Mark Ferris Email & Phone Number

Ewhurst, Gb

London Area, United Kingdom

Excited to be back at CloudRock Partners as their HCM Domain Lead.It's great to be working with so many old friends and customers again as well as meeting lots of new ones.I'm looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences from the last 12 years working in the Workday ecosystem as an Implementer; End-User; Consultant; Advisor; Functional Lead Architect.

Uk

After being made redundant in December 2000 I fell into contracting and setup my own business to provide services to a variety of companies, in different business sectors, encompassing a multitude of HR systems & processes. During this period, I performed a variety of roles including Functional Analyst; Business Analyst; Technical Analyst; Project Management; Team Lead/Management roles.

Returning to CloudRock Partners to assist on their Workday projects.

Back with some good friends at CloudRock Partners helping on an HCM optimisation project.

United Kingdom

Back with the fabulous team at Bolt advising and helping implement their compensation projects.

Returned to Bolt to help their great team with the implementation of their Phase 2 HCM project delivering Global Absence Plans; Learning; Talent & Performance.Performed role of Test Manager to: - Create and executing test scripts- Build new JIRA projects, reports, dashboards and workflowsPerformed role of Solutions Architect to: - Analyze reported bugs & issues and working with Implementation Partners on potential solutions for those items that require fixes or fix issues… Show more Returned to Bolt to help their great team with the implementation of their Phase 2 HCM project delivering Global Absence Plans; Learning; Talent & Performance.Performed role of Test Manager to: - Create and executing test scripts- Build new JIRA projects, reports, dashboards and workflowsPerformed role of Solutions Architect to: - Analyze reported bugs & issues and working with Implementation Partners on potential solutions for those items that require fixes or fix issues myself;- Designing & assisting with the execution of data conversion & validation activities- Revisit and redesign security model to take into account new HCM Modules and other changes. Show less

United Kingdom

Although the role is as a Workday Test Manager, this is a Workday Launch project so my actual duties cover many areas.- Creating and executing test scripts- Building JIRA projects, reports, dashboards and workflows- Co-ordinating test execution for Finance & HCM work streams- Analyzing reported HCM bugs & issues and working with Implementation Partners on potential solutions for those items that require fixes.- Assisting with data conversion & validation activities-… Show more Although the role is as a Workday Test Manager, this is a Workday Launch project so my actual duties cover many areas.- Creating and executing test scripts- Building JIRA projects, reports, dashboards and workflows- Co-ordinating test execution for Finance & HCM work streams- Analyzing reported HCM bugs & issues and working with Implementation Partners on potential solutions for those items that require fixes.- Assisting with data conversion & validation activities- Advising on project, tenant & deployment plans. Show less

Guildford, United Kingdom

Worked on Nando's Implementation and advised consultants on other projects

Like their menu, the delivered configuration for Nando's contained lots of variety and the project was very flexible. Very proud of my role getting this challenging project live which ended up being one of the richest in functionality I have ever worked on and it went live during a pandemic with furlough requirements added last minute into the existing UK Payroll Module.Joined initially during Phase Zero to help Nando's review the Statement Of Work and helped prepare their Workday… Show more Like their menu, the delivered configuration for Nando's contained lots of variety and the project was very flexible. Very proud of my role getting this challenging project live which ended up being one of the richest in functionality I have ever worked on and it went live during a pandemic with furlough requirements added last minute into the existing UK Payroll Module.Joined initially during Phase Zero to help Nando's review the Statement Of Work and helped prepare their Workday project team by providing training and information regarding the Workday product and implementation processes. Then, became the Client's Workday Functional Lead, coordinating requirements and working closely with Workday (as Implementation Partner). Performed roles in Integration reviews and data migration processes with extensive testing of XML & EIB data loads.Truly an epic team performance by Nando's employees, Cloudrock (Client Consultants), Workday (IP) and others to get this live with minimal issues during hypercare. Show less

