Senior HRIS Implementation Specialist (2 year contract)
About the role
The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5 th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.
Applications are now being accepted for the above temporary full time - 2 year contract, position in the People Services Department, in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume online at www.markham.ca/careers by October 24 , 2025. Join us and make a lasting difference! Job Summary Represents the People Services (PS) team in the City-wide transformation and transition to a new integrated human capital management (HCM) and financial management system. As the Senior HRIS Implementation Specialist, this contract position will use their expert knowledge and practical Human Resources Information System (HRIS) implementation experience to lead and support the People Services Department in its transition to the new system. In order to lead the change management process for the department and optimization of the new system, this position will have a strong understanding of the departmental needs and process requirement including all business processes such as recruiting, talent management, onboarding and the management of employee data, pay, benefits, time and attendance and workforce analytics. This role will provide both expert knowledge and hands-on participation in workflow design, system configuration, change management, documentation, communications and training.
Key Duties And Responsibilities HRIS Implementation Leadership
- Serves as the PS functional lead in the implementation of the new enterprise-level Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
- With a solid understanding of both the functional capabilities of the new HCM system and the existing processes and new requirements of the PS department, provides expert assessment and recommendation on workflow changes and enhancements to ensure technical and functional optimization of the new system.
- Collaborates with the broader cross-functional team to ensure PS functions and business requirements are reflected and represented in the development and transition to a new HCM and financial management system with an understanding of the interdependencies within the system.
- Partners with all applicable stakeholders to design process workflows aligned to PS best practices.
- Leads the configuration and deployment of all HR modules by ensuring all business requirements are gathered and translated into functional system design,
- Manages vendor relationships ensuring the scope, timelines deliverable and issue resolution of the project are aligned with the requirements of the PS department
- Monitors and communicates progress, timelines and escalate issues on a timely basis to PS management team.
- Ensures overall project plans, timelines, and deliverables are met.
- Champions the new HCM system and adoption of changes by providing appropriate and timely communication, training and support to People Services, managers and employees.
- Ensures compliance with data security, privacy and regulatory requirements; lead the development of system security and access controls.
- Leads the troubleshooting and resolution of post-implementation issues, ensures system stability and data accuracy
Data Management & Migration
- Leads the validation of data integrity throughout the migration and implementation process.
- Partners with the HR Data & Systems Analyst and vendor to develop and execute test plans, system testing, data migration and validation and system integration; tests and audits business processes, data integrity and application integrity.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams and vendor to ensure the accurate extraction, transformation and loading of legacy data into new system.
- Oversees system integration between various modules and third-party applications
- Develops and executes validation plans and reconciliation of reports to confirm data accuracy and completeness
Workflow & Process Development
- Analyzes current-state PS processes and - designs future-state HRIS workflows that aligns with HR policies, union agreements and business needs while ensuring optimization of HRIS system.
- Maps and documents end-to-end HR processes across all functions and modules -including recruitment, onboarding, employee changes, performance management, learning, benefits, offboarding, etc.
- Ensures workflows support and align to required HR functions and policies
Documentation, Training, & and User Support
- Develops and maintain HRIS documentation, including documentation of system configuration, all workflows and end-user procedures.
- Develops new training documentation following assessment of appropriate training requirements by user levels and employee type.
- Creates communication and education materials, including reference guides, FAQs, job aids and other related documentation.
- Leads the design and delivery of training sessions for PS practitioners and employees/performance managers on system functionality.
- Serves as the first point of contact to resolve system issues, troubleshooting and resolving implementation and configuration issues and user related questions during and after go-live.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Minimum 5 years of experience working with enterprise HRIS platforms, with at least 2 years in a project lead or system implementation role
- Undergraduate University Degree in preferred fields such as Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Administration and/or Human Resources
- Public sector experience is as asset
- Project management experience is considered an asset
- Expert knowledge in enterprise HRIS platforms such as Workday, Oracle, SAP
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
- Demonstrated computer experience and knowledge including all Microsoft Office Software
CORE BEHAVIOURS
- Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
- Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
- Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
- Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
- Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
- Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.
The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.
Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.
About City of Markham
Markham, Ontario is one of the most culturally diverse and fast growing cities in the Greater Toronto Region with a population of over 353,000 people. A multiple award-winning municipality celebrating its 220th anniversary, Markham is Canada’s High-Tech Capital anchored by 1,500+ technology companies that generate over 35,000 jobs. Of the 10,400 companies in Markham, there is a high concentration of Canadian head offices located here - including industry leaders such as IBM, Aviva Insurance, AMD, Allstate, The Miller Group, Parsons, Huawei Technologies, MMM Group, Lenovo, GE Energy, Bank of China, Toshiba, J+J, Hyundai and Honda. Defined by its rich heritage, well-planned communities, high quality infrastructure, a talented workforce, and a pro-business environment, Markham’s business community includes outstanding companies and organizations providing globally competitive banking, financing, engineering, design, technical and commercialization services.
For the third consecutive year, we are pleased to be named one of Canada’s Best Employers for 2023 by Forbes and Statista Inc. The City of Markham is ranked in the top three for Government Services.
Senior HRIS Implementation Specialist (2 year contract)
About the role
The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5 th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.
Applications are now being accepted for the above temporary full time - 2 year contract, position in the People Services Department, in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume online at www.markham.ca/careers by October 24 , 2025. Join us and make a lasting difference! Job Summary Represents the People Services (PS) team in the City-wide transformation and transition to a new integrated human capital management (HCM) and financial management system. As the Senior HRIS Implementation Specialist, this contract position will use their expert knowledge and practical Human Resources Information System (HRIS) implementation experience to lead and support the People Services Department in its transition to the new system. In order to lead the change management process for the department and optimization of the new system, this position will have a strong understanding of the departmental needs and process requirement including all business processes such as recruiting, talent management, onboarding and the management of employee data, pay, benefits, time and attendance and workforce analytics. This role will provide both expert knowledge and hands-on participation in workflow design, system configuration, change management, documentation, communications and training.
Key Duties And Responsibilities HRIS Implementation Leadership
- Serves as the PS functional lead in the implementation of the new enterprise-level Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
- With a solid understanding of both the functional capabilities of the new HCM system and the existing processes and new requirements of the PS department, provides expert assessment and recommendation on workflow changes and enhancements to ensure technical and functional optimization of the new system.
- Collaborates with the broader cross-functional team to ensure PS functions and business requirements are reflected and represented in the development and transition to a new HCM and financial management system with an understanding of the interdependencies within the system.
- Partners with all applicable stakeholders to design process workflows aligned to PS best practices.
- Leads the configuration and deployment of all HR modules by ensuring all business requirements are gathered and translated into functional system design,
- Manages vendor relationships ensuring the scope, timelines deliverable and issue resolution of the project are aligned with the requirements of the PS department
- Monitors and communicates progress, timelines and escalate issues on a timely basis to PS management team.
- Ensures overall project plans, timelines, and deliverables are met.
- Champions the new HCM system and adoption of changes by providing appropriate and timely communication, training and support to People Services, managers and employees.
- Ensures compliance with data security, privacy and regulatory requirements; lead the development of system security and access controls.
- Leads the troubleshooting and resolution of post-implementation issues, ensures system stability and data accuracy
Data Management & Migration
- Leads the validation of data integrity throughout the migration and implementation process.
- Partners with the HR Data & Systems Analyst and vendor to develop and execute test plans, system testing, data migration and validation and system integration; tests and audits business processes, data integrity and application integrity.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams and vendor to ensure the accurate extraction, transformation and loading of legacy data into new system.
- Oversees system integration between various modules and third-party applications
- Develops and executes validation plans and reconciliation of reports to confirm data accuracy and completeness
Workflow & Process Development
- Analyzes current-state PS processes and - designs future-state HRIS workflows that aligns with HR policies, union agreements and business needs while ensuring optimization of HRIS system.
- Maps and documents end-to-end HR processes across all functions and modules -including recruitment, onboarding, employee changes, performance management, learning, benefits, offboarding, etc.
- Ensures workflows support and align to required HR functions and policies
Documentation, Training, & and User Support
- Develops and maintain HRIS documentation, including documentation of system configuration, all workflows and end-user procedures.
- Develops new training documentation following assessment of appropriate training requirements by user levels and employee type.
- Creates communication and education materials, including reference guides, FAQs, job aids and other related documentation.
- Leads the design and delivery of training sessions for PS practitioners and employees/performance managers on system functionality.
- Serves as the first point of contact to resolve system issues, troubleshooting and resolving implementation and configuration issues and user related questions during and after go-live.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Minimum 5 years of experience working with enterprise HRIS platforms, with at least 2 years in a project lead or system implementation role
- Undergraduate University Degree in preferred fields such as Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Administration and/or Human Resources
- Public sector experience is as asset
- Project management experience is considered an asset
- Expert knowledge in enterprise HRIS platforms such as Workday, Oracle, SAP
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
- Demonstrated computer experience and knowledge including all Microsoft Office Software
CORE BEHAVIOURS
- Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
- Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
- Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
- Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
- Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
- Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.
The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.
Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.
About City of Markham
Markham, Ontario is one of the most culturally diverse and fast growing cities in the Greater Toronto Region with a population of over 353,000 people. A multiple award-winning municipality celebrating its 220th anniversary, Markham is Canada’s High-Tech Capital anchored by 1,500+ technology companies that generate over 35,000 jobs. Of the 10,400 companies in Markham, there is a high concentration of Canadian head offices located here - including industry leaders such as IBM, Aviva Insurance, AMD, Allstate, The Miller Group, Parsons, Huawei Technologies, MMM Group, Lenovo, GE Energy, Bank of China, Toshiba, J+J, Hyundai and Honda. Defined by its rich heritage, well-planned communities, high quality infrastructure, a talented workforce, and a pro-business environment, Markham’s business community includes outstanding companies and organizations providing globally competitive banking, financing, engineering, design, technical and commercialization services.
For the third consecutive year, we are pleased to be named one of Canada’s Best Employers for 2023 by Forbes and Statista Inc. The City of Markham is ranked in the top three for Government Services.