Principal HRIS Analyst

Standex•Salem, NH

About The Position

The Principal HRIS Analyst is the organization’s senior subject matter expert for HR information systems, with Dayforce as the primary platform. The role oversees strategic administration, configuration, support, reporting, analytics, and continuous improvement of HR technology, while ensuring data integrity, security, compliance, and operational excellence. As part of the corporate HRIS team, this role partners with Human Resources, HR Operations, Payroll, Benefits, IT, Finance, and global business leaders to deliver system enhancements, streamline processes, manage upgrades and integrations, and support enterprise HR technology initiatives. It provides technical leadership, mentors team members and stakeholders, and advises on Dayforce execution and end-user support. The position includes Dayforce administration across applicable Core HR, Payroll, Benefits, Time & Attendance, and Talent modules; employee and HR user support; data management and integrations; reports, dashboards, and analytics; vendor and stakeholder coordination; governance; and training and documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 5–7 years of progressive HRIS experience, including system administration, configuration, reporting, and project leadership.
Demonstrated experience leading HRIS implementations, upgrades, integrations, or large-scale enhancement projects.
Advanced proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Ceridian Dayforce, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, UKG, Oracle HCM, ADP, or similar systems; hands-on Dayforce experience is required.
Advanced reporting and analytics experience, including dashboard development and data visualization.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, Power Query, complex formulas, and data analysis techniques.
Strong understanding of HR, Payroll, Benefits, Talent Acquisition, and Talent Management processes.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

HRIS, HCM, PMP, SHRM, HRCI, or related technology certification.
Experience supporting global HR systems and multi-country environments.
Experience with system integrations, APIs, middleware platforms, and data migration activities.
Knowledge of HR data privacy regulations, including GDPR and applicable employment laws.
Experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or global enterprise environment.

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead functional and technical expert for HR technology platforms and advise on capabilities, trends, and best practices.
Partner with HR leadership to develop and execute HR technology roadmaps aligned with organizational goals.
Gather requirements, perform testing, and support implementation of new features, upgrades, and functionality.
Identify and recommend system enhancements, process improvements, and automation opportunities.
Lead HRIS governance, including system standards, security protocols, change management, and data stewardship.
Administer Dayforce, supporting applicable Core HR, Payroll, Benefits, Time & Attendance, and Talent modules.
Configure and maintain workflows, business processes, eligibility rules, security roles, and user access.
Test Dayforce releases and enhancements, document changes, and partner with HR stakeholders on adoption.
Troubleshoot system issues and coordinate with Dayforce support and vendors to resolve them.
Act as a primary contact for employee and HR user questions about Dayforce and HR systems, providing timely and professional customer support.
Support onboarding, open enrollment, and life-event changes from a systems and user-experience perspective.
Maintain accurate, complete, and consistent employee data; conduct audits and resolve discrepancies.
Develop documentation for data definitions, internal controls, and HRIS processes.
Manage and support data imports, exports, and integration file feeds between Dayforce and downstream systems.
Generate standard and ad-hoc HR reports for operational, compliance, and leadership needs, translating data into actionable insights with HR and Finance stakeholders.
Build and maintain interactive dashboards and visualizations using Dayforce reporting tools and Power BI to track organizational metrics.
Manage vendor relationships, evaluate performance, coordinate support, and oversee issue resolution.
Collaborate with HR, Payroll, Finance, IT, and business leaders to gather requirements and prioritize enhancements.
Facilitate stakeholder discussions about system capabilities, enhancements, and process improvements.
Develop and maintain system documentation, process maps, SOPs, and training materials.
Mentor junior HRIS team members and guide them on system administration and best practices.