Remote Worker

Aon Hewitt sold its Workday Practice and its purchaser rebranded it, and other parts of the business, as Alight Solutions Limited. I transferred across to the new company and became a Lead Functional Architect in the EMEA Workday practice. The role involved being responsible for all workstream functional lead consultants, on a specific project, and for ensuring that all workshops; implementation design & decisions; build & test plans were co-ordinated and aligned, thereby enabling the various… Show more Aon Hewitt sold its Workday Practice and its purchaser rebranded it, and other parts of the business, as Alight Solutions Limited. I transferred across to the new company and became a Lead Functional Architect in the EMEA Workday practice. The role involved being responsible for all workstream functional lead consultants, on a specific project, and for ensuring that all workshops; implementation design & decisions; build & test plans were co-ordinated and aligned, thereby enabling the various functional workstreams to compliment each other as well as other areas such as integrations, reporting, data,conversion, project management, change management etc.. .I played an active part in many of the design workshops and was the main consultant that the client’s lead analyst/project manager would initially reach out to during the initial design and testing phases of their project. Other key activities I performed were assisting with project planning; tenant management; testing & Go-Live strategies where my experience of multiple Workday implementations, in addition to years of experience working with various clients on projects, were used to advise clients on what could work best for them. I would also assist consultants with build work where required and provide advice to other members of the practice on Workday implementation methodologies and functionality capabilities. Show less

London, United Kingdom

Worked as a Workday HCM / Core Compensation Consultant & Lead Consultant for Aon Hewitt’s EMEA Workday practice – which they had started to build up after acquiring Kloud Solutions Limited. I worked on multiple projects leading the design workshops, demonstrating & explaining Workday functionality and outlining suitable implementation options to clients and afterwards gathering their configuration requirements / decisions. After I implemented the agreed design, for my workstream(s), I was also… Show more Worked as a Workday HCM / Core Compensation Consultant & Lead Consultant for Aon Hewitt’s EMEA Workday practice – which they had started to build up after acquiring Kloud Solutions Limited. I worked on multiple projects leading the design workshops, demonstrating & explaining Workday functionality and outlining suitable implementation options to clients and afterwards gathering their configuration requirements / decisions. After I implemented the agreed design, for my workstream(s), I was also responsible for its unit testing, plus any bug fixes and/or enhancements that arose during client testing. The other main task I performed was the migration of the configuration from tenant to tenant and the implementation of Go-Live cut-over activities and post production support activities.I also advised and assisted other consultants within the practice and was frequently called upon for my opinion on various functional areas - especially those regarding security and workday planning functionality – both of which I later provided in-house training. Show less

London, United Kingdom

• Implemented 2014 Workday bonus solution & supporting processes- Performed fit-gap analysis of GSK’s requirements vs Workday HR system;- Influenced stakeholders regarding processes requiring change to enable successful implementation;- Created decision paper & presented it to HR Board.- Led design and training workshops and produced process documentation; - Configured Workday’s bonus processes and associated compensation, talent & absence setup areas;- Performed data… Show more • Implemented 2014 Workday bonus solution & supporting processes- Performed fit-gap analysis of GSK’s requirements vs Workday HR system;- Influenced stakeholders regarding processes requiring change to enable successful implementation;- Created decision paper & presented it to HR Board.- Led design and training workshops and produced process documentation; - Configured Workday’s bonus processes and associated compensation, talent & absence setup areas;- Performed data migration from legacy systems;- Responsible for the production of Workday reports to support the process; - Conducted Workday user training and all testing.• Developed 2014 salary, bonus, performance & share plan system for non-Workday countries- Created MSExcel tool to calculate bonuses, salary and share plan awards;- Produced MSWord mail-merge facility to generate award letters;- Ensured system would function around the world using macros and VBA coding.• Lead Functional Analyst: UK Pension Project- Main contact with pension team to gather and document complex requirements;- Designed new HR system processes and produced functional specification;- Responsible for identifying all interfaces impacted by the new process;- Main contact point between GSK and outsourced, offshore technical team.• Managed 2011 Grade Change Program- Produced detailed implementation project plan;- Developed scope documentation to determine country viability to participate;- Main contact for all local markets as well as responsible for offshore team delivering program; • Implemented 2012 bonus system redesign in 2 PeopleSoft systems - Led requirement gathering workshops & subsequent proposal presentation and user training;- Created functional & technical requirement documents;- Responsible for all levels of testing; - Produced delivery pricing quote for various aspects of the implementation;- Managed onsite developers and main analyst contact for outsourced, offshore technical team. Show less

Uk

• Team member implementing global retailer’s PeopleSoft HCM 9.1 solution- Prepared PowerPoint presentations and Visio process diagrams;- Ran presentations during information gathering workshops and documented agreed requirements;- Conducted fit gap analysis of their Target Operating Model (TOM) against the PeopleSoft system;- Created system change request documents and influenced their approval where necessary;

