Duncan Ritchie
Mississauga,Canada
Summary
Strategic HR Technology Executive Accomplished HR technology leader with over 20 years of experience in delivering superior HR solutions across various sectors, including financial services, retail, municipal government, and healthcare. Known for strategic vision, deep technical knowledge, and a proven ability to lead large-scale technology implementations. Adept at driving innovation, optimizing processes, and building high-performing teams to achieve business objectives.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director, People Process & Technology
Loblaw Companies Limited
02.2020 - Current
- Strategic Leadership: Directed two major payroll implementations, transitioning 90,000 employees to Workday HCM & Payroll.
- Team Development: Managed and developed Payroll and Benefits teams, ensuring quality and growth.
- Client Relationship: Enhanced client and partner relationships through exceptional deliverables.
- Innovation & Improvement: Led continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing HR processes and technologies.
Director, Workday Practice, Consulting & Deals
PwC Canada
01.2018 - 02.2020
- Technology Transformation: Led payroll transitions for major retail clients, migrating 90,000 employees to Workday HCM & Payroll.
- Resource Management: Supervised Payroll and Benefits teams, driving continuous growth and performance.
- Exceeding Expectations: Delivered projects beyond expectations, strengthening client partnerships.
Director, Global HRMS Reporting & Security, Global HR Services
Sun Life Financial
07.2011 - 01.2018
- Global Leadership: Led Reporting & Security team and served as Senior Workday Architect.
- Process Optimization: Implemented enhancements in HCM, Payroll, Compensation, and Benefits.
- Data Analytics: Developed global analytics and supported financial reporting and headcount budgeting.
Workday Implementation Consultant, North American Workday Practice
Towers Watson
08.2010 - 06.2011
- Global Implementation: Led Workday HCM implementation for a global insurance client across 13 countries.
- System Integration: Integrated SAP Payroll and supported various system integrations for streamlined operations.
HRIS IT Lead, Human Resources (Temporary Contract)
CML HealthCare Inc
02.2010 - 08.2010
- Technology Implementation: Synel Biometric Time Clocks were implemented and integrated with Lawson systems.
- Vendor Management: Managed multiple IT vendors to ensure project success.
HRMS Implementation Specialist, Human Resources (Temporary Contract)
IKEA Canada
03.2009 - 01.2010
- SAP Modules Implementation: Implemented SAP modules and integrated with Kronos Workforce Central.
- Data Conversion: Supported legacy data conversion and payroll operations.
Manager, Human Resources Information Systems
Regional Municipality of Niagara
11.2005 - 02.2008
- Provided leadership in the development and implementation of the long term (3 year time horizon) information technology strategy for the Human Resources Department in consultation with Information Services (IS) staff and shared service partners in accordance with corporate technology standards.
- Managed all technical information systems, applications and office automation needs of the department through optimal and secure information technology systems, process and best practices.
- Identified Human Resources systems and processes that could be improved through information technology and office automation and recommend effective strategies to address these concerns.
- Acted as liaison in cross-departmental initiatives including development of corporate budgets.
- Managed 1 HRIS Analyst, and 3 HRIS Client Service Assistants
Transition Project Manager, Human Resources Outsourcing
Hewitt Associates
02.2005 - 11.2005
- Client: International Beverage and Snack Food Company
- Canadian Transition Project Manager for $20 Million/Year International client account
- Lead a multi-national team of Human Resources Consultants working to transition Payroll and HRIS services from our Client to Hewitt Associates
- Partnered with Client, Vendor and Hewitt teams to identify opportunities to improve operational efficiencies including the movement of information between all parties
- Managed external service providers and vendors to minimize expenses; conduct cost/benefit analyses and prepare business recommendations
- Ensured the optimization of organizational resources on the project in the most effective and efficient manner
HRIS / Payroll Implementation Consultant
HRIS / Payroll Implementation Consultant
07.2003 - 02.2005
- Client: Large Provincial Government Financial Services Agency, Alberta
- As the Lead Application Consultant, Managed a client team through the implementation and rollout of the Cyborg HRIS and Payroll System
- Successfully implemented a suit of Employee Self-Service tools over the intranet and internet to 155 financial services branches, and three corporate office locations serving 4000 employees. Employee Self-Service tools included Benefits Open Enrolment, electronic Pay Statements, and online Time Entry tools, as well as many other Employee and Manager self-service functions.
