Head of Digital Transformation in Manchester

Reporting to: Managing Director

Confidentiality: Open. No requirement for confidentiality.

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 by our client on a retained search for a Head of Digital Transformation. Below you will find a ‘Candidate Opportunity Brief’ developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting held between the Head of Executive Search & Senior Consultant and Key stakeholders. 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 Company Overview:

We are continuing to expand its UK footprint through new fleet deliveries, long-term maintenance contracts, and digital fleet-performance initiatives, creating clear opportunities for partners who can support operational efficiency, workforce capability, and service reliability. As we grow our network of depots and services centres, there is increasing demand for specialists’ technical talent, scalable maintenance support and solutions that improve asset availability and reduce lifecycle cost. This creates a strong opening for organisations that can provide high-quality engineering resource, training, and operational support aligned to our long-term service agreements with UK operators. We are committed to sustainability modernisation and customer-focused rail services also opens opportunities for collaborations in areas such as digital transformation, predictive maintenance, and workforce development.

Challenges expected within the first 12 months include:

• Unifying digital, IT and cyber functions into one coherent operating model.
• Embedding major transformation programmes (Digital Depot + SAP) without disrupting operations.
• Driving cultural and behavioural adoption of new digital processes across a regulated, engineering-heavy organisation.

Key deliverables within the first 12 months include:

• Establish a clear UK digital transformation roadmap with governance, priorities, and milestones.
• Implement an integrated digital & cybersecurity framework, including an upgraded ISMS aligned to ISO27001.
• Deliver early, measurable improvements in system stability, cyber resilience, and digital service performance.

Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience):

• A Degree or relevant discipline within IT, Systems, Cyber Security, Software, Data or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience of working with and toward ISO27001.
• Proven experience in leading an IT, digital, Cyber Security or transformation functions in a complex, regulated technical environment.
• Experience of OT or transport related digital systems.
• Skilled in leading IT operations, incident response, service delivery, and ensuring system stability and scalability.
• Proven ability to maintain, evolve, and audit an Information Security Management System (ISMS).

Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours):

• Ability to translate complex business goals into actionable digital and cybersecurity strategies.
• Skilled at influencing executives, regulators, international teams, and cross-functional partners.
• Builds high-performing teams, fosters knowledge sharing, and leads multidisciplinary groups effectively.
• Communicates complex technical concepts clearly and drives organisational adoption of new technologies.
• Advocates for digital innovation, continuous improvement, and emerging technology adoption.
• Calm under pressure, effective in incident response, and able to navigate complex, regulated environments.

Desirables:

• Experience working within the rail, transport, or manufacturing sectors.
• Understanding of UK rail regulatory frameworks and standards for on train systems.
• Experience representing organisations in regulatory, industry, or technical working groups.
• Proven track record delivering digital or cybersecurity programmes across multinational or cross-border teams.

Working Arrangements & Location:

Based in Manchester, 1-2 days on the Manchester site, travel to Spain as and when required.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive digital transformation strategy aligned to the UK business plan and group-level digital vision.
• Act as the senior advocate for digital innovation, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and efficient adoption of emerging technologies.
• Influence strategy at group level by collaborating with Spanish headquarters across IT, digital services, cyber security, and operational technology functions.
• Lead and manage the UK IT department, ensuring high performance, stability, and scalability across all systems and infrastructure.
• Hold strategic ownership of cyber security policies, standards, and defensive capabilities across the UK operations.
• Maintain and evolve ISO 27001 certification, ensuring compliance with the Information Security Management System (ISMS).
• Ensure data security, GDPR compliance, and robust risk management practices are embedded across all digital platforms and processes.
• Monitor emerging threats and implement proactive cybersecurity improvements.
• Serve as principal UK contact for all on train IT and software matters with Train Operating Companies (TOCs), partners, and regulators.
• Lead incident response, problem resolution, and service delivery in collaboration with digital and operations teams.
• Support multinational project teams, ensuring seamless integration and knowledge exchange.
• Ensure all digital systems and operations comply with UK rail regulations, cybersecurity requirements, data protection laws, and relevant industry standards.
• Maintain accurate audit documentation and ensure readiness for internal and external audits.
• Represent the organisation in regulatory forums, industry groups, and technical working groups where required.

Budget: Competitive Salary Available

Supporting benefits:

• Bike 2 work scheme
• Life assurance
• Flexible working
• Pensions Up to 10%
• 25 days holiday in addition to 8 bank holidays
• Maternity Leave/ Paternity Training/ Memberships
• Health care cash Plan

Ford & Stanley Executive Search is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers.