At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of Environmental Services through digital and AI integration.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving change and fostering an inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by reshaping how services are delivered with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in digital and AI within professional services.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.
The Environmental Services Digital & AI Transformation Director is accountable for rewiring how Environmental Services delivers value to clients by embedding digital, data, and AI capabilities into core delivery workflows, decision‑making, and operating rhythms. This role is about changing how work gets done to make better decisions, reduce risk, improve quality and outcomes, and scale what works across Environmental Services.
Role accountabilities
- Set the Digital & AI direction for the Service Line.
- Create an Environmental Services specific Digital & AI strategy in the context of our 3yr‑out vision and strategy of the Environmental Services, and the strategic priorities of Industries & Sectors.
- Define and regularly update “digital must‑win” areas by conducting competitor analyses and gap analysis within existing portfolio of tools and digital products and partnerships.
- Identify which Environmental Services delivery domains and workflows must be redesigned.
- Setup collaboration rhythm with Digital Intelligence, Investment governance, pipeline management approach and prioritization framework, change network, CoPs, etc.
- Set clear objectives for the transformation that link to overall Environmental Services performance metrics.
- Own the Opportunity Portfolio.
- Collect and pro‑actively source digital opportunities and use cases within the organization, in close collaboration with peers in other Service Lines and Industries.
- Kick‑start and actively participate in AI studios around the most promising opportunities, to quickly validate and potentially prototype, ideally in real client settings.
- Work closely together with Digital Intelligence counterparts to make buy/build/partner decisions, as well as start/continue/stop decisions, following pre‑set guidelines.
- Actively stop or kill initiatives that do not demonstrate clear value, adoption potential, or strategic fit.
- Participate regularly in client conversations to better understand client needs.
- Act as primary interface and product sponsor to product managers, e.g., help get funding, set requirements, mobilize business SME involvement, anything needed to deliver at pace.
- Redesign end‑to‑end Environmental Services delivery workflows to embed digital and AI where they materially improve outcomes.
- Work with Service Line leadership to support adjustments to new ways of working.
- Build a local network of digital & AI champions (change agents and catalysts) within each Service Area Group.
- Strengthen foundational digital skills and AI usage within the organization (e.g., Drive Citizen Development participation, measure and steer on AI usage, make part of SPO).
- Setup adoption campaigns around new tooling / digital products, and ways of working, incl. training programs and updated global procedures.
- Turn global data strategy into an actionable plan within the service line, with clear focus around the priority areas (digital must‑wins).
- Create knowledge and data libraries around discipline areas, managed within Communities of Practice.
- Setup data governance (who collects, who structures and maintains) and measure adherence and progress.
- Define any other pre‑requisites for digital innovation and bake into transformation plan.
- Own the Environmental Services Digital and AI innovation backlog and roadmap, in partnership with Digital Intelligence, ensuring alignment to strategic priorities and measurable value delivery.
- Drive investment prioritisation and portfolio transparency within the Innovation governance framework, enabling clear decision‑making and optimal allocation of resources.
- Champion digital adoption across the Environmental Services workforce and project delivery, working closely with Services leadership to embed tools, behaviours, and ways of working that maximise impact.
Qualifications & Experience
- Extensive leadership experience building and scaling global digital, AI, automation or technology-enabled capabilities within the AEC or related professional services industry, with clear accountability for capability maturity, business value and enterprise impact.
- Experience embedding responsible AI principles, including governance, transparency, human oversight, risk mitigation and regulatory alignment into enterprise AI adoption and operational practices.
- Proven strategic leadership in defining and executing a global Digital & AI capability vision aligned to business goals, enterprise priorities and long‑term transformation objectives.
- Deep expertise in digital, AI, automation and emerging technologies, with a strong understanding of how these can be applied to improve delivery models, business performance and client outcomes within complex organizational environments.
- Demonstrated experience driving organizational change and broad adoption of new digital and AI capabilities, tools and ways of working across global and local teams.
- Strong track record of identifying, sponsoring and scaling successful innovations, pilots and proof of concept initiatives into practical, repeatable and value‑adding business capabilities.
- Proven ability to influence and align senior stakeholders across global, regional and local teams, building commitment to shared priorities and securing support for transformation roadmaps and implementation plans.
- Strong understanding of scalable delivery models, process optimization and operational excellence, with experience designing approaches that improve consistency, efficiency and quality in digital and AI‑enabled services.
- Governance and risk management experience, including understanding of data privacy, AI ethics, information security and relevant compliance requirements, with the ability to embed these into capability design, deployment and ongoing management.
- Demonstrated talent and capability development experience, including building learning programs, enabling skills development and fostering communities of practice that strengthen digital, data and AI capability across the organization.
- Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to connect cross‑functional teams around a unified transformation agenda and deliver outcomes across a complex matrixed environment.
- Demonstrated strategic judgment and execution discipline, with the ability to translate vision into clear priorities, practical roadmaps and measurable outcomes.
- Leadership style that empowers Arcadians, promotes accountability and continuous improvement, and supports a healthy, inclusive and high engagement culture aligned to the Arcadis Leadership profile of being curious, driving success and igniting passion.
- Degree level education in a relevant technical or commercial discipline such as digital technology, data science, artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, business or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Advanced degree preferred such as an MBA or a relevant Master’s in artificial intelligence, data science, digital transformation, technology management, engineering, business or a related field, or equivalent executive level experience in complex global organization.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day, which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people.
Global Digital & AI Transformation Director Environmental Services in Manchester employer: Arcadis
As a leader in Environmental Services, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored training programmes and the establishment of a network of digital and AI champions, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to thrive in their career. Located in a vibrant area, we offer a unique blend of meaningful work and a supportive environment, making us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Digital & AI Transformation Director Environmental Services in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Arcadis.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Arcadis and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Digital & AI Transformation Director Environmental Services in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Arcadis.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Arcadis will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Global Digital & AI Transformation Director Environmental Services at Arcadis. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arcadis
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Arcadis, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Arcadis that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