- Gained knowledge of the practical applications of HRIS principles in a large complex, unionized workplace
Manager, Human Resources Information Systems
Sun Life Financial
06.2000 - 07.2003
- Reduced the 4 million HRIS operating budget by 1.5 million through resource management, process improvements and implementation of best practices without sacrificing essential Human Resources services.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive HRIS strategy, including Payroll, HRIS, Intranet, and Benefits Administration tools in consultation with Human Resources and Information Systems staff
- I managed a team of 13 IT professionals to develop state-of-the-art Web Based Human Resources Information systems and tools, including Payroll & HRIS.
Senior Business Analyst, Human Resources Information Systems
Sun Life Financial
03.1999 - 06.2000
- Developed RFP's for a Web-Based Recruitment Application, Web-Based Compensation and Bonus Administration System, and Pension Administration Services. Lead the selection and implementation of these systems, including process re-engineering to accommodate the new application functionality.
- Experience leading business re-engineering efforts within the Human Resources Department, specifically with Payroll, Benefits, and Compensation services.
- Designed and Implemented a World-Wide Succession Planning Application on the Intranet with interfaces from PeopleSoft, Cyborg, Oracle, and other HRIS Systems
Senior Business Analyst, Human Resources Information Systems
Sun Life Financial
09.1997 - 03.1999
- Implemented an extensive Cognos Impromptu Catalogue for use within the HR Department, and Human Resources IS Team for Reporting and Interface Development.
- Programmed several external and internal interfaces from the data warehouse, using VB and various mainframe programs, to other Sun Life Financial systems.
- Responsible for managing all reporting needs from Sun Life's newly implemented HRIS / and Payroll System (Cyborg).
- Designed an MS Access Data Warehouse to meet the immediate reporting needs of both HR users and management.
- Project Leader for the SQL Server data warehouse application that was scheduled to replace MS Access
- Performed Project Management for several HR related application development projects in Lotus Notes, Visual Basic, Cognos Impromptu & Cognos PowerPlay
- Extensive experience with PC, Client/Server and Mainframe applications
Business Analyst, Finance Systems
Business Analyst, Finance Systems
09.1997 - 03.1999
Education
Payroll Compliance Practitioner Certification -
Canadian Payroll Association
Toronto, Ontario08.2025
Diploma - Computer Systems Technology
Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology
Hamilton, Ontario01.1988
Joint Major - Computer Studies & Environmental Science
Trent University
Peterborough, Ontario01.1987
Skills
- Collaborative leadership
- Culture transformation
- Team management
- Policy development
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Operations management
- Project management
- Creativity and innovation
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Director, People Process & Technology
Loblaw Companies Limited
02.2020 - Current
Director, Workday Practice, Consulting & Deals
PwC Canada
01.2018 - 02.2020
Director, Global HRMS Reporting & Security, Global HR Services
Sun Life Financial
07.2011 - 01.2018
Workday Implementation Consultant, North American Workday Practice
Towers Watson
08.2010 - 06.2011
HRIS IT Lead, Human Resources (Temporary Contract)
CML HealthCare Inc
02.2010 - 08.2010
HRMS Implementation Specialist, Human Resources (Temporary Contract)
IKEA Canada
03.2009 - 01.2010
Manager, Human Resources Information Systems
Regional Municipality of Niagara
11.2005 - 02.2008
Transition Project Manager, Human Resources Outsourcing
Hewitt Associates
02.2005 - 11.2005
HRIS / Payroll Implementation Consultant
HRIS / Payroll Implementation Consultant
07.2003 - 02.2005
Manager, Human Resources Information Systems
Sun Life Financial
06.2000 - 07.2003
Senior Business Analyst, Human Resources Information Systems
Sun Life Financial
03.1999 - 06.2000
Senior Business Analyst, Human Resources Information Systems
Sun Life Financial
09.1997 - 03.1999
Business Analyst, Finance Systems
Business Analyst, Finance Systems
09.1997 - 03.1999
Diploma - Computer Systems Technology
Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology
Joint Major - Computer Studies & Environmental Science
Trent University
Payroll Compliance Practitioner Certification -
Canadian Payroll Association
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