work across teams to drive consistency in delivery standards, methodologies and client experience.

Consulting & People Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing consulting team.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training and ongoing capability development.
• Ensure the delivery team meets or exceeds utilisation targets.
• Support the growth and development of the consulting practice through strong delivery leadership.
• In Year One, maintain up to 400 hours of personal billable time, supporting key client engagements where required.
• Stay current with Workday releases and developments to ensure the practice maintains deep expertise and strong delivery capability.
• Build succession and capability within the team to support sustainable growth.

Service Delivery Excellence

• Provide senior leadership and oversight across complex client engagements.
• Act as executive sponsor for complex client issues and strategic engagements.
• Manage escalations effectively to ensure strong client outcomes and satisfaction.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to clients, helping shape their future roadmap.
• Drive continuous improvement based on performance metrics, client feedback and lessons learned.
• Ensure seamless transitions between implementation and ongoing support.
• Maintain strong relationships with Workday, Kainos business partners and senior client stakeholders.
• Ensure appropriate governance, quality and delivery standards are maintained across the practice.

What We’re Looking For

• Significant demonstrable success in a senior leadership role.
• Strong experience within the Workday ecosystem, ideally including Workday Adaptive Planning.
• Demonstrable technology experience spanning both commercial and technical considerations.
• Ability to build and develop trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of practice financials.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure while balancing competing priorities.
• Strong planning and organisational skills across multiple areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and grow a dynamic team.
• Evidence of introducing innovations or initiatives that have strengthened organisational capability.
• Excellent team player who can deliver results in complex and changing circumstances.
• Passion for coaching, mentoring and developing others.
• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to adapt your approach to different individuals and situations.
• Confident and independent decision-maker who creates shared understanding and buy-in.
• Adaptable and open communicator, both internally and externally.
• Positive leadership style, coaching, mentoring and leading by example.

• Evidence of innovating or initiatives to continually grow the capability. 

• Strong commercial awareness and negotiating prowess. 

• Excellent team player capable of delivering results in less than perfect circumstances. 

• Leading, motivating and growing effective teams 

• People orientated and able to read and adapt approach to each individual 

• Passionate about developing others and sharing in their success 

• Independent decision maker however is able to do so and created shared buy-in  

• Adaptable and open communicator both internally and externally. 

• Positive persona who coaches, mentors and leads by example to all Kainos people. 

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive.   We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are.   We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field. 

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out. 

We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.