Manager, HR Systems

Job Description: Ventas is a leading S&P 500 company enabling exceptional environments that benefit a large and growing aging population. With an enterprise value exceeding $50 billion and a portfolio of more than 1,400 properties across North America and the United Kingdom, Ventas is a preeminent participant in the longevity economy. Its largest business is private-pay senior housing, which includes over 850 communities providing valuable care and services to more than 90,000 residents. The Ventas portfolio also includes outpatient medical buildings, research centers and healthcare facilities that attract strong institutional demand from the largest health systems, biomedical companies and universities and other research institutions in the world. Backed by strong financial performance and a collaborative culture, Ventas has the capital, capabilities and relationships to deliver superior value. The experienced Ventas team shares a commitment to each other and to the Company’s mission of helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives. The Human Resources team serves as a foundational partner to the business, enabling Ventas employees to do their best work. The team focuses on building scalable processes and supporting leaders while ensuring employees have the tools, resources and experiences needed to succeed. About the Role The Manager, HR Systems is the sole internal owner of Workday at Ventas, responsible for the day-to-day management, configuration and optimization of the platform supporting the full employee lifecycle across Core HCM, Compensation, Recruiting, Talent, Benefits, Payroll and Time Tracking. Operating with a product owner lens, this role manages intake, prioritization and execution of system enhancements, translating business needs into practical solutions and ensuring delivery in partnership with HR, Finance, Payroll and Information Technology. The role balances hands-on system administration with accountability for Workday outcomes, including configuration, reporting, issue resolution and delivery coordination. The role partners with an AMS provider to support ongoing delivery while maintaining ownership of priorities and outcomes. Success in this role requires strong ownership, sound judgment and the ability to manage competing priorities while building credibility with stakeholders and driving consistent execution across internal teams and external partners. Key responsibilities include: Workday Ownership & Backlog Management • Manage Workday intake and prioritization, overseeing requests from submission through resolution • Translate business needs into clear requirements and scalable Workday solutions • Maintain visibility into priorities, tradeoffs and delivery timelines Configuration & Functional Execution • Configure and maintain Workday business processes, security and organizational structures • Troubleshoot system issues and lead resolution for complex or high-impact items • Support testing, validation and deployment of system updates and enhancements AMS Vendor Management & Delivery • Manage day-to-day execution of the Workday AMS partner, including intake, prioritization and follow-through • Ensure clear ownership and consistent progress across all work • Monitor delivery quality and timeliness, addressing gaps as needed Data, Reporting & System Integrity • Maintain accuracy and integrity of Workday data through audits, validation and issue resolution • Develop and support reporting and dashboards for HR and business stakeholders • Ensure system controls and documentation support audit and compliance requirements Cross-Functional Support & Process Improvement • Partner with HR, Finance, Payroll, IT and Internal Audit to support ongoing system needs • Identify opportunities to simplify processes and improve system effectiveness • Support execution of system enhancements and process improvements aligned to business priorities Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Information Systems, Business Administration, Management Information Systems or a related field required • 5+ years of progressive HRIS experience with strong hands-on Workday configuration experience • Deep experience with Workday HCM required, with the ability to support cross-functional HR domains (e.g., Payroll, Recruiting, Talent, Compensation) within a compliant, well-governed environment • Strong knowledge of Workday business processes, security, reporting, and modules across the employee lifecycle required • Workday Pro Security and HCM certifications preferred • Experience serving as a primary system owner or product owner, with accountability for system enhancements, vendor delivery and overall outcomes • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot issues and deliver practical solutions • Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and operate independently in a lean environment • Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear guidance for business stakeholders • Must be located in the Chicago, IL surrounding area or willing to relocate for the duration of employment • Willingness to adapt and thrive in a blended work environment with 3-days in office, seamlessly transitioning between remote work and in-office operations • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without need for employer sponsorship now or in the future The estimated base salary range for this position is $130,000– $180,000 per year. This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base salary Ventas reasonably expects to pay at the time of posting. Actual base pay will be determined based on work location, skills, qualifications, relevant experience and business needs. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for discretionary incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, paid time off and other wellness benefits under applicable plan terms.