Digital Lead

James Fisher and Sons plc; Elrick; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Early finish on Fridays

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Company Pension

Job summary

James Fisher and Sons plc is seeking a forward-thinking Digital Lead to drive the Defence Digital Strategy across the global organisation, blending AI, data analytics and transformation to improve performance and customer outcomes. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, partnering with senior leaders and IT to embed a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

You will oversee a programme of AI and digital initiatives, ensure governance and benefits realisation,

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing digital strategies and governance.
• Strong knowledge of AI, data analytics and transformation.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and driving change adoption.
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder influence skills.
• Experience in regulated/security-conscious environments is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the Defence Digital Strategy, transformation roadmap and AI initiatives.
• Drive adoption of AI and data-driven decision making to improve performance and competitiveness.
• Build digital capability through a SQEP framework including learning pathways.
• Strengthen data governance, analytics and BI to support decision making.
• Partner with senior leaders and IT to prioritise and govern digital initiatives.
• Monitor investment performance, benefits realisation and governance.

Skills

Digital strategy

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Data analytics

AI adoption

Governance

Change management

Communication

Influencing senior stakeholders

Education

Degree in Digital/IT/Engineering/Data Science/Business Transformation

Tools

Power Platform

Power BI

Microsoft Fabric

Copilot

Generative AI

ERP systems

Agile

Job description

About the Role

Digital Lead
Permanent, Full-time
Inchinnan, Glasgow or Westhill, Aberdeen – Hybrid

You will need to be able to pass security clearance for this role and have the right to work and reside in the UK.

The Role:

We are seeking a forward-thinking Digital Lead to drive JFD’s digital transformation agenda and shape the future of how we leverage technology, data and artificial intelligence across the business. This strategic leadership role is responsible for developing and executing the Defence Digital Strategy, identifying opportunities to improve operational performance, enhance customer outcomes and strengthen business competitiveness.

Working closely with stakeholders across global JFD sites, from senior leaders to operational teams, you will lead digital initiatives, build a pipeline of AI and transformation projects, and develop sustainable digital capability across the organisation. Combining strategic vision with hands‑on delivery expertise, you will champion data-driven decision making, influence stakeholders at all levels and help embed a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate digital leader with expertise in AI, digital transformation, data analytics and business improvement who thrives on turning ideas into measurable business outcomes.

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop and deliver the Defence Digital Strategy, transformation roadmap and AI initiatives aligned to business objectives.
• Drive the adoption of AI, emerging technologies and data-driven decision making to improve performance, customer outcomes and competitiveness.
• Build digital capability through a Digital SQEP framework, including skills development, competency standards and learning pathways.
• Strengthen data governance, analytics and business intelligence to support informed decision making.
• Partner with senior leaders, Group IT and key stakeholders to prioritise, govern and deliver digital initiatives.
• Monitor digital investment performance, benefits realisation and governance, while supporting customer, regulatory and contractual digital requirements.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience developing and delivering digital strategies, transformation roadmaps and governance frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of digital technologies, AI, automation, data analytics and business systems.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects, managing stakeholders and driving change adoption.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience within regulated, security-conscious or complex engineering environments is desirable.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Power Platform, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Copilot, Generative AI, ERP systems and Agile delivery methodologies is advantageous.
• Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience in Digital, IT, Engineering, Data Science, Business Transformation, Programme Management or a related discipline.

Why join us?

• Early finish on Fridays
• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
• Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations

About Us:

James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transpor t. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc

For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry. Explore more about JFD

At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.

To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida. You can learn more about our approach by visiting our company page: James Fisher and Sons diversity, inclusion, culture - VERCIDA