Head of Transformation - Digital Products

BAE Systems - UK; Camberley; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A major defense contractor in the UK seeks a Head of Transformation for Digital Products. This role involves leading the design and optimization of digital product operating models and delivering major transformation initiatives within a £350 million annual operation. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in digital transformations, possess strong Agile and Lean expertise, and excel in engaging with executive stakeholders. The position offers competitive benefits and a hybrid working environment.

Benefits

Employee share plans

Flexible health and wellbeing benefits

Green car scheme

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large-scale digital transformations in complex organisations.
• Expertise in product management and application lifecycle management.
• Ability to engage and influence executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimisation of digital product operating models.
• Own and deliver cost-transformation initiatives.
• Drive cultural and process change to create high-performing teams.

Skills

Agile methodologies

Lean principles

Digital transformation leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional team coordination

Cultural change management

Job description

Job Title

Head of Transformation - Digital Products

Location

Frimley; Surrey with UK-wide travel. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary

£114,300 + depending on experience plus executive benefits

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the design, rollout and continuous optimisation of the Digital Products operating model, embedding agile, lean and product-led ways of working to measurably improve flow, quality and outcomes
• Own and deliver cost-transformation initiatives, driving rationalisation, simplification and optimisation to realise measurable value
• Coordinate Product Capability Leads, setting standards, playbooks, rhythms and cadences to streamline delivery
• Drive application rationalisation, simplification and licence optimisation to reduce cost and improve efficiency
• Define how Digital Products consume capabilities from Platforms and Foundations, ensuring consistent patterns and effective collaboration
• Set, track and report on KPIs and benefits to measure success and drive continuous improvement
• Lead cultural and process change to create enduring, high-performing product teams
• Build alignment and drive behavioural and structural change across Digital Products, Platforms, Foundations and Business Management, operating effectively without direct line authority through data, influence and credibility
• Actively identify, challenge and stop or reshape low-value work, duplication and over-complexity
• Role-model agile, lean and product-centric behaviours; working in short feedback loops, prioritising effectively, limiting work in progress, and continuously learning and adapting

Your skills and experiences

• Well-versed in Agile and Lean ways of working, with expertise in operating model change, cost take-out and simplification at scale
• Proven experience leading large-scale digital transformations in complex organisations
• Ability to engage, influence, and build credibility with executive and senior stakeholders
• Expertise in product management, application lifecycle management, simplification, and licence optimisation
• Skilled in coordinating cross-functional teams and aligning delivery across multiple business units
• Experience driving cultural and process change to create enduring, high-performing teams
• Proven track record owning delivery, cost and simplification outcomes in complex enterprise environments (this role requires hands‑on ownership, not an advisory‑only or coaching focus)

Benefits

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Digital Product Transformation Team

The Head of Transformation – Digital Products will report to the Head of Digital Products and play a pivotal role in reshaping BAE Systems’ Digital Products function. This is a rare opportunity to bring together multiple product areas, embed agile, product‑led ways of working, and drive a large‑scale transformation across a £350+ million‑a‑year operation. The role offers the chance to influence senior leaders, simplify and optimise the technology landscape, and deliver real, measurable improvements in efficiency, capability, and the employee digital experience. You will be at the centre of a high‑profile change programme, helping shape how Digital Products operates now and in the future.

Why BAE Systems

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please note that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date

25/12/25

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.