HR Data Specialist

HR Data Specialist Contract: 6-Month Initial Term (possible extension)
Schedule: Hybrid | 3 Days Onsite (Tuesday–Thursday) / 2 Days Remote
Location: North Chicago, IL
Pay Rate: $30/hour

Orion Group is seeking a detail-oriented HR Data Specialist to join our client’s HR Operations Department, a shared services environment supporting global HR and payroll functions for a leading pharmaceutical organization.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for maintaining employee data accuracy within Workday (system of record) and ServiceNow (case management system). You’ll handle employee lifecycle updates, support HR process accuracy, ensure compliance, and deliver a high standard of service to HR and business partners across the organization.

This is a data-driven, system-heavy position requiring exceptional accuracy, strong communication skills, and a commitment to process excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and manage HR data transactions in Workday — including new hires, job changes, terminations, and compensation updates.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure timely data entry and system updates.
• Run and analyze HR data quality reports; research and correct data discrepancies.
• Support compliance with global HR processes, policies, and internal controls.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (HR, Total Rewards, Benefits, Finance, and others) to ensure seamless process execution.
• Deliver system and process training to new team members as needed.
• Respond promptly and professionally to employee and manager inquiries related to HR data, payroll inputs, and system processes.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency and automation.
• Ensure data integrity that directly impacts payroll accuracy and compliance.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of HR data management experience in a corporate or shared services environment.
• Workday data entry experience is highly preferred; SAP or similar HRIS experience considered.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (required).
• Bachelor’s degree required (HR, Business Administration, or related field preferred).
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail in high-volume data entry environments.
• Strong communication skills — clear, concise, and customer-focused.
• Proven ability to prioritize multiple requests and adapt to changing business needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, basic reporting).
• Experience with ServiceNow and SmartRecruiters a plus.
• Exposure to large, enterprise-level HR operations preferred.

Why This Role Matters This role is essential to ensuring employee data integrity and timely, accurate payroll processing. Errors in this position can directly affect employee pay and compliance, making precision and accountability critical.
If you’re tech-savvy, thrive in a detail-oriented environment, and enjoy supporting global HR operations through accurate and efficient data management — we want to hear from you.

Our role in supporting diversity and inclusion
As an international workforce business, we are committed to sourcing personnel that reflects the diversity and values of our client base but also that of Orion Group. We welcome the wide range of experiences and viewpoints that potential workers bring to our business and our clients, including those based on nationality, gender, culture, educational and professional backgrounds, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and age differences, job classification and religion. In our inclusive workplace, regardless of your employment status as staff or contract, everyone is assured the right of equitable, fair and respectful treatment.