Product Designer, People Technology (Workday)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer, People Technology (Workday) Company: KONE Location: Chennai, India Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: People Technology / HR Systems Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-18T00:00:00 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and architect IT solutions for the People Technology product area, with a strong emphasis on HR application integrations and automation.
• Drive the strategic vision for People Technology architecture, leveraging agile and DevOps methodologies to enhance efficiency and business value.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison for business stakeholders, assessing development ideas and overseeing the technical design and delivery lifecycle for HR systems.
• Ensure all People Technology solution designs align with KONE's business objectives, market best practices, and future scalability needs, particularly within the Workday ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a strong focus on the technical design and implementation of HR IT solutions, particularly within the Workday platform. This role bridges the gap between business requirements and technical execution in the People Technology space, aligning with a Sales/Revenue Operations or HR Operations focus on enabling business processes through technology.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end IT solution design for the People Technology product area, ensuring robust and scalable architecture.
• Collaborate closely with People Technology Product Owner, Product Architect, Functional Leads, and HR/IT Operations teams to gather, influence, and manage business demands and requirements.
• Lead requirement-gathering workshops, facilitating strategic direction and guiding business stakeholders through comprehensive solution design processes.
• Translate business requirements into detailed technical specifications, managing the development, testing, and final solution delivery in coordination with other IT teams and implementation partners.
• Contribute to the People Technology solution road mapping and backlog prioritization, ensuring alignment with product strategy and business priorities.
• Support global roll-outs of People Technology solutions and contribute to the competence development of key users.
• Actively participate in and contribute to various People Tech projects, ensuring successful implementation and adoption of new technologies and processes.
• Design and oversee the implementation of integrations and automation solutions for HR applications, connecting global platforms like Workday with SAP ERP, AWS, Microsoft Power Platform, and local solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep involvement in the entire project lifecycle, from ideation and requirement gathering to technical design, development oversight, and global rollout support. This indicates a need for strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills, typical of operations roles focused on system implementation and process improvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Human Resources Information Systems, or a related field. Master's degree or relevant certifications are a plus.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in People Technology, with a significant focus on the Workday platform. Proven experience in IT project delivery, including end-to-end integration or automation development projects.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of Workday core functionalities (HCM, Compensation, Integration tools, Extend, Prism) and its ecosystem.
• Expertise in designing and implementing end-to-end People Technology processes, with a strong focus on automation and integrations with global business solutions and local payroll systems.
• Proficiency in agile and DevOps methodologies for software development and delivery.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills, with the ability to innovate and think strategically ("think big").
• Excellent communication and documentation skills in English, essential for stakeholder management and technical specification.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural, global organization, fostering collaboration and understanding.
• Proven experience in requirement gathering, solution design, and technical specification documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Power Platform (Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps) for HR application enhancement and automation.
• Familiarity with SAP ERP and AWS cloud services for integration context.
• Experience with data analysis and reporting tools for HR metrics and process performance.
• Certifications in Workday or related HR technology platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Workday, integrations, and automation points towards a need for technical proficiency and a strong understanding of HR business processes. The "5-10 years" experience level suggests a mid-to-senior role requiring independent problem-solving and strategic input.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate end-to-end solution designs for HR technology implementations, particularly focusing on Workday modules, integrations, and automation.
• Include case studies showcasing successful automation projects within HR, detailing the process flow, tools used, and quantifiable efficiency gains.
• Present examples of integration designs between Workday and other enterprise systems (e.g., SAP, payroll systems), highlighting data mapping, middleware usage, and error handling strategies.
• Provide documentation or examples of technical specifications, system configurations, and user acceptance testing (UAT) plans for HR technology solutions.
• Showcase experience with agile development cycles, including user story creation, sprint planning contributions, and backlog refinement for HR system enhancements.