London, United Kingdom

• Lead designer on team implementing a global custom Salary Review & Compensation (SR&B) module - Led workshops & design sessions to gather requirements;- Produced detailed functional specification documents for the new module; - Worked with Asian & American teams assisting in their technical design;- Involved with design of nightly interface extracting/transforming position, job, salary, absence and organisation data; - Ensured that the overall solution design maintained… Show more • Lead designer on team implementing a global custom Salary Review & Compensation (SR&B) module - Led workshops & design sessions to gather requirements;- Produced detailed functional specification documents for the new module; - Worked with Asian & American teams assisting in their technical design;- Involved with design of nightly interface extracting/transforming position, job, salary, absence and organisation data; - Ensured that the overall solution design maintained data integrity when changes occurred;- Involved in the design of all SR&B reports using PeopleSoft’s XML Publisher reporting tool;- Responsible for testing the whole module; Co-ordinating & conducting testing between functional and business users; Logging issues in HP Quality Centre tool as required;- Influenced the improvement of GSK’s migration and testing policy resulting in extra databases and more robust and flexible ways of working;- Ensured solution was viable in different parts of GSK on both PeopleSoft versions 8.9 & 9.0;- Wrote SQL Scripts & Datamover scripts to analyze, update & migrate data. Show less

London, United Kingdom

• Co-designer of Citigroup’s UK Payroll interface using ADP’s G2 (SAP) payroll product- Led UK workshops in order to gather payroll and HR process requirements;- Performed in depth analysis of G2 product using test scenarios to understand its functionality;- Created strong relationship with ADP’s SAP professionals agreeing configuration & process options;- Wrote decision papers outlining options and recommendations - gaining stake-holder’s support;- Created the UK blueprint… Show more • Co-designer of Citigroup’s UK Payroll interface using ADP’s G2 (SAP) payroll product- Led UK workshops in order to gather payroll and HR process requirements;- Performed in depth analysis of G2 product using test scenarios to understand its functionality;- Created strong relationship with ADP’s SAP professionals agreeing configuration & process options;- Wrote decision papers outlining options and recommendations - gaining stake-holder’s support;- Created the UK blueprint document;- Produced functional specification document detailing the new customised interface:- Produced change requests documents for changes to HRMS system to support the new interface;- Worked with off-shore technical team, providing them with assistance in their technical design;- Wrote data conversion specifications and SQL data conversion scripts. Show less

Amsterdam Area, Netherlands

- Manager of 8 employees and deputy to the Head of Customer Services who managed 23 employees; - Responsible for production system, ensuring new releases didn’t conflict with existing functionality;- Acceptance and Regression owner: Testing new releases including country roll-out programs, Manager & Employee Self Service (MSS / ESS), CRM, Business Objects, Websphere Portal, SAP Time & Attendance and Benefit Shop modules;- Main contact between Customer Services and the IT… Show more - Manager of 8 employees and deputy to the Head of Customer Services who managed 23 employees; - Responsible for production system, ensuring new releases didn’t conflict with existing functionality;- Acceptance and Regression owner: Testing new releases including country roll-out programs, Manager & Employee Self Service (MSS / ESS), CRM, Business Objects, Websphere Portal, SAP Time & Attendance and Benefit Shop modules;- Main contact between Customer Services and the IT Development teams (on-shore & off-shore); - Responsible for upgrade schedules and off-cycle scripts or migrations to production;- Ensured that released work and documentation was of a sufficient standard for future support;- Involved in the production of SLAs and improving all aspects of customer communication;- Advised Senior Management on the various functional areas of the project. Show less

London, United Kingdom

• Review of existing PeopleSoft HRMS system & processes - Provided detailed analysis on multiple components of pay usage;- Wrote user guide on compensation, additional pay & general deductions; - Analysed leaver process to streamline codes and reports;- Wrote & updated SQL scripts, PSQueries and Application Engine programs.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

• eRecruit Team Lead managing 3 technical staff & responsible for project technical design and delivery - Aligned RBS to a new, standardized way of working, ensuring all parties had ownership; - Revised inadequate specifications; - Advised the business on best practices, highlighting requirements working against the product;- Managed technical workloads and provided estimates for new requirements;- Implemented technical fixes, wrote customisations and unit tested the… Show more • eRecruit Team Lead managing 3 technical staff & responsible for project technical design and delivery - Aligned RBS to a new, standardized way of working, ensuring all parties had ownership; - Revised inadequate specifications; - Advised the business on best practices, highlighting requirements working against the product;- Managed technical workloads and provided estimates for new requirements;- Implemented technical fixes, wrote customisations and unit tested the technical work of others. Show less

