Head of Innovation and Digital Transformation in London

Submit your CV and any additional required information after you have read this description by clicking on the application button.

Reporting to: Chief Innovation Officer

Confidentiality: N/A

Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group) are a leading Executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in the following sectors:

• Rail & Transportation
• Civils & Construction
• Manufacturing & Supply Chain
• Technology & Cyber Security
• Logistics & Intermodal Freight
• Defence

We have been exclusively appointed on a retained search for a Head of Innovation & Digital Transformation. Below you will find a ‘Candidate Opportunity Brief’ developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting held between the Research Manager of Executive Search & Principal Consultant and the CIO of our client. This brief is designed to give candidates a deeper insight into the opportunity inherent within the role, the challenges the role presents, and provide access to the detail that sits behind the job specification.

Client Opportunity Statements:

As an organisation, we are at the forefront of innovation within the rail industry, embracing new ways of working and establishing ourselves as a UK transport leader in AI, Machine Learning, Automation, and Operational excellence, through technology and data-driven decision-making. This is a rare opportunity to join an organisation that will be leading the way for the whole industry, redefining operating models, improving performance, reducing cost and providing the best service for our customers.

As Head of Innovation and Digital Transformation, you will be at the heart of our mission. You will lead digital transformation across customer experience, operations, technology, and commercial strategy, and represent us across industry, government, and public forums to drive the wider sector’s transformation agenda.

Challenges expected within the first 12 months include:

• Working with stakeholders at a top level, instilling trust, credibility and leading adoption of the digital transformation journey.
• Winning the ‘Hearts and Minds’ of all employees within the business, starting from the bottom up, taking people on the behavioural change journey and working through ‘push back’ or hesitations.
• Playing an integral role in the company that is leading the way in embracing innovation and what this looks like in the future rail landscape.
• Understanding that as this scales, it will come with increased governance and “red tape”.

Key deliverables within the first 12 months include:

• Delivering against the automation strategy and ensuring the business is on track for the treasury target of £50m savings over a 3-year period.
• Working across the business to ensure company-wide adoption of new technology and continued elevation of the business's digital culture.
• Ensuring that the technology is driving operational and service delivery performance and continuing to look at what needs to change to be a more efficient organisation (Automation, AI and Machine Learning).

Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience):

• Proven experience in driving and leading successful digital transformation with a focus on Automation, AI and Machine learning solutions.
• Demonstrable experience leading technical teams (3+ direct reports) with the ability to set strategy while maintaining team motivation and focus.
• Strong commercial acumen, understanding how digital transformation has a direct financial impact.
• Strong internal and external stakeholder management skills – able to influence at all levels and sell the “story”.
• A technical qualification is not needed for the role, but it is essential that the candidate is able to understand digital solutions.

Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours):

• Resilience - able to push forward with good momentum even when facing setbacks.
• Drive – understands the importance of digital transformation and has a passion for driving change whilst pushing a business into the future.
• Inspirational – ability to bring people on the journey and get them excited about what innovation can enable them to do.
• Pragmatic & Dynamic – able to think ‘outside the box’ and focus on solutions, not problems.
• Executive maturity – ability to operate at a senior level and drive change from a top level.

Working Arrangements & Location:

3 days per week at either site, London or York office, with occasional travel expected across the route. 2 days working from home available.

Good to know:

The Head of Innovation and Business Transformation reports into the Chief Innovation Officer. This opportunity has arisen due to the current Head of Innovation & Business Transformation leaving the business in March. The previous incumbent put exceptional foundations in place to successfully navigate what can be a very governance-heavy industry. This individual will have indirect leadership of a team of 35 across Machine Learning, Innovation and AI. Part of a wider team of 120 across the Digital division. Team culture is one that is dynamic, driven, supportive and creative. There will be a focus on continuing to develop team resilience and empowering them to embrace accountability.

The client have a culture of openness and transparency, which will support the mission of this role. We are particularly looking for those who can display strong ‘leadership’ throughout the business and work diligently to lead from the front and build strong relationships at all levels.

The client is an industry-leading train operator that is at the forefront of digital adoption and setting the standard within the industry. This role involves close stakeholder relationships internally and externally with the likes of GBRX, DfTO and specialist suppliers. This role is integral to helping the business continue their digital journey and successfully navigate into the future with a focus on how to scale out into the wider industry.

Implementing and driving the digital roadmap, ensuring that ML, Automation and AI enable the business to meet ‘Treasury targets’.

This role will involve partnering with 3rd parties that include suppliers, start-ups and universities to provide digital solutions as well as products developed in-house.

Key Competencies & Responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver digital transformation across customer experience, operations, technology, and commercial strategy to drive over £50m in value over 3 years.
• Identify, design and own the multi-year transformation roadmap and wherever relevant across DFTO and wider industry.
• Lead and deliver organisational performance improvements and business model reinvention including technology led Target Operating Model (TOM) and present Organisational Re-design opportunities.
• Lead strategic alignment and collaborate across all directorates and influence Board-level decisions.
• Represent the company externally in industry, media and public platforms to shape transport innovation policy.
• Build and lead a team of 40 (FTE, FTC, and Contract as appropriate) people across Machine Learning, Innovation, Automation, and Technology transformation.

Budget: Low: £105, Mid: £110, High: £115.

Supporting benefits include private healthcare, flexible benefits scheme, defined benefits pension scheme, unlimited first-class leisure travel for employee, partner and children, and additional annual leave purchase scheme.