Process Documentation:

• Develop and maintain clear, concise documentation for People Technology workflows, from initial requirement gathering through to final solution deployment and ongoing support.
• Create detailed technical design documents, architectural diagrams, and integration specifications that adhere to industry best practices and KONE's internal standards.
• Document the impact of process automation and integration solutions, including metrics on time savings, cost reduction, and improved data accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of Workday, integration design, and automation is crucial. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process design methodologies and showcase how they have driven efficiency and improved HR operations through technology.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the location (Chennai, India), experience level (5-10 years), and the specialized nature of Workday and People Technology, the estimated annual salary range would be INR 1,200,000 to INR 2,500,000. This range accounts for the in-demand skills in HR tech and the complexity of the role within a global organization like KONE.
• Methodology: This estimate is based on research into compensation data for IT professionals specializing in HRIS, Workday specialists, and integration consultants in major Indian tech hubs like Chennai. It considers the average salary for individuals with 5-10 years of relevant experience and the typical compensation structures for multinational corporations operating in India.

Benefits:

• Attractive package of benefits, likely including comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, and disability coverage.
• Performance-based bonus scheme, rewarding contributions to project success and company objectives.
• Regular social and sport events, fostering team cohesion and employee well-being.
• Access to KONE trainings in various areas, supporting continuous professional development and skill enhancement.
• Opportunities for promotion based on performance and competence, indicating a clear career progression path.
• Potential for international assignments or collaborations given KONE's global presence.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week. Given the global nature of the role, there might be occasional flexibility required for meetings with international teams across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is described as "attractive," suggesting a competitive offering common for multinational corporations. The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for this specialized role in India.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: KONE operates in the Elevator and Escalator Manufacturing industry, focusing on providing innovative and sustainable solutions for urban mobility. Their technology focus extends to smart building systems and digital services. Company Size: KONE is a large, global corporation, employing tens of thousands of people worldwide. This scale offers opportunities for broad impact and exposure to diverse projects and teams. Founded: KONE was founded in 1910, giving it a long history of innovation and stability in its industry.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Corporate Functions IT team, specifically focused on People Technology (HR Systems). This team likely comprises specialists in various HR systems, with a Product Owner and Product Architect providing strategic direction.
• The Product Designer will report into a management structure that oversees the IT applications supporting corporate functions.
• Collaboration is expected with HR business stakeholders, IT Operations teams, other IT application teams, and potentially external implementation partners.

Methodology:

• KONE IT emphasizes sustainable information flow and supports digital transformation through cloud-based services, AI, and automation.
• The People Technology team operates using agile and DevOps methods, focusing on continuous improvement and iterative delivery.
• Data analysis and insights are crucial for understanding user needs and measuring the impact of implemented solutions.

