At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital and AI transformation in program management to enhance client value and decision-making.
- Company: Join Arcadis, a global leader in sustainable design and consultancy solutions.
- Benefits: Empowering culture, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact on the planet.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to creating a lasting legacy.
- Why this job: Shape the future of program management with innovative digital and AI strategies.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in digital transformation and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.
Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
The Program Management Digital & AI Transformation Director is accountable for rewiring how Program Management 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 Program Management.
Role accountabilities:
- Set the Digital & AI direction for the Service Line.
- Create a Program Management specific Digital & AI strategy in the context of our 3yr-out vision and strategy of the Program Management, 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 Program Management 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 Program Management 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 Program Management 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.
- 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 and measure adherence and progress.
- Own the Program Management 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 Program Management 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.
- Experience embedding responsible AI principles into enterprise AI adoption and operational practices.
- Proven strategic leadership in defining and executing a global Digital & AI capability vision aligned to business goals.
- Deep expertise in digital, AI, automation and emerging technologies.
- Demonstrated experience driving organizational change and broad adoption of new digital and AI capabilities.
- Strong track record of identifying, sponsoring and scaling successful innovations.
- Proven ability to influence and align senior stakeholders across global, regional and local teams.
- Strong understanding of scalable delivery models, process optimization and operational excellence.
- Governance and risk management experience, including understanding of data privacy, AI ethics, information security and relevant compliance requirements.
- Demonstrated talent and capability development experience.
- Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrated strategic judgment and execution discipline.
- Leadership style that empowers Arcadians, promotes accountability and continuous improvement.
- Degree level education in a relevant technical or commercial discipline.
- 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.
Why Arcadis?
We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.
You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you. Together, we can create a lasting legacy.
Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
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.
Global Digital & AI Transformation Director Program Management in London employer: Poutrix
Arcadis is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of empowerment and inclusivity, allowing employees to leverage their unique skills in a collaborative environment. With a strong commitment to professional growth, Arcadis offers extensive opportunities for career development while working on meaningful projects that contribute to sustainable solutions globally. Located in a dynamic and innovative sector, employees can expect to be at the forefront of digital and AI transformation, making a significant impact on both their careers and the world around them.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Digital & AI Transformation Director Program Management in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Know their projects and values inside out, so you can show how you fit right in with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role. Keep it concise but impactful – you want to leave them wanting to know more.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Global Digital & AI Transformation Director Program Management in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Global Digital & AI Transformation Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in digital transformation and how it relates to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've driven change and delivered value in previous roles, especially in digital and AI contexts.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for digital innovation and how it aligns with our mission at Arcadis.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures it gets to the right people and shows you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Poutrix
✨Know Your Digital & AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in digital transformation and AI. Arcadis is looking for someone who can embed these capabilities into their workflows, so be ready to discuss how you've done this in the past or how you plan to do it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
This role requires extensive leadership experience, so prepare examples that highlight your ability to drive change and influence stakeholders. Think about specific projects where you led a team through a digital transformation and the impact it had.
✨Understand Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Arcadis' mission and values. They want someone who aligns with their commitment to sustainability and improving quality of life. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to digital and AI transformation. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and measurable outcomes.