Case Study

Enterprise HR IT Operating Model Transformation for a Global Organisation

Enterprise HR IT Operating Model Transformation for a Global Organisation

Sunfish designed and delivered a new Enterprise HR IT operating model and HRIS strategy, enabling a global organisation to improve collaboration, standardise processes, and strengthen enterprise-wide reporting and analytics capability.

Overview

Sunfish was engaged by a global organisation undergoing a strategic shift toward a centralised, functionally accountable operating model. As part of this transformation, the HR function identified an opportunity to improve business outcomes through better integration and exploitation of data, systems, and processes.

The organisation required a comprehensive HR Information Systems strategy to align technology with its new enterprise structure, improve employee experience, and deliver consistent governance and reporting across all business sectors.

Sunfish was appointed to define the Enterprise HRIS strategy and establish a clear roadmap for implementation.

The Challenge

The organisation was transitioning to a global operating model designed to drive greater collaboration and operational efficiency. However, HR systems, processes, and reporting capabilities were fragmented across business sectors.

There was limited standardisation of policies and processes, inconsistent data quality, and insufficient enterprise-level reporting. Without a unified HR technology framework, the organisation risked inefficiencies, reduced visibility, and misalignment with its strategic objectives.

The HR function required a transformation that would:

  • Deliver a world-class employee experience
  • Apply common policies and processes across all sectors
  • Improve data quality and governance
  • Enable enterprise-level reporting and analytics
  • Align HR systems with the broader operating model shift

The programme required structured engagement with senior stakeholders and clear alignment between HR, technology, and business leadership.

The Approach

Sunfish delivered a structured five-step engagement model to design and define the Enterprise HRIS strategy.

Business engagement sessions were conducted to understand HR capabilities, pain points, and opportunities for improvement. Workshops were facilitated with HR, Centres of Excellence, HR Operations, Product Owners, and HR Architects to capture Voice of the Business insights and validate requirements.

A set of HRIS design principles was developed to shape the enterprise strategy and ensure alignment with organisational goals. Sunfish leveraged HR best practice, industry standards, and external insight to develop an unconstrained, future-focused HRIS vision.

The resulting HRIS strategy defined the future technology landscape and provided a socialised, stakeholder-aligned roadmap for implementation.

The Outcome

The new Enterprise HRIS strategy was formally signed off, and investment was secured to execute the roadmap projects required for implementation.

Following strategy approval, Sunfish was engaged to manage delivery of the portfolio of projects required to realise the transformation. The organisation now operates with a clear enterprise HR technology framework aligned to its global operating model.

Impact

  • Enterprise alignment
    HR technology is now aligned to the centralised operating model, supporting functional accountability and cross-sector collaboration.
  • Improved employee experience
    A unified strategy enables consistent HR processes and systems across the organisation.
  • Enhanced data quality and reporting
    Standardised processes and governance have strengthened data integrity and enabled enterprise-level analytics.
  • Strategic roadmap delivery
    A clear, actionable roadmap provided confidence for investment and structured implementation.
  • Sustained partnership
    Sunfish transitioned from strategy delivery to ongoing portfolio management, becoming a trusted framework consulting partner.

Client Testimonial

“The work has reduced operational friction and positioned our HR technology function as a strategic enabler rather than a reactive support capability.”

Written by Satinder Sangha

A highly motivated technology leader with a passion to leverage technology to drive business transformation. Satinder has held senior technology roles in FTSE 100 companies where he has led major business change / transformation programmes across IT, HR, Finance and Commercial functions. ​

Written by Satinder Sangha

A highly motivated technology leader with a passion to leverage technology to drive business transformation. Satinder has held senior technology roles in FTSE 100 companies where he has led major business change / transformation programmes across IT, HR, Finance and Commercial functions. ​

At a glance

Client:
Global organisation transitioning to a centralised enterprise operating model

Engagement:
Design and delivery of an Enterprise HR IT operating model and HRIS strategy

Services:
HRIS strategy development
Enterprise architecture design
Stakeholder engagement and business workshops
HR technology roadmap creation
Portfolio delivery governance

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