Company Website: www.kone.com

📝 Enhancement Note: KONE's long history and global presence suggest a stable yet forward-thinking environment. The emphasis on innovation and digital transformation within IT indicates a commitment to modern technology practices, which is beneficial for operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level (5-10 years of experience) within the People Technology domain. It requires a blend of technical expertise in Workday and integration, coupled with the ability to translate business needs into effective IT solutions. The "Product Designer" title, in this context, signifies a role responsible for the conceptualization and detailed specification of technology solutions, rather than solely user interface design.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Manager or Lead within the Corporate Functions IT team, who oversees application development and architecture. They will work in close collaboration with the People Tech Product Owner and Product Architect, indicating a matrixed reporting or strong dotted-line relationship for project-specific tasks.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on optimizing KONE's global HR processes through technology. By designing and implementing efficient integrations and automations within Workday and connected systems, the Product Designer contributes to improved employee experience, streamlined HR operations, enhanced data accuracy, and ultimately, better business decision-making supported by reliable HR data.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in Workday modules, HR system integrations, and automation technologies, potentially becoming a subject matter expert or lead architect in People Technology.
• Leadership: Progress into roles like People Technology Lead, Product Owner, or IT Manager, managing teams or larger portfolios of HR applications.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience in other IT domains or business functions through project involvement, broadening understanding of KONE's overall operations.
• Global Mobility: Leverage KONE's international presence for opportunities in different regions or global project leadership.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning is encouraged through KONE trainings, potentially leading to certifications in Workday or related technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within the specialized field of HR technology and operations, with potential to move into leadership or broader IT management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Chennai, India, indicating an on-site role within KONE's office facilities. This suggests a professional office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Chennai, India (specifically "Chennai ITEC/KBS"). This implies a well-equipped office space supporting IT operations and project teams.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, common areas, and dedicated desk spaces for team members.
• Access to necessary IT tools, software licenses, and infrastructure to support Workday development, integration design, and project management will be provided.
• Opportunities for regular interaction with the People Tech team, HR stakeholders, and other IT colleagues will be abundant, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (estimated at 40 hours/week) are expected. However, as is common in global IT roles, flexibility may be required to accommodate meetings with teams in different time zones, especially for project-related activities or urgent support needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in a major Indian IT hub suggests a structured and collaborative work setting, common for large corporations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Focus on highlighting your Workday expertise and project delivery experience.
• Technical Interview(s): Expect interviews focused on your technical proficiency with Workday, integration design principles, automation strategies, and experience with agile/DevOps. Be prepared to discuss specific Workday modules, integration tools, and your approach to designing scalable solutions.
• Case Study/Problem-Solving: A common step for such roles is a practical exercise or case study. This might involve designing a solution for a given HR process challenge, detailing the architecture, integrations, and automation steps. Prepare a concise presentation of your approach.
• Stakeholder/Team Interviews: Interviews with the Product Owner, Product Architect, and potentially key HR stakeholders to evaluate your collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to influence and manage business expectations.
• Final Interview: A concluding interview with senior management to discuss career aspirations, overall fit with KONE's culture, and confirm suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Examples: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your experience in Workday, HR integrations, and automation projects. Prioritize projects with clear business impact and quantifiable results.
• Structure for Clarity: For each case study, clearly outline the business problem, your role and approach, the technical solution designed (including architecture diagrams if possible), the tools and technologies used (Workday, integration platforms, etc.), and the outcomes/ROI achieved.
• Highlight Process Thinking: Emphasize your process design methodology, how you gathered requirements, designed workflows, and ensured the solution met business needs while adhering to best practices.
• Showcase Integration Skills: If possible, include examples of integration designs, data mapping, and how you ensured seamless data flow between Workday and other systems.
• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio items, answer detailed questions about your technical decisions, and explain the rationale behind your design choices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand KONE's Context: Research KONE's business, its focus on innovation and sustainability, and its IT strategy. Understand how People Technology supports these goals.
• Review Workday Capabilities: Refresh your knowledge of Workday's core modules, integration capabilities (e.g., EIBs, Studio), and Extend/Prism if applicable.
• Practice Process Design: Think through common HR processes (e.g., onboarding, payroll, performance management) and how they can be optimized through Workday and automation.
• Articulate Technical Concepts: Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong, well-prepared portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should focus on demonstrating tangible results and a clear understanding of the lifecycle of HR technology solutions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Workday: Core expertise required across HCM, Compensation, and integration tools. Experience with Workday Extend and Prism is highly beneficial.
• Integration Platforms: Familiarity with tools used for integrating Workday with other enterprise systems (e.g., SAP, payroll providers, HRIS platforms). This could include Workday's own integration tools, middleware solutions, or custom API development.
• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, or similar for managing agile development workflows, backlog management, and sprint tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Workday Reporting & Analytics: Proficiency in leveraging Workday's built-in reporting capabilities.
• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and analyzing HR data to drive insights.
• Excel/Google Sheets: Advanced skills for data manipulation and analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Power Platform: Knowledge of Power Automate for workflow automation and Power Apps for custom application development related to HR processes is a plus.
• Automation Technologies: General understanding of automation principles and tools relevant to HR processes.
• API Management Tools: Familiarity with tools for managing API integrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep expertise in Workday, complemented by skills in integration technologies and a familiarity with broader MS Power Platform capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Efficiency: A drive to find innovative solutions to improve HR processes through technology, focusing on automation and streamlined workflows.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams, including HR, IT, and external partners, to achieve common goals.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and analytics to inform design choices, measure process effectiveness, and demonstrate the impact of technology solutions.
• Customer Focus: Understanding and responding to the needs of HR stakeholders and employees, ensuring technology solutions enhance their experience.
• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing change and quickly adapting to new technologies and project requirements in a dynamic environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with HR functional leads, IT operations, and other business units to ensure seamless integration of People Technology solutions.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels with stakeholders, providing regular updates on project progress and potential challenges.
• Feedback-Oriented: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve processes and solutions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise and best practices within the team and across departments to foster a learning culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a proactive approach, which are all key attributes for success in an operations-focused technology role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Process Standardization: Harmonizing HR processes and technology solutions across different regions and countries, considering local variations and compliance requirements.
• Integration Complexity: Managing the intricate integrations between Workday and a diverse landscape of global and local HR systems, ensuring data accuracy and flow.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of advancements in HR technology, automation, and Workday's evolving capabilities to maintain a leading-edge People Technology environment.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the needs and priorities of various HR and IT stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery and adoption.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Workday Specialization: Opportunities to gain advanced certifications and expertise in specific Workday modules or functionalities.
• Automation & Integration Skills: Developing deeper skills in automation tools and complex system integration design through hands-on project work.
• Project Leadership: Taking on leadership roles in People Technology projects, managing scope, timelines, and resources.
• Exposure to Emerging Tech: Engaging with AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics within the HR context.
• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend industry events and conferences related to HR technology and Workday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges inherent to global HR technology implementation, offering significant growth potential for individuals keen on specializing in this domain and driving impactful change.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex Workday integration you designed. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure data integrity and process efficiency?" (Focus on technical design, problem-solving, and outcomes).
• "How do you approach gathering requirements from diverse business stakeholders for a new HR technology feature or process automation?" (Highlight your stakeholder management, requirement elicitation, and process mapping skills).
• "Walk us through a project where you implemented automation for an HR process. What was the business problem, your solution, and the quantifiable impact?" (Prepare a concise case study demonstrating your process improvement methodology).
• "How do you ensure your IT solution designs align with both business needs and IT architecture best practices, particularly in a global context?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and adherence to standards).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about KONE and this specific role in People Technology?" (Research KONE's mission, values, and recent innovations. Connect your skills to their goals).
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team environment, especially when working with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds?" (Share examples of your teamwork and cross-cultural communication skills).
• "Describe your experience working with agile methodologies and DevOps principles in an IT project setting." (Highlight your adaptability and experience with iterative development).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin your portfolio presentation by summarizing the key achievements and business impact of your most relevant projects.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your solution, the implementation process, and the results. Use clear visuals or diagrams if possible.
• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., percentage reduction in processing time, improvement in data accuracy, cost savings).
• Focus on Design Rationale: Be prepared to articulate the "why" behind your design choices – why you chose a particular integration method, automation approach, or Workday configuration.
• Engage Your Audience: Make it interactive. Ask clarifying questions and allow time for discussion. Ensure your presentation is tailored to the audience's technical understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong preparation around Workday technicalities, process design, and the ability to articulate your contributions through portfolio examples will be key to success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer, People Technology (Workday) position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday careers portal link. Ensure your resume and any requested documents are uploaded.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with Workday modules, HR integrations, automation projects, and agile methodologies. Use keywords like "Workday HCM," "People Technology," "HRIS," "integration design," "automation," and "agile." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.
• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a compelling portfolio that showcases your Workday integration and automation design capabilities. Prepare to present 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and impact on HR processes.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with KONE's business, its mission, values, and recent technological initiatives. Understand how the People Technology team contributes to the company's overall strategy.
• Interview Practice: Practice answering common interview questions related to Workday, HR systems, integrations, automation, and agile development. Prepare your portfolio presentation and be ready to discuss your experiences in detail.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.