Head of HR Data Engineering

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The Head of HR Data Engineering is responsible for designing and implementing a scalable, future-ready HR data model that supports enterprise-wide people analytics, compliance, and digital transformation. This role oversees the development of methods, practices, policies, tools, and processes to collect, store, access, and use data securely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. The role builds and maintains the technical infrastructure—data pipelines, integrations, and architecture—that powers HR analytic systems and enables downstream analytics and reporting. The role partners closely with HR, IT, and data governance teams to ensure data integrity, security, and usability across the employee lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement a scalable, enterprise-grade HR data model that supports evolving business needs.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines and integrations between Workday, other HRIS platforms, and enterprise systems to ensure seamless data flow and availability.
• Build and optimize the data infrastructure that enables People Analytics teams to deliver high-impact dashboards, reports, and insights.
• Partner with data governance teams to align HR data practices with enterprise standards, including metadata, master data, and data stewardship frameworks.
• Ensure data quality, consistency, and integrity through automated validation, reconciliation, and monitoring processes.
• Collaborate with HRIS and IT teams to support Workday configuration and integration strategies, including API and cloud-based data solutions.
• Implement and maintain data privacy and security controls in compliance with global regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and internal policies.
• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies and practices to future-proof HR data architecture and improve scalability and performance.
• Serve as a technical advisor to HR leadership, translating business needs into scalable data solutions and infrastructure.
• Mentor and guide a matrixed team of HR data engineers and technical specialists.
• Oversee the development of methods, practices, policies, tools, and processes to collect, store, access, and use data securely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
• Support the full lifecycle of data assets and assure the quality of data collection, including adequacy, accuracy, and legitimacy.
• Identify ways to manage data across a diverse but unified data tier.
• Plan and support the implementation of cloud data management platforms and tools, policies, and procedures for business data control in cloud and hybrid cloud/on-premise setups.
• Manage data integration applying relevant data governance and management practices.
• Create and maintain an optimal data pipeline architecture.
• Assemble large, complex data sets that meet functional/non-functional business requirements.
• Identify, design, and implement internal process improvements: automating manual processes, optimizing data delivery, and re-designing infrastructure for greater scalability.
• Build the infrastructure required for optimal extraction, transformation, and loading of data from various data sources.
• Build analytics tools that utilize the data pipeline to provide actionable insights into customer, operational efficiency, and other key business performance metrics.
• Work with experts in data strategy and data governance to suggest quality enhancements.
• Operate at a group/enterprise-wide level and serve as a senior specialist resource across BMO.
• Apply expertise and think creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and find solutions to multiple, interdependent, complex problems.
• Communicate abstract concepts in simple terms.
• Foster strong internal and external networks and work with and across multiple teams to achieve business objectives.
• Anticipate trends and respond by implementing appropriate changes.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of experience in data engineering, architecture, or HRIS, with at least 10 years focused on HR data systems.
• Proven experience designing and implementing HR data models and managing Workday integrations.
• Strong understanding of HRIS platforms, especially Workday.
• Experience working with data governance frameworks, including metadata and master data management.
• Proficiency in ETL tools, APIs, and cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP, Snowflake).
• Familiarity with data privacy regulations and best practices for handling sensitive employee data.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Systems, Data Science, Human Resources, or a related field.

Advanced level of proficiency:

• creative thinking.

Expert level of proficiency:

• Data architecture design and modeling.
• Cloud computing architecture.
• Data security.
• Computational thinking and programming.
• Decision making.
• Critical thinking.
• Data integration.
• Data warehousing.
• Enterprise data management.
• Data mining.
• Big data.
• Streaming / Real time.
• Verbal & written communication skills.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration.
• Able to manage ambiguity.
• Data driven decision making.
• Seasoned expert with extensive industry knowledge.
• Technical leader viewed as a thought leader for innovation.

The above represents BMO Financial Group’s pay range and type.

Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group’s expected target for the first year in this position.

BMO Financial Group’s total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards

About Us

At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.

As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one – for yourself and our customers. We’ll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we’ll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset.

To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/ca/en.

BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.

Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.