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.
Key Responsibilities
Data Migration & Governance
- 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.
Future Data & Reporting Strategy
- 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).
ETL Management
- 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).
Data Cleansing & Readiness
- Lead HR and Payroll teams through data cleansing activities, identifying redundant, outdated, or incomplete data.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.
Mapping & Transformation
- 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.
Trial Conversions & Testing- Manage multiple mock data loads into test environments.
- Oversee reconciliation reporting, resolving load errors and leading key decisions during remediation.
Validation & Cutover Assurance
- Ensure reconciliation processes demonstrate full auditability of records during cutover.
- Provide assurance to stakeholders and auditors that all data has been accurately migrated.
What are we looking for?
- 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 SuccessFactors Migration Center / Migration Cockpit.
- Functional working knowledge of SAP SuccessFactors or Oracle Cloud Fusion modules.
- Experience working alongside a specialist HCM implementation partner.
What can we offer you:
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 wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.
- We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture.
- We are also encouraging our teams to work flexibly, with a blend of remote / office working.
About Us:
Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 40 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.3Bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues.
But it is the Wickes’ culture that we are really proud of as it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.
