Head of Digital Transformation

Candidate Opportunity Brief

Position: Head of Digital transformation

Reporting to: Managing Director

Confidentiality: Open. No requirement for confidentially

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
Our search directors, search consultants and in house research team specialise in retained opportunities at the highest level of organisational leadership and management.

Our success is based upon a blend of trust-driven relationships, robust market knowledge, and working practices that ensure the best possible alignment of organisational need with experience and personal ambition.

Working with business leaders on bespoke assignments for over a decade, we understand exactly what our customers expect from an executive search and talent advisory service – whether there is a pressing business need for an executive interim or that of a long-term permanent appointment - Ford & Stanley Executive Search provide the solution.

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 (Situational Discovery) 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 grows its 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 organisation that can provide high-quality engineering resource, training, and operational support aligned to our  long- term service agreements with UK operators.

We are commitment to sustainability modernisation and customer focused rail services also opens opportunities for collaborations in areas such as digital transformation, predictive maintenance, and workforce development. With multiple net fleets entering service and ongoing refurbishment programmes, We requires partners who can deliver flexible staffing models, projects delivery capability       

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- Manchester
1/2 days on the Manchester site
Travel to Spain as & when required
Search timescale Agreement

Stage

Agreed Date

Situational Discovery (Role Scoping Meeting)

27/01/2026

Timescale Agreement & Delivery Plan - Issued to Client

27/01/2026

Candidate Opportunity Briefing Document – Client Sign Off

27/01/2026

Search ‘Go Live’

27/01/2026

Mid-Search Review / Progress Update Meeting with Client

N/A

Shortlist presentation& review meeting with client 
W/C 9th of March 

First Stage interviews between Candidates & Client.

W/C 2nd of March

Psychometric Assessment (If applicable)

N/A

Final Stage Interviews between Candidates & Client

W/C 16th March

Decision to offer successful candidate

W/C 23rd of March

Likely Candidate Start Date

Early June, considering a 3 month notice period

Mid Notice Engagement Session between Candidate & Client

Late April/ Early May

Ford & Stanley Executive Search Pre-Submission Process:

First Engagement: A short engagement and introductory conversation to position the opportunity, gauge candidate early interest level and arrange a time and date for a more detailed discussion. NDA sent (if applicable) upon receipt of signed NDA - Candidate Opportunity Brief shared.

Candidate Discovery: An open, conversational and consultative discussion where candidates and executive search consultant explore and discuss the opportunity brief. Candidates are assessed on their suitability for the role in the context of the key essentials and challenged on how the opportunity lines up with their career aspirations, motivations, financial expectations and personal circumstance. The search consultant will utilise the information captured during candidate discovery to start to build your profile on suitability. Recommendations may be made at this point for adjustments or updates to your CV.

The ‘shortlist’: Shortlisted candidates, having taken time to reflect on the opportunity and undertake subsequent research on the clients business are reengaged where they are asked to provide additional specific information on their suitability (if/where applicable). Final checks of key notes, package details and logistical alignments made. Finishing touches are then made to your profile prior to submission along with our notes and recommendations.
 Interview Process:

1st Stage interview: Informal technically discussion, Panel TBC
2nd Final Stage interview: [MD] Interview panel TBC
Key responsibilities  

Develop and deliver a comprehensive digital transformation strategy aligned to the UK business plan and group-level digital vision working closely with Corporate and Rail Services colleagues in
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 ensuring effective lifecycle management of all digital assets, platforms, and applications.
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 ensuring security, reliability, and regulatory compliance of all on train systems, including firmware, software releases, networking, and passenger-facing digital services.
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 ensuring strong governance, stakeholder communication, and change management throughout programme delivery.
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 8 bank holidays
Maternity Leave/ Paternity
Training/ Memberships
Health care cash Plan
Executive Search Delivery Team:

Tom Norton- Head of Ford & Stanley Executive Search Client & Opportunity Management, Client Advisory, Recommendations & Offer Negotiation.
Josh Winfield -Senior consultant:  Longlisting, Networking, Research & Search, Interviews, Data & Market Intel & shortlist presentation.
Ralitza Kuziva:Diary Management, Interview Coordination & Candidate Experience.
About Ford & Stanley Executive Search:

Please see supporting appendix: Executive Search Candidate Journey

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.

Services advertised by Ford & Stanley Executive Search are that of an executive search and talent advisory business