We have recently started an exciting ERP transformation programme and are replacing our existing HR, Financials and Procurement system landscape across all of our six sites with Workday. We have gone live with Workday HCM (Human Capital Management) in 2025 and are now in the next phase of the transformation for Financials and Procurement. By standardising and digitalising our tools and processes, we want to optimise our financial and procurement processes.
Job Summary
The Pan-EMBL Workday Solution Expert drives the development, improvement and adoption of products, tools and processes within the Procurement department. This role acts as the bridge between business needs and technical execution, ensuring that internal stakeholders have solutions that are efficient, scalable, and aligned with organizational goals.
The role requires collaborating with various departments and working with colleagues across six locations in five countries to ensure seamless integration and functionality of Workday procurement systems.
Key Responsibilities
Identify departmental needs and translate them into clear product requirements.
Together with the department management, prioritize features and enhancements based on impact, feasibility and strategic alignment. Ensure alignment with organizational standards, compliance requirements and long‑term strategy.
Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams (e.g., OMT, ERP, data, leadership) to deliver high‑quality internal solutions.
Manage product roadmaps, timelines and communication with stakeholders.
Monitor product performance, gather feedback and drive continuous improvement.
Responsible for day-to-day maintenance post implementation.
Training: provide training and support to procurement staff on system usage and best practices. Support and train the wider user community with the support of the stream leads in the respective areas: sourcing, supplier account, inventory and procurement.
Collaborate with vendors to ensure they comply with system requirements and address any issues.
Document processes and workflows changes, map and update processes and training material as required, draft desk instructions.
Supporting the ERP team with the integration of punch-out catalogues and marketplaces into Workday.
Responsible for the creation and maintenance of EMBL Headquarters internal catalogues/Workday catalogues. Train and support sites in creating and maintaining their respective catalogues.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 3 years in a similar role, preferably within procurement.
Experience with Workday system. Other ERP systems – advantage
Experience in product management, project management or process optimization
Project management skills (Smartsheet)
Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management abilities
Ability to balance technical understanding with business priorities
Ability to draft documentation, training manuals
Ability to train and support staff
Personal Competencies
Being comfortable with an agile organisational approach by taking ownership of your work in a self-organised and structured way
Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail
Strong team player, Self-starter and pro-active
Being excited about working in an international, multicultural and diverse environment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Fluency in spoken and written English
Ability to analyse, describe, present and review complex processes and suggest pragmatic solutions
Ability to challenge and question existing processes and suggest improvements
Proven ability to deal with multiple stakeholders
Flexibility, diplomacy and patience
Customer focused
Contract length: 3 years (renewable)
Salary: Grade 5 - 6 + other paid benefits based on personal circumstances
Working conditions:
Office environment with occasional travel for training and meetings
May require extended hours during peak periods
Why join us
EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented and international. As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, we believe that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches. We are, therefore, committed to creating an inclusive and flexible culture - one where everyone can realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to our organisation.
We encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing team – we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and personal experiences reflect the diversity of the populations that our science serves. We actively encourage applications from all genders and cultures, ethnic groups and all demographics to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights at this transformational point in our people strategy.
Enjoy lots of benefits:
Financial incentives: Salary free of income tax, Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
Flexible working arrangements
Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to public holidays
Relocation package including installation grant (if applicable)
Campus life: Free shuttle bus (Heidelberg), library, subsidised on-site cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, generous paid maternity/parental leave and monthly family & child allowances
Benefits for international newcomers: Visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non-resident allowance.
For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page here
What else you need to know
International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Visit our International Applicants page, to find out more.
EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.
Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.
How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
Closing Date
13/06/2026