Amsterdam Area, Netherlands

• Subject Matter Expert for payroll, interfaces & integrations for the whole project - Design Authority, creating and/or approving specifications on payroll and other interfaces;- Ensured data consistency was maintained in all interfaces/integrations;- Wrote interfaces and reports in various PeopleSoft tools as required.• Project Manager for the Global Reporting Code implementation- Produced project plan;- Managed developers and oversaw functional analysis work;-… Show more • Subject Matter Expert for payroll, interfaces & integrations for the whole project - Design Authority, creating and/or approving specifications on payroll and other interfaces;- Ensured data consistency was maintained in all interfaces/integrations;- Wrote interfaces and reports in various PeopleSoft tools as required.• Project Manager for the Global Reporting Code implementation- Produced project plan;- Managed developers and oversaw functional analysis work;- Led requirement gathering process & presented options paper to senior management.• Senior Functional Analyst - Often used as a “translator” between technical, functional and business teams;- Provided functional advice and options to management to aid the implementation of solutions in: Administer Workforce, Base Benefits, Self Service, Administer Payroll, eRecruit, Workflow and many other PeopleSoft HRMS areas;- Created functional specification documents and provided end user presentations and training.• Senior Technical Analyst - Led upgrade project from version 8SP1 to version 8.3/Tools 8.14; - Lead analyst for production issues. Investigated, prioritised and fixing production issues;- Created technical specification documents;- Played a lead role in improving technical standards and the use of impact analysis. Show less

Reading, United Kingdom

• Reporting & Workflow work for PeopleSoft Financials implementation.- Wrote SQRs and created an automated printed letter module;- Created and amended existing Crystal reports, Queries, Workflow processes and PeopleCode.

London, United Kingdom

• Responsible for all aspects of the HR system- Managed system analysts including hiring of ad-hoc contractors;- Performed system enhancements and upgrades;- Responsible for requirement gathering and functional analysis;- Advised Senior Management on best practice to fulfil potential of their investment;- Fixed and re-migrated bad data transferred from a legacy system; - Created new customised objects to store specific business related data and processes;-… Show more • Responsible for all aspects of the HR system- Managed system analysts including hiring of ad-hoc contractors;- Performed system enhancements and upgrades;- Responsible for requirement gathering and functional analysis;- Advised Senior Management on best practice to fulfil potential of their investment;- Fixed and re-migrated bad data transferred from a legacy system; - Created new customised objects to store specific business related data and processes;- Responsible for design and implementation of all interfaces including SAP Payroll;- Improved use of Position Management, Recruitment, Training and Base Benefit modules;- Created a reporting structure that could handle the limitations of SQL Server;- Worked alongside IT Project Manager in pre-selection process of new payroll vendor;- Implemented new change control, auditing processes and end user documentation. Show less

London, United Kingdom

• HR Systems Advisor- Advised UK Business Managers on the implications of the global PeopleSoft strategy; - Created, with UK Project Manager, Project Initiation Document and fit-gap analysis documentation;- Wrote detailed proposals on best practices on security, track global assignments and reporting;- Conducted a validation review on the pilot implementation.• Technical Analyst- Wrote SQL scripts and SQR (reports) to correct pilot project data errors;- Created… Show more • HR Systems Advisor- Advised UK Business Managers on the implications of the global PeopleSoft strategy; - Created, with UK Project Manager, Project Initiation Document and fit-gap analysis documentation;- Wrote detailed proposals on best practices on security, track global assignments and reporting;- Conducted a validation review on the pilot implementation.• Technical Analyst- Wrote SQL scripts and SQR (reports) to correct pilot project data errors;- Created data migration procedures with supporting documentation for post pilot go-lives. Show less

London, United Kingdom

• Compensation Advisor- Managed the Pay Policy team. Responsible for defining & applying policies & processes; - Involved in Trade Union pay negotiations;- Designed, built and implemented a Performance Related Pay (PRP) system. - Provided full documentation and training of PRP system as part of handover to the payroll team;• PeopleSoft Specialist- Trained and managed PeopleSoft analysts;- Used development tools to customise PeopleSoft to meet the business… Show more • Compensation Advisor- Managed the Pay Policy team. Responsible for defining & applying policies & processes; - Involved in Trade Union pay negotiations;- Designed, built and implemented a Performance Related Pay (PRP) system. - Provided full documentation and training of PRP system as part of handover to the payroll team;• PeopleSoft Specialist- Trained and managed PeopleSoft analysts;- Used development tools to customise PeopleSoft to meet the business requirements;- Responsible for requirement gathering and functional analysis of all modules;- Wrote user guides and conducted a training programme for end-users